Many thanks to everyone for the compliments. They're well
appreciated. I'm sure you noticed that I like colour...and lots of
it. While building this rack I followed the 3F rule: form, function
and fun. :-)
The front panels were designed (including the lettering) using an old
Micrographx drawing program called Studio and Print Design I picked
up in 1995 for about CAD$70.00. It's relatively simple to use and
has lots of useable features.
I attached the paper designs to the aluminum faceplates using Ken's
idea of a double-sided adhesive and then attaching a clear laminate
to protect the paper. I tweaked the idea a bit by using acid-free
materials (the paper, adhesive and laminate) in hopes they won't
discolour as they age...but only time will tell whether that's
successful (or not).
The multiples idea came to me at the last minute. I had all the
modules completed and ready to mount and then it hit me. If you're
familiar with the FrakRak format you'll notice there is a 1" strip of
thin aluminum that runs the full height of the rack where the
mounting wings attach. About 3/4" of this strip needs to be removed
while keeping the screw holes (where the wings attach to the rack
body) in tact. Using a hacksaw, a very sharp exacto knife and a pair
of pliers I had these sections removed in no time. These cuts will
leave sharp edges that need to be filed off.
Work has begun on Rack #2. Can't wait to get it up and running.
Cheers,
Michael
appreciated. I'm sure you noticed that I like colour...and lots of
it. While building this rack I followed the 3F rule: form, function
and fun. :-)
The front panels were designed (including the lettering) using an old
Micrographx drawing program called Studio and Print Design I picked
up in 1995 for about CAD$70.00. It's relatively simple to use and
has lots of useable features.
I attached the paper designs to the aluminum faceplates using Ken's
idea of a double-sided adhesive and then attaching a clear laminate
to protect the paper. I tweaked the idea a bit by using acid-free
materials (the paper, adhesive and laminate) in hopes they won't
discolour as they age...but only time will tell whether that's
successful (or not).
The multiples idea came to me at the last minute. I had all the
modules completed and ready to mount and then it hit me. If you're
familiar with the FrakRak format you'll notice there is a 1" strip of
thin aluminum that runs the full height of the rack where the
mounting wings attach. About 3/4" of this strip needs to be removed
while keeping the screw holes (where the wings attach to the rack
body) in tact. Using a hacksaw, a very sharp exacto knife and a pair
of pliers I had these sections removed in no time. These cuts will
leave sharp edges that need to be filed off.
Work has begun on Rack #2. Can't wait to get it up and running.
Cheers,
Michael