Chassis questions

[pula58]

In the midst of trying to get some chassis manufactured.

Been thinking about an angled front (like Fender blackface/silverface).
I have always liked the way the Fender black and silverface chassis fit into their cabs. I also like the angled front 'cause you can see the knobs , and the knob labeling, more easily.

It seems like aluminum will be lighter (+) and dissipate the heat more efficiently. Plus, if I need to drill some holes here and there it'll make it easier to work with.

Anyhow, I would love some feedback (and pitfall warnings/caveats) about A) the angled front and B) Aluminum (as opposed to steel)

Thanks !

[Structo]

I think the problem isn't so much the material but the method of bending the metal.
I seem to remember someone else saying that it takes a special brake to bend that angle because it requires a different type that is not common.
I could be all wet but that is what I recall.

I don't think there is any problem with aluminum verses steel but I do know that aluminum takes a bit different bending technique due to the thickness and the way it bends. (easy to fracture at the bend)

Good luck!

[Cliff Schecht]

I prefer aluminum for everything. I don't think it's a big problem but steel chassis will couple stray flux from the power transformer (ferrous material), aluminum won't. If you are using the chassis for grounding and aren't careful this can spit extra noise into your circuit. I've never had a problem with this though..

[tdvt]

Not sure if you are aware that the angled Fender chassis are not one piece, the ends are separate parts.

While I don't have alot of experience making chassis, I do have a brake & I have found to get a 90d angle you have to over-bend slightly. This is where things start to interfere with each other on corners, especially when there is an additional lip on the each side.

Leo worked his way around that by having the ends as separate parts that were inserted into the open ends of the main chassis.

I never looked that closely but it wouldn't surprise me if the ends were stamped as they have a lip all the way around as well as a channeled recess for the mounting screws.

Let me know if pics would help, I have a Showman head that's out of the cabinet.

I haven't built many amps but I like working with aluminum, for instance your transformer cut-outs will be easier to do.

[coolidge]

Use a CNC punch press shop with a computer controlled bender, they can make all sorts of complex bends.

[husky]

Not sure if you are aware that the angled Fender chassis are not one piece, the ends are separate parts.

While I don't have alot of experience making chassis, I do have a brake & I have found to get a 90d angle you have to over-bend slightly. This is where things start to interfere with each other on corners, especially when there is an additional lip on the each side.

Leo worked his way around that by having the ends as separate parts that were inserted into the open ends of the main chassis.

I never looked that closely but it wouldn't surprise me if the ends were stamped as they have a lip all the way around as well as a channeled recess for the mounting screws.

Let me know if pics would help, I have a Showman head that's out of the cabinet.

I haven't built many amps but I like working with aluminum, for instance your transformer cut-outs will be easier to do.

I do bendups in Steel sharper than the Fender front all in 1 piece. No problems but End caps might be easier for most fab houses

[pula58]

I found a local machine/manufacturng shop. Will meet wit hthem and see how it goes. They have the CNC machinery, and water jet for cutting (I think, or, lasers, not sure which yet). I will bear all your comments in mind.

I DO like the fender 30% front slant though i nterms of how it looks, and how it is useable when playing live. It does seem to make the chassis a bit more cramped though (inside).