[Elecraft] K2 a little wobbly!

[Steven Pituch]

Hi Mike and all,
I seem to remember many years ago when I was building K2 #402 that there is 
some play in the connections for the case as the panels are put together.  I 
think that I had the same problem that you have.  The slop in the 
connections is required so the screws will always enter the panel holes, but 
if things aren't kept in alignment the resulting box can end up a bit 
warped, as the slop in each hole can add up to a significant variance when 
the box is complete.

I think I took the case apart and when I reassembled it I built it on a flat 
surface.  I tried to make each joint match up as best I could as I added the 
bottom, sides, front panels, etc.  I think the test as to whether the case 
is in good alignment is when you attach the top cover as the last piece. 
All the corners of the top should line up perfectly with the other panel 
corners.  Sometimes I had to loosen the other two screws on the silver 
connector bars and sometimes another panel completely to get everything to 
match up.

Once the case is aligned I was always careful to consider which panel to 
remove when servicing the unit.  Taking to top panel off is always easy, but 
if you take another panel off afterwards like a side panel, you will have to 
be sure the two are properly aligned with each other and to the other panels 
when reassembling the case. I don't know if this has ever been fully 
addressed before.

I hope this helps, and I hope this doesn't sound like I am a nut. ;o)

Regards,
Steve Pituch, W2MY