Enclosure Sources

[bill south]

I've just recently completed my servo control box (3 axis gecko system) and fabricated it with an enclosure which I had purchased from one of the suppliers to the home cnc market (one of the $100 boxes). The box came in a "kit" form with prebored panels and rails which had to be screwed togehter to make the box. My home design was tight but I crammed it all in and everything works fine. The Geckos had to be elevated on their heat sinks with standoffs to allow access to the setting pots though!
Is there a good source of enclosures which are priced within the hobbiest range (is that a word??) other than ebay? I've found many suppliers, but the cost is almost as much as my control system!!! Does anyone know where to source the panels and rails to fabricate a box to any size.
Thanks in advance.
billyjack °F.

[mlaws1172]

billyjack
what would you like to see in a cabinet? What size? What features? What cost? Just curious as I been working on a Gecko encloser.
Mike Laws

[mdreitzusa]

here are a few places to try.maybe you can find something to adapt.
http://www.surplussales.com/index.html
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/default.htm
http://www.skycraftsurplus.com/index.asp
http://www.electronicplus.com/
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...c.asp?CatId=32
i don't know if this will help but these site do have a lot of stuff,cheep.

[bill south]

Thanks for the information! As for an enclosure wish list, very simple. Room for existing components and expansion. I would imagine that a 12X18X6 or 8 would be nice. Made of heavy material to hold the weight. My Toroidal weighs a ton. Also, a seperate mounting (sub) board to mount and wire everything and then bolt it into the enclosure (said my dream enclosure!). This way, the mount could be drilled, milled, painted, wired, mistakes would be hidden and terminal strips added for terminations. After installation, all wiring to the panel mount switches and connectors could be made.
Most important, there should be room for the heat sinks and provisions made to access the adjustments for the geckos. The geckos are fantastic units but the adjustment pots leave a lot to be desired!
Legend plates could be stick on for the various switches, I/O connections and so forth. Ah, to dream!!
Thanks
billyjack

[mlaws1172]

Billyjack
Take a look at the post from Mcgyver about enclosures. This is what I am working on Ilike the input. Seems we think alot alike.
thanks
mike