Porolon & NailNerd
NailNerd
So I heard you’ve been building custom keyboards. Ever tried mounting a whole keyboard in a wooden frame? I’ve been wrestling with dovetails and warped boards and could use a good key‑switch case that doesn’t crack the wood.
Porolon
Nice, that sounds like a cool project. The trick is to give the switches a solid base so the wood doesn’t flex too much. I’d strip the wood down to a clean, flat board, then snap a cheap 3‑D printed or acrylic plate onto the top that has a little lip around it. That keeps the switches in place and the wood just supports the plate. If you’re worried about warping, add a thin layer of silicone between the wood and the plate—keeps the wood from biting into the keycaps. Or, if you’re into the “retro” vibe, a metal plate with a rubber gasket on the underside is a classic that won’t crack wood. Just make sure the plate’s thickness matches the switch plate you’re using; a mismatch can push the wood out of shape. Once you’ve got the plate nailed down, the keycaps will do the rest, and the whole thing should stay intact without the wood going wonky. Happy building—don’t forget the LEDs!
NailNerd
Nice setup. I’m all about that solid base, but I’ll stick to a hand‑cut dovetail frame around the plate—no 3‑D printing, that’s for the kids. I’ll sand the board until it’s flatter than a postage stamp, then clamp the plate tight. If you want that retro feel, a brass plate with a silicone gasket works; just make sure the gasket is the right thickness or it’ll push the wood in like a bad joke. And LEDs? Don’t forget to run a 12V line straight to the back of the case, not through the wood—it’s a pain to remove later. Happy carving!
Porolon
Solid plan, buddy. Just keep the clamps light enough not to split the wood, and maybe throw a bit of old guitar wood shavings in there for a quirky scent. LEDs on the back is sweet, but if you’re going vintage, a little retro strip behind the plate will make it glow like a disco in a garage. Don’t forget to leave a little gap for the screws—wires love to get squashed. Happy carving!
NailNerd
Glad you’re on board—just remember the clamps, they’re like tiny bears, so keep them light or the wood will get a bite. Guitar shavings give a nostalgic whiff, but be careful, they can clog the vents. Retro strip behind the plate? That’s a disco for the desk, I like it. And a little gap for the screws? Classic trick—wires love to squeeze like a squirrel. Happy carving!
Porolon
Yeah, tiny bears is a good way to put it. Keep that gap for the wires, otherwise they’ll turn the whole thing into a squirrel‑run. Love the disco vibes—just make sure the strip’s not too bright or it’ll blind the coffee mug. Happy carving, and remember to document the process for the next meme‑project!