[Elecraft] backlight length ... and opportunity

[Steve Jackson]

Tom N0SS wrote:

"IF you wish to cut the LED yourself, be aware that
the plastic is pretty brittle, AND pretty hard as
well. So you should probably consider either sawing it
(fine tooth blade) or grinding it (a little at a time)
to length ..."

Tom:  

My K1 backlight is one of the "extended" 1.41" long
versions.  While I see that you've offered to re-cut
this piece to the recommended length, I'm of a
different sort of ham, and respectfully decline your
offer.

What I'd rather do is to take this opportunity to
learn what tool is best used, and how it is best used,
to cut material of this type.  So far, I've heard
general comments such as "razor saw" and so forth.  It
isn't so much the cutting itself, but the chance to
work with a material I've not done a lot with before. 
It's all about opportunity, and this is a plus, not a
minus.

Many people have gratefully commented to me over the
years about my blunt specificity about tools.  For
example, I have unequivocally stated here and
elsewhere a preference for the Edsyn Soldapullt DS-017
desoldering tool and cousins ... and that
recommendation is backed up by decades of real-world
experience and more than a few hundred dollars spent
on 'alternatives.'  For a handheld, low-cost unit,
this specific model remains without peer.  My 1999
vintage K2 #0771 runs 24x7, and has for years (indeed,
I'd wager it's the K2 with more 'power hours' than any
other in the world), and I am not ashamed to mention
it's seen more than it's share of the business end of
my DS-017.  #0771 got to be this good because of the
seasoned constructor who built it AND his tools.

Now, as for my point:  I'd like to know, by brand name
and source, what is (are) the best tool(s) and
blade(s) used to cut whatever thermoplastic the
backlight is made out of, and how that tool is best
used -- and why.  I'd also like to know the specific
name of the material itself, so that I might learn
more about the properties of such.

So prepared, tutored, and equipped, I'll be a better
craftsman.  Tom, your so-called 'error' has simply
yielded me an opportunity.  And I know that I'm not
the only person reading this that feels the same way.

73 Steve KZ1X/4


	
		
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