[Elecraft] RE: Help w/KPA100 paint removal

[DAVE HEALY]

Frank, W4FMS wrote:

"I'm building a KPA100 and I'm at the point I've got to remove the black
finish paint around the 4 screw holes on the top and sides of heat sink.
The manual says to do this with the provided sandpaper. I'm concerned about
scratching the surrounding surface.

I'd really like this to look nice when I'm done. I'm wondering if anyone
has tried alternative methods? How about a Dremmel tool? I don't see how
I'm going to remove all the paint around the flat surface of the hole
without making a scratch or two that wasn't intended? I wish these areas
were never painted in the first place".


Frank, I agree. It would be a nice touch to have these areas masked-off prior to painting. Masking in powder coating for these size areas runs about US$.25/ea. In quantities the price may drop to perhaps US$.10 to .15/ea.

An alternative for a nice, even unfinished area is to use the green tape (the same as the Elecraft vendor uses) or duct tape and burnish the masked area with a Dremel tool and a Dremel #428 wire brush (carbon steel brush) instead of the sandpaper.

I realize these areas are on the inside and don't show, but they show when you take the KPA100 off, yes? And we know they're there, too.

If you can't find the special green masking tape let me know and I'll send you a roll. It's tough stuff.

73,

-dave- N7DKK Medford, Oregon