Would anybody buy flatwork?

[NightWinder]

MAybe they will make another to cut the holes for a reasonable price too.

[chevalij]

The shop is about 1/2 hour from my place, so I'm going to see them tomorrow with a sample of the material I intend to use. It's a gray vulcanized paper product, very similar to forbon. It seems to drill and sand very nicely. While I'm there, I'll show them all the drawings I've done and see what they say.

[Possum]

steel rule...

This is a blade type cutter, I'm guessing it won't last real long since it will get dulled after use, it will only work as long as its sharp, I wonder if they can be sharpened?

[chevalij]

This is a blade type cutter, I'm guessing it won't last real long since it will get dulled after use, it will only work as long as its sharp, I wonder if they can be sharpened?

I went down and saw the die folks today. Nice guy, owns his own shop, wife is the receptionist. Little dog to named Ebony running around. Nice little family business. After showing him a cad dwg of the complete set of flatwork, he figures he can make a set of dies that will punch everything except the screw holes and the center holes (too small for a steel rule die).

I brought along a pieice of the material I want to cut, he figures no problem. So, I then asked if he thought a two ton arbor press would cut it. He's not sure, but he shows me a small stamping press in the back of his shop and tells me I can come in and use it when I need to! He figures I should get around 10,000 hits before any work needs to be done. Nope, can't sharpen. They replace the knives at about 60% of original die cost.

It's gonna be more with the rod holes, but a set should be about $600.

[chevalij]

This hasn't died (no pun intended) I got a quote for dies. Top die $200, bottom $221. I've ordered the top die to see how it will work out. Main reason is I have a good size sample of the 0.062 material. Should be ready Monday. Anybody still interested, or am I on my own?

[madialex]

I'm still interested for sure, will you have samples available? What are the magnet sizes for these? Reason I ask is I have a bunch here and hope I can use them.

[chevalij]

I'm still interested for sure, will you have samples available? What are the magnet sizes for these? Reason I ask is I have a bunch here and hope I can use them.

I'm going with the standard 0.187 diameter magnet. Didn't want to get anything bizarre. I've asked for the holes to be punched at 0.180 which should give a good interference fit without having to beat the hell out of the top flatwork like a Stewmac set. Once I get some of the tops punched, I can mail one out to those interested. I should have enough material from my sample to punch 15 or so. Give me an opinion before I buy excessive amounts of material Remember, only issue with these is the small holes will NOT be punched. But since the outside shape and the magnet holes are there, the small holes are only seconds to drill.

[Possum]

maybe....

I might be interested too, depends on price, can you also get grey bottom Forbon cut too?

[chevalij]

I might be interested too, depends on price, can you also get grey bottom Forbon cut too?

All I have available at the moment is grey. This may be a problem as it is so associated with the late 60's early 70's that people may not want it for "vintage" pickups. I can get the 0.092 bottom grey, but I'm just paying for the top die to see how this material cuts and how good the dies are. If all seems well, and a few guinee pigs like the material, I will buy the bottom die and the thicker fibre. Not sure about price yet, but inital estimates of material usage and time would be in the range of $1.10 a set (top & bottom)

[NightWinder]

Ahhh man!! What about 5mm holes? Dude! Common!! I'd go for some bulk, if they are correct...

[gilligan]

I'm in!

Looking forward to the results.
Ron

[kevinT]

As you mentioned, provide some samples to some folks here. when they give the thumbs up that everything is ok....I'll put in a good order.

[Spence]

I'm going with the standard 0.187 diameter magnet. Didn't want to get anything bizarre. I've asked for the holes to be punched at 0.180 which should give a good interference fit without having to beat the hell out of the top flatwork like a Stewmac set. Once I get some of the tops punched, I can mail one out to those interested. I should have enough material from my sample to punch 15 or so. Give me an opinion before I buy excessive amounts of material Remember, only issue with these is the small holes will NOT be punched. But since the outside shape and the magnet holes are there, the small holes are only seconds to drill.

I'd like to see one sample which I'll be happy to return or pass on to someone else.

[chevalij]

I'd like to see one sample which I'll be happy to return or pass on to someone else.

I'll put up a post next week when I have the samples punched. Those interested can email me their name and address. As for the sample, keep it, throw it away, make a key chain. Hell, you can maybe make a pickup if you're really adventurous. But make sure you are happy with the physical properties and size (do mags fit well etc)

[chevalij]

Okay, here we go. Bought the die to cut the top flatwork for a strat. Punched about 12 samples all looked good. Got them home and find out the holes punch at about 0.190. Somewhere in the pressing of the die it expanded the holes. So, now have to whine and bitch and see if we can get the center punches a different size. I may just get the die remade to cut the outside shape and simply put a dimple where the holes shold be. Could drill from there.
Thoughts?