Aluminum IBM Model M

pjmelon · 22 Jul 2016, 04:36

Well time for a new project now that I have fully restored another IBM Model M (and got a good understanding on how it works).

I am looking to build an aluminum waterjet cut frame and include a trackpoint from a space saver IV (as per mtl). The theme will be a Stargate theme but the exact details are to be confirmed.

One area I could use some advice on is the keycaps. Has anyone got experience creating new IBM Model M keycaps using salvaged stems http://steampunkworkshop.com/keyboard-shtml/
I had a crazy thought that I could waterjet cut keycaps and attach them to the stem. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

pjmelon · 27 Jul 2016, 04:23

Well started putting together some early drawings. These will be cut out of 0.5 inch aluminum.
I will be building this out of wood first to see how the model performs.

I will also be hand crafting some aluminum keycaps of different designs and thicknesses to determine if it feasible and creates a desirable typing experience.