[dsavitsk]

The original thread: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=102404

The second thread: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=115254

I have built nicer (sounding) things, but this project remains as the one that is the most delightful to me. Over a year later, I still think it is funny. However, I have been using a Velleman power supply and it has a habit of going up in smoke periodically, at times taking out opamps and various other parts with it.

About to repair it once again, I was delighted to discover that Tangent's Tread power supply fits in the 9V battery holder. There is only room for a 470uF smoothing cap, but since I can now use a wall wart with it, I think this is fine. Anyhow, a terrible picture. That's the DAC sitting next to it which has been upgraded.

 

[Tomo]

Hey,

Three thumbs up!

T

 

[Clutz]

Hey dsavitsk,

I really love the cases you make. What kind of wood do you use, and how are you cutting the insides out? Using a router? Do you think a large diameter drill bit or a one of those sawing drill bits (I forget what they're called) and a chisel?

I was thinking about trying to do something like that for a PPA, but I don't have any tools, other than a drill and a dremel - but I could probably get my hands on a router.

Cheers,
Clutz

 

[LFF]

WOW. I am seriously dumb founded!

I love Grado's and the woody look. I wish I had the time and money to do something like your Grado Stereo System.

Hats off you to my friend. WOW.

 

[dsavitsk]

For this project, I bought mahogany blanks from a wood working shop. These are usually 6"x6"x2" blocks, though you can also get bigger ones. I then cut them on a table saw and use a forstner bit in a drill press to hollow them out and then carve the rest of the inside with a dremmel.

 

[drbig]

How do you drill the interior horizontal holes, such as the one which carries the wires between your two PCB's?

 

[Paragon]

Just drill the hole as horizontal as you can. Drill from both sides to help elongate it so you have enough room for cables. Just don't make the remainder of the wood too thin.
Even if you go in at a 45° angle, going through that thin of section wont matter. As long as you have a hold you can feed a cable through

Start out with a small bit to get a pilot hole started.. less likely for the bit to travel. Just don't break the bit.

 

[dsavitsk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by drbig How do you drill the interior horizontal holes, such as the one which carries the wires between your two PCB's? Quote: Originally Posted by Paragon Just drill the hole as horizontal as you can.

Of just use the existing hole. The RA-1 has a hole there to connect the batteries to the PCB.

 

[Paragon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsavitsk Of just use the existing hole. The RA-1 has a hole there to connect the batteries to the PCB.

That would be too easy and would not be a DIY wire hole.

BTW.. Don't think you can call it a modded RA-1 anymore since nothing is left of the original electronic design.