26 Apr
2017
26 Apr
'17
6:51 a.m.
On Tue, Apr 25, 2017 at 9:03 PM, Systems Glitch via cctalk
<cctalk at classiccmp.org> wrote:
I'm sure most of you DEC hackers have replaced a
broken DEC handle or put handles on a protoboard... I finally came across the right tool
for the job, an Indestro tubular rivet set!
When I worked for a place that made Unibus and Qbus boards, we bought
bulk metal quad and hex handle assemblies from DEC, no number stamped
on them. We used a floor-stand foot-powered Stimpson rivet setter
with a lower die that held the rivet and an upper die that set it. I
saved the Stimpson machine when the company closed.
It's one of these:
http://www.grommetmachinery.com/stimpson-479-machine.html They make
quick work of setting rivets but overkill for hobby use. We shipped
over 1200 Unibus and Qbus boards, so we set well over 10,000 rivets on
it. I probably did at least 1,000.
they're 1/8" hollow brass rivets, but that a
M3 x 5mm is close enough. You can buy the M3 rivets online for cheap, I paid $6 USD for
200 rivets, shipped.
Good to know. I still have a bag of our old stock, but if I run out...
-ethan