PDP-8/A Front Panels

[woodelf]

Steven_R_Hutchins at Raytheon.com wrote:

>The problem with that is that it forces us to front hundreds
>of dollars, with no indication that we'll ever get it back.
>
>  
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What about switches for the front panel, that is a big expense too.

>I already have boards sitting around from several projects,
>representing hundreds of dollars of investment on my part,
>that may never "sell" (even at cost).
>
>  
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Just what do you have?

>It is a lot better for us to have some idea of the demand,
>so we can mitigate how much "over-investment" we want to do.
>
>Though you are right, that if we found someone who would pick
>up the overhead cost of a board order ($200 each time), we
>would be way ahead.  (Anyone know of a shop that can do a
>double-sided 16" board with solder mask and without a steep
>setup charge?)
>
>  
>
If you try Canada you can get 14x17 inch boards done.
http://www.apcircuits.com/

>The other major ticket item for this project is the front
>plate.  Anyone know where we can get those done inexpensively?
>
>  
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What about a local machine shop?