IBM Model F XT UK Layout restoration

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 11:25

Hey guys I have finally found an IBM Model F keyboard with a UK layout and just got done restoring it

Here's the picture of the fully restored Keyboard let me know what you think.

Thanks.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 11:29

This picture is the before grubby condition.

Sorry about the different background but you can still see the dirt.

green-squid · 07 Nov 2018, 12:31

good job!

IKSLM · 07 Nov 2018, 12:45

Did you have to replace the foam or was it ok?

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 13:38

It wasn't really bad but I think I will replace it later on down the line but I did not as I did not have anything to replace it with.

I will post some more pictures tonight of the foam and other parts.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 13:42

Thanks green-squid it was a lot of work but so worth it

digital_matthew · 07 Nov 2018, 15:03

Looking good. It's amazing how well the old IBMs clean up.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 15:06

Yeah it is IBM were the best back in the day 100 times better compared to the cheap rubbish you get nowadays.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 15:11

My backplate was in fantastic condition for its age here's a picture of that.

Notice theres NO rust!

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 15:14

And for those wondering here's a photo of the manafacturers label on the back of the keyboard

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 15:23

I also did the space bar mod where you make the actuation force on the space bar less as by default you have to really slam the space bar and I did not like the feel of that.

To do this mod you have to completely disassemble the keyboard as the space bar stabaliser is sandwiched between the barrel plate and bottom plate.

I then had to use fishing line to pull the space bar buckling Spring down whilst sliding the 2 plates back together this was very frustrating but very worth it in the end.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 21:58

Here is the picture of the original foam let me know if it needs replacing at this point.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 22:01

Here is a picture of the IBM badge

Anakey · 07 Nov 2018, 22:17

The real test will be if it will work when you get the converter. If your foam has degraded which may be the case then there may be foam residue on the capacitive pads so you will get poor response from key presses

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 22:34

Ok when the convertor comes if all is good I will post it here if there is problems then I will replace the foam and take pictures along the way and post them here.

Any recommendations about the foam like type sizes good brands?

Thanks.

Anakey · 07 Nov 2018, 22:41

i just used some left over laminate floor underlay seemed to do the job

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 22:47

Ok thanks for the info really appreciate it. Any specific thickness?

Anakey · 07 Nov 2018, 23:28

you want about 3 or 4mm but it needs to be compressible down to about 2mm as it will be compressed strongest at the top and bottom less so in the middle but it still neds to hold the barrel plate in place

fohat · 07 Nov 2018, 23:32

Anakey wrote: ↑
you want about 3 or 4mm but it needs to be compressible down to about 2mm as it will be compressed strongest at the top and bottom less so in the middle but it still neds to hold the barrel plate in place

That seems way too thick. I would have halved those numbers with a fairly firm foam.

Fkazim · 07 Nov 2018, 23:40

Ok thanks for all the advice guys will be sure to keep those figures in mind when I go to buy or salvage some foam from somewhere else.

OldIsNew · 08 Nov 2018, 02:09

Fkazim wrote: ↑ Any recommendations about the foam like type sizes good brands?

Thanks.

I've had good luck with this stuff:

https://www.mcmaster.com/8647K108

Fkazim · 08 Nov 2018, 09:42

thanks very helpful will check it out

Fkazim · 08 Nov 2018, 11:17

Had a look and as I live in the UK shipping costs would be too high but I did find something similar would this be a good replacement foam for my IBM model F?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 3062945336

I would buy it in 3mm thickness.

OldIsNew · 11 Nov 2018, 00:02

I would think the foam itself would be good - as long as you can compress it enough. I've found 1/16 " foam works well. Apparently that's 1.5875 mm - so with 3 mm might be a bit tough to get the board closed again.

It's just so complicated with all this "metric" stuff!

fohat · 11 Nov 2018, 00:12

OldIsNew wrote: ↑
It's just so complicated with all this "metric" stuff!

"Art Foam" from Michael's Art Supply is 1/16" but it is actually rather firm, while eventually compressing nicely with enough force. My opinion is that a thinner, firmer foam is preferable to a thicker, softer type.

Fkazim · 17 Nov 2018, 14:04

OK thanks i will keep that in mind.