Whats a good/cheap source to get project enclosures from? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Beamin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 12:26:27 pm
content: I'm finding I am getting a really good collection of ebay device testers going but had my first mishap where I set the device down on stray wires and killed it.Most stores have a really small collection of enclosures that are really over priced. They will charge $5.00 for a little 2"X3" plain black plastic two part box. Having a good enclosure can make your projects turn from home made to professional. Plus with my collection of PSUs I can make them all plug into the wall or all run a set DC voltage: I could build 12V/5V outlets on my bench and have everything just use two types of plugs that run off moded ATX power supplies: they can be had for almost nothing by buying used computers at thrift stores. Connectors also seem over priced and I can never find good knobs or switches/switch covers that look manufactured. It would be good if I could make extension cords out of speaker wire and universal plugs for each voltage. Right now its a mess of alligator clips and circuit boards. Building the enclosure and painting it can be the fun part.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 03:29:54 pm
content: Quote from: Beamin on October 31, 2017, 12:26:27 pmCheck eBay if you don't mind waiting a few weeks for delivery.

author: chriswebb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 04:07:49 pm
content: Quote from: Back2Volts on October 31, 2017, 03:29:54 pmOr maybe 3d print your own? Obviously would require setup costs, but you can get any shape you want without waiting weeks. Also provides a lot of versatility...The problem is that for places to stock those enclosures they are going to take space from other products, so they are going to mark them up to make a profit. Otherwise not worth it to stock them...

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 04:20:42 pm
content: Quote from: chriswebb on October 31, 2017, 04:07:49 pmConsidering a manufactured look is mentioned, I don't think 3D printer boxes are up to snuff. Also, it sometimes takes a few attempts to get things right, making it ultimately somewhat expensive boxes.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 05:14:57 pm
content: There are plenty of sellers on ebay that have enclosures of all types. Here are a couple of ebay sellers I have bookmarked.http://stores.ebay.com/SuneMall-of-Metalhttp://stores.ebay.com/rfsupplierI'm probably going to buy one of these just to see how good it is. It looks nice in pictures.https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-7-x-5-1-x-3-1-Blue-Metal-Enclosure-Project-Case-DIY-Junction-Box-F8Z7/252898313469

author: innkeeper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 05:29:22 pm
content: build your own

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2017, 05:31:03 pm
content: Look out for Takachi industrial:http://www.takachi-enclosure.comThey make rather good enclosures for very little money compared to Hammond for example.Myself, for one off's I tend to use PCB stock. Looks ok from the outside

author: Beamin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 04:59:47 am
content: I often make my own when I can materials. For example I am taking a single tube AM transmitter with tube and old fashioned tuning dial. Thats being made out of balsa wooden box with tube sticking out the top glowing orange and lit buy a red LED in going to add. It matches this project but doesn't look high-tech. I with I had a milling machine but that's too costly and a3d printer is also costly, takes a long time, costly filament, and electricity and is not too durable.Some time I can see the box and come up with a project based just of that shape.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 08:14:17 am
content: If you're handy with some kind of cutter (mill would be good but hand saw and drill would work) you could make custom enclosures from flat perspex. Here's one that was laser-cut, but there are simpler ones:https://learn.adafruit.com/laser-cut-enclosure-design/case-studyOr just have two flat pieces separated by standoffs: