MOTM

In a message dated 2/4/01 10:13:46 AM Central Standard Time, 
jlarryh@... writes:

> The metal I got was 0.014" thick.  Of course, being "U" shaped, 2 pieces
>  would be required once toward each module.  While that does not have the
>  "module removal and installation" problem, it was still too thick.  2x0.014
>  = 0.028
>  1/32 = 0.031  So, 1/32 inch still seems too thick.
>  
>  If anyone cares to look at the metal, I have some photos (it is brass). Or
>  you can go look at:
>  http://www.modeltool.com/kands/kandsindex.html
>  
>  Paul can tell us the exact amount he specs off of the panels to allow for
>  slop of fit.  But, anything you stick in there gets rid of the slop and the
>  machine shop tolerances are going to eat into that slop (along with paint)
>  often.  That's why there is slop.  But from what I see something  is going
>  to have to be in the 0.015 range to work.
>  
>  I think that rules out wood.  I think ONE of these metal U channels will 
fit
>  OK, but of course, that does not supply the desired look and it is too wide
>  on the front - 0.111 inch overhang.  Certainly plastic does sound like a
>  possible alternative to metal.  A piece of this thickness of brass or
>  plastic shaped and sized like the wood Ken found would be juts right.  Now,
>  where is it?

 Welp,
 There's always this stuff that I wrote about awhile back:

http://www.piko.de/e/plastruct/s-plastruct.htm

 There's lots of various shapes and sizes. Experimenting with this stuff in 
my 19" rack brought up the same problems/concerns as have been mentioned... 
Using the "H" columns tends to lock adjacent modules together, the slop in 
between the modules is consumed, etc...

 Very soon I'll be going to check out some wood places to figure out what 
type of wood to use for my cabinet. I'm starting the think this Plastruct 
stuff may be just the ticket after all, as long as I use wood screws to 
secure the modules in the case. This will allow the modules to be correctly 
spaced for the Plastruct dividers.

 Andrew Sanchez