Top mounted jacks.... one day, I'll get it right.

[culturejam]

Yet another very awesome thing that makes me say: "Why didn't *I* think of that?"

[zombie_rock123]

Thats awesome and would definitely pick one up in your store

[selfdestroyer]

Super awesome. I love a good jig to make thing easier. This is fantastically simple.

Cody

[alanp]

I would greatly appreciate it, if you could share a template for this! I imagine, ordering this from oshpark will be very cheap and easy..

The mouse nibbles on the edge of OSHPark PCBs might screw with the registration of the template on the enclosure edges, though.

[BuGG]

The mouse nibbles on the edge of OSHPark PCBs might screw with the registration of the template on the enclosure edges, though.

Yep.  To prevent this from being a problem these are built from three individual non-panelized PCBs.   It costs a bit more to do it this way but it gives each part a much nicer edge.

I didn't expect so many folks to be interested, let me see how many I have left and I'll get some more on the way if needed.   

[Willybomb]

I'll definitely be getting one from you BuGG.  Unfortunately, it just means that I'll have perfectly aligned holes at the wrong end.

Update:  I cut up my spare label and filled the holes with PVA...

[lars]

I've used JB Weld to fill in misdrills and also to redrill an old enclosure for recycling into a new pedal.  It works pretty well.  An example:
Before repainting (I did add a bit more JB Weld to fill in some divots after I took this pic).

+1 on this. I've used this same method and it definitely works. I haven't had any problems with the JB weld "plug" cracking or falling out. It seems to be nearly as tough as the original aluminum.

[culturejam]

+1 on this. I've used this same method and it definitely works. I haven't had any problems with the JB weld "plug" cracking or falling out. It seems to be nearly as tough as the original aluminum.

What do you guys use on the back side to hold the JB Weld in place while it dries? Tape?

[EBK]

+1 on this. I've used this same method and it definitely works. I haven't had any problems with the JB weld "plug" cracking or falling out. It seems to be nearly as tough as the original aluminum.

What do you guys use on the back side to hold the JB Weld in place while it dries? Tape?

Gaffer's tape is what I used.  Also, I don't remember if I got this tip here or over at DIYSB, but slightly beveling the hole that you are about to plug on both sides (as if you are slightly countersinking) may give your JB Weld "coin" a bit more security.  I wouldn't call it a necessary step though. 

[culturejam]

^^ Ah, thanks!

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Just as with any other template, it is made for a specific thing. My question is what if there are components or other items that interfered with the jacks or power plug? It's all well and good for guts that have plenty of clearance but, what if that is not the case? Essentially, every design would have to be produced with that template in mind.

[culturejam]

Just as with any other template, it is made for a specific thing. My question is what if there are components or other items that interfered with the jacks or power plug? It's all well and good for guts that have plenty of clearance but, what if that is not the case? Essentially, every design would have to be produced with that template in mind.

Yep, and that's why standardizing around a single set of hardware placements saves a ton of time and money in a production environment. 

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Yep, and that's why standardizing around a single set of hardware placements saves a ton of time and money in a production environment.

Gotcha. So this would only be viable for those who are comercial builders then. Now I understand.

[culturejam]

Gotcha. So this would only be viable for those who are comercial builders then. Now I understand.

I think hobbyists would get some use out of it, but it does sort of limit your options. If you like to build each pedal with a totally unique setup, templates are probably not ideal.

[Willybomb]

If it fits into your design parameters, it'll be a massive timesaver.

In all honesty, most of my pedals use the same template as far as in/out/power goes, with variation depending on what controls are necessary.