Advice on laser-cutting acrylic

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Jonathan Reeve

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Feb 12, 2021, 12:20:18 PM2/12/21
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Hi,
My lockdown project is reviving a 30 year old Mac SE. Taking a case and replacing the innards with modern hardware.
I've got all the components fitted them in the case and got it working. I've installed Ubuntu as an OS. I've got one last task of making the ports at the back nice and neat with the case. I was thinking laser cutting some acrylic but haven't yet found a company that can/will cut the small size of acrylic I need.
Can someone suggest a company?
The sizes I need are 40*60mm and 216*42mm.
Some pics are below.

Thanks,
Jon Reeve
PCmainScreen.jpg

Alistair MacDonald

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Feb 13, 2021, 10:59:59 AM2/13/21
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Hi Jon,

In normal times this is the kind of thing we can cut at Maker Space. Sadly the workshop is off limits for such things in a lockdown. One option for acrylic in a lockdown is to go to Bay Plastics. Perhaps one option would be to create a temporary solution using cardboard or reusing some other plastic container, then cut a final design when things open up again. This also allowed for easy reengineering of the design if needed. I often prototype things in cardboard anyway as it saves time and waste in the long run.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Out of interest how have you got the keyboard and mouse working. I was not a 90s Mac person, and it was around then it came into being, but the SE feels a year or two earley for USB support.

All the best,

  Alistair





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jonatha...@gmail.com

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Feb 13, 2021, 5:34:22 PM2/13/21
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Hi Alistair,

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll do as you suggest and reuse a plastic container for a mockup.
You're right, the SE is too early for USB. The keyboard and mouse use a Apple interface called ADB. I had to buy a ADB-USB converter circuit from the US - not cheap!

All the best,
Jon

George B

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May 17, 2021, 2:45:20 PM5/17/21
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Hi Jon,

Really liked the sound of this project and wanted to namedrop something similar that's on my to-do list that you may/may not have known about.

There's a group/developer online called Solar Hardware Computers who seem to enjoy designing a lot of these retro-styled devices but with easy to print 3D versions, their take on this is the Europa, I've attached the link below!


Thanks!
George

jonatha...@gmail.com

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May 18, 2021, 8:54:54 AM5/18/21
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Hi George,

Thanks for getting in touch. I hadn't seen the Europa before, it looks cool especially with the unique keyboard.

I've turned to 3D printing to obtain the right inserts for the case where the ports are located, see photo:
MacSE ports.JPG
I'm still new to 3D printing so haven't made much progress since my first post. As I don't want to cut, glue or otherwise damage the case I've given myself a more difficult job to do. So far I'm happy with the overall look.

The finishing touch would be to get a MacSE emulator working on the NUC!

Shall I keep the group updated with occasional posts? (Mainly for help of course)

Thanks,
Jon

Jon Davies

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May 18, 2021, 2:11:43 PM5/18/21
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Up to you, but I enjoy seeing the progression.  Post if you have the time :)
Practice makes perfect regarding 3D design & print, and I like how you're making use of the printer to make blanking plates/adapters to save damaging the original case.  Kudos to that.

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