DIY control labeling?

Rhodesplyr · 10-10-2009, 11:06 PM

One of the hardest things for me in a DIY build is trying to label the controls so that the build doesn't look homemade. I'm great with a soldering iron, but when it comes to graphics, I run in fear. I used to get "Needs Improvement" on my handwriting legibility back in elementary school.

On my current project, I need to label four knobs: Volume, Treble, Bass, and Reverb. I've even thought of ordering a Mojotone guitar amp faceplate and cutting out that section, though that seems a bit expensive.

Any great ideas for how to do this for the graphically challenged?

Enzo · 10-10-2009, 11:46 PM

Any office supply store like Staples will have label makers. These are typically little hand held gadgets that print out lettering on a tape. You can then transfer the lettering from the tape to your panel. I don;t know a lot about them, my wife used one for certain projects for a while. I know Brother is a large brand, makes many models, but I am sure there are other brands.

ANother idea is to print out a panel using your computer. Glue the printed sheet to your panel, then mount a sheet of clear plexi over it for protection.

tubeswell · 10-13-2009, 01:33 AM

Another idea is lazertran,

Transfer papers for artists - Lazertran

which you can get from most decent art supply shops. You design the graphics on your computer and print it out on your laser printer or inkjet (there are different types of lazertran for each) and then depending you put the decals on your chassis and clearkote spray/lacquer over the top of them, or use the stuff where you apply it to the metal and bake it in an oven for a wee while.

Enzo · 10-13-2009, 02:59 AM

Oh yes, forgot all about making decals, and I am into model railroading where we do that all the time.

zhyla · 10-15-2009, 06:46 AM

Yeah, printable decals are pretty easy to work with and turn out well enough. I used the laser printable variety for the below project. Just make sure to reverse your image before printing

.

Steve Conner · 10-15-2009, 05:32 PM

It's probably overkill, but I know a guy who runs a CO2 laser cutter/engraver. I designed my artwork in a CAD package and got him to engrave it backwards on clear plexiglass, which I then mounted in front of a matt black faceplate and edge-lit with LEDs. It looks wicked if I do say so myself.

tubeswell · 10-15-2009, 07:04 PM

Verry coool Steve

booj · 10-30-2009, 06:22 AM

I use a Printshop program (about $12 back way when) ande print stuff on a sticky label. Then coat it with about 7 coats of spray laquer. It creates a very tough surface, and it's shiney too!

RudeBoy · 10-31-2009, 03:47 AM

I used a local laser etching shop - make plaques for awards, trophies, etc..

They required artwork in Corel, Illustrator, even pdf i think. The material is black anodized aluminum with adhesive backing, the laser removes the black anodize revealing the raw aluminum beneath. It should be sprayed with satin clear afterwords - I didn't. I think it cost $13. I drilled the holes.

cminor9 · 10-31-2009, 05:10 AM

hey Rudeboy, I know it's not related (but I do like your faceplate), but I recognize those old hammond xformers (from an AO-35?) They are on a build on my bench as we speak. Building a 15w pp el84 amp (as I suspect yours is) and I wonder if the OT is up to the task. How's it sound?

RudeBoy · 10-31-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cminor9

hey Rudeboy, I know it's not related (but I do like your faceplate), but I recognize those old hammond xformers (from an AO-35?) They are on a build on my bench as we speak. Building a 15w pp el84 amp (as I suspect yours is) and I wonder if the OT is up to the task. How's it sound?

It is an AO-35 conversion I did for my nephew. It runs 6V6s w/SS rectifier. No feedback, so lots of gain. It is quite chimey and breaks up early. I'd like to hear it with a Celestion Blue sometime.

tedmich · 10-31-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RudeBoy

I used a local laser etching shop - make plaques for awards, trophies, etc..

They required artwork in Corel, Illustrator, even pdf i think. The material is black anodized aluminum with adhesive backing, the laser removes the black anodize revealing the raw aluminum beneath. It should be sprayed with satin clear afterwords - I didn't. I think it cost $13. I drilled the holes.

quite pretty build! Doesn't the silver spray paint on the PT/OT conduct a little? Maybe the key to the T0NE!

Steve, typical half assed effort! What happened to the nanotech arranged hummingbird interference crystal / chemiluminescent holographic labels? I won't even bother uploading my sharpie graphics....

Bruce / Mission Amps · 11-03-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tubeswell

Another idea is lazertran,

Transfer papers for artists - Lazertran

which you can get from most decent art supply shops. You design the graphics on your computer and print it out on your laser printer or inkjet (there are different types of lazertran for each) and then depending you put the decals on your chassis and clearkote spray/lacquer over the top of them, or use the stuff where you apply it to the metal and bake it in an oven for a wee while.

Which product do you bake and how does this work with the super hot fuser in the laser printer?
This would be very handy for a few quick builds I could do with blank chassis and not having to deal with my silkscreener and their $120 "set up" fees and min 50 piece runs!

10-10-2009, 11:06 PM	#1
Rhodesplyr Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 59	DIY control labeling? One of the hardest things for me in a DIY build is trying to label the controls so that the build doesn't look homemade. I'm great with a soldering iron, but when it comes to graphics, I run in fear. I used to get "Needs Improvement" on my handwriting legibility back in elementary school. On my current project, I need to label four knobs: Volume, Treble, Bass, and Reverb. I've even thought of ordering a Mojotone guitar amp faceplate and cutting out that section, though that seems a bit expensive. Any great ideas for how to do this for the graphically challenged?

10-10-2009, 11:46 PM	#2
Enzo Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA Posts: 9,271	Any office supply store like Staples will have label makers. These are typically little hand held gadgets that print out lettering on a tape. You can then transfer the lettering from the tape to your panel. I don;t know a lot about them, my wife used one for certain projects for a while. I know Brother is a large brand, makes many models, but I am sure there are other brands. ANother idea is to print out a panel using your computer. Glue the printed sheet to your panel, then mount a sheet of clear plexi over it for protection. __________________ Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

10-13-2009, 01:33 AM	#3
tubeswell Supporting Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Wellington NZ Posts: 2,351	Another idea is lazertran, Transfer papers for artists - Lazertran which you can get from most decent art supply shops. You design the graphics on your computer and print it out on your laser printer or inkjet (there are different types of lazertran for each) and then depending you put the decals on your chassis and clearkote spray/lacquer over the top of them, or use the stuff where you apply it to the metal and bake it in an oven for a wee while. __________________ Building a better world (one tube amp at a time)

10-13-2009, 02:59 AM	#4
Enzo Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA Posts: 9,271	Oh yes, forgot all about making decals, and I am into model railroading where we do that all the time. __________________ Education is what you're left with after you have forgotten what you have learned.

10-15-2009, 06:46 AM	#5
zhyla Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 108	Yeah, printable decals are pretty easy to work with and turn out well enough. I used the laser printable variety for the below project. Just make sure to reverse your image before printing . __________________ Check out my signal generator for your iPhone or iPod Touch.

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10-15-2009, 07:04 PM	#7
tubeswell Supporting Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Wellington NZ Posts: 2,351	Verry coool Steve __________________ Building a better world (one tube amp at a time)

10-30-2009, 06:22 AM	#8
booj Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 190	I use a Printshop program (about $12 back way when) ande print stuff on a sticky label. Then coat it with about 7 coats of spray laquer. It creates a very tough surface, and it's shiney too!

10-31-2009, 05:10 AM	#10
cminor9 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 342 Member's Picture Albums	hey Rudeboy, I know it's not related (but I do like your faceplate), but I recognize those old hammond xformers (from an AO-35?) They are on a build on my bench as we speak. Building a 15w pp el84 amp (as I suspect yours is) and I wonder if the OT is up to the task. How's it sound? __________________ Shiny package of rusted wreckage Fender Schematics Galore at http://ampedia.redbeartrading.com

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