MOTM

I'm one of those who has a mix of MOTM, Stooge, and FPE panels.  I like 
the close match to MOTM of the classic Stooge panels, but I tolerate 
FPE, which I have used for the speed of delivery, the ease of specifying 
my own designs, and no need to drill.  Over the last few years, the 
panels I've gotten from FPE have varied in consistency.  I have panels 
in three slightly different anodized finishes, all coming from the same 
black specification in the design file.  I heard (on the Oakley list, I 
believe)  this is normal with anodizing.  Also, the depth (boldness) of 
the engraving marks has changed, the 0.2mm becoming more bold on recent 
panels than they were on earlier ones, so that I have switched entirely 
to 0.2mm.  FPE is pretty good and even they do not make a consistent 
panel.  So I am wondering what sort of consistency might we expect for 
new, anodized, Stooge panels?  I would like the panels I get next year 
to match the ones I bought this year.  The classis Stooge panels were 
pretty consistent in my experience.

I am also wondering if Stooges would make a comparison between some of 
their new ideas and the FPE alternative.  We expect cheaper.  And quick 
(if not *as* quick: FPE is under two weeks).  I undertand they would 
have the holes punched, too, no drilling needed.  How would we submit 
our new designs?  What other differences?  I am waiting on the outcome, 
as I have two projects on hold for panels, and I would rather go with 
the Stooges than FPE.  (I've already submitted the designs for these.)

Thanks,

Richard Brewster

Scott K Warren wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I appreciate that Moe's post is in the spirit of stimulating discussion
> and I respect that different people may have different views, and that
> the Stooges are entitled to offer, or not offer, anything they want.
>
> Having said that:
>
> Call me a reactionary, but I love both the standard MOTM finish and
> the standard MOTM graphical style, and I am only interested in panels
> that look like that. I am interested in Stooge panels precisely because
> they match the standard MOTM appearance. If I wanted other panel
> appearances i could get them from FrontPanelExpress or a variety of
> other sources. If Stooge Industries does not offer exact matches for
> the MOTM appearance, I will find another way to make panels that do.
>
> The black anodized panels from FrontPanelExpress are very nice, but
> they are not "close enough" to MOTM appearance for me. Obviously
> others may feel differently.
>
> Of course if Paul S. changes the standard appearance I would have to
> do some soul searching. I really hope that doesn't happen.
>
> skw
>
>