Just finished lasercutting my first solid prototype on my friend's glowforge! For those not familiar: you start out making a vector drawing in inkscape, then upload it to a web app. Specify which colors are engrave and which cut, and press the button. I used the excellent Tabbed Box Maker to build an enclosure. I tried to cut it so that the top (with the switches) could hinge out from the rest. Here are some pictures:
There are a few issues, justifying the prototype status:
- The final product ended up a bit bigger than I was visualizing it. I may be able to shrink it during development, but the extra space will likely be helpful for now.
- The space/rocket switch isn't labelled.
- The screw holes for the arduino aren't quite big enough.
- I didn't cut holes for the tabs in the rotary switches. These are designed to keep the base rotationally fixed, and are required for them to sit flush with the panel.
- The rocker switches I use aren't reacting well to being squeezed in the long direction - they are a bit stiff.
- The box is a bit flimsy - it would have helped to make it deeper, and/or to build in some crossbars. This will also help with the feel of the buttons (since the panel flexes a bit atm when you press).
- Still - it's looking pretty good! The action group buttons fit perfectly.
Over the next few days I'll go through the different parts in more detail as I put it together, and I'll finally talk about how I picked parts.
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