Lock Picking 101 Forum
A community dedicated to the fun and ethical hobby of lock picking.
       

Lock Picking 101 Home
Login
Profile
Members
Forum Rules
Frequent Forum Questions
SEARCH
View New Posts
View Active Topics


Live Chat on Discord
LP101 Forum Chat
Keypicking Forum Chat
Reddit r/lockpicking Chat



Learn How to Pick Locks
FAQs & General Questions
Got Beginner Questions?
Pick-Fu [Intermediate Level]


Ask a Locksmith
This Old Lock
This Old Safe
What Lock Should I Buy?



Hardware
Locks
Lock Patents
Lock Picks
Lock Bumping
Lock Impressioning
Lock Pick Guns, Snappers
European Locks & Picks
The Machine Shop
The Open Source Lock
Handcuffs


Member Spotlight
Member Introductions
Member Lock Collections
Member Social Media


Off Topic
General Chatter
Other Puzzles


Locksmith Business Info
Training & Licensing
Running a Business
Keyways & Key Blanks
Key Machines
Master Keyed Systems
Closers and Crash Bars
Life Safety Compliance
Electronic Locks & Access
Locksmith Supplies
Locksmith Lounge


Buy Sell Trade
Buy - Sell - Trade
It came from Ebay!


Advanced Topics
Membership Information
Special Access Required:
High Security Locks
Vending Locks
Advanced Lock Pick Tools
Bypass Techniques
Safes & Safe Locks
Automotive Entry & Tools
Advanced Buy/Sell/Trade


Locksport Groups
Locksport Local
Chapter President's Office
Locksport Board Room
 

DIY Western Electric 30C clear plate

Enjoy watching chips pile up as you make a sweet cutaway lock? Do you have a youtube channel showing off your new mini lathe? Get excited when you buy a new X-Y table? When someone says Bridgeport, do you perk up? Then this is the forum for you!

DIY Western Electric 30C clear plate

Postby prevariikation » 30 Apr 2023 14:31

I replaced the hard plate in a Western Electric 30C with a clear plate for display and picking practice (I can dream.) Before I get too far, there are better options than DIYing it! Like Hazzertous MFG's clear plate. But onwards.

Image
Image

If you want to try at home: the hard plate was approximately 0.0875" thick (could call it 2mm, just don't go bigger) with length 1 11/16" and width 1 9/16". The four holes in the corners had diameter ~7/32", the two located middle of the right side had diameter ~1/8", and the center hole (not including the little cutout) had diameter ~5/8", probably call it 9/16" to be safe, 'cause you can always make it bigger.

Image

To create the center opening without the acrylic cracking, I drilled small 7/32" holes just inside the perimeter of the shape, then larger 9/32" holes in the middle to fit a coping saw blade. Used the coping saw to work around the edges, removing the center material, then filed down the peaks around the perimeter with needle files. Finally a dremel with carbide bit to trace the perimeter, widening the opening to size. Took me about an hour, re-starting once, so not too onerous a project if you have the tools.
she/her/hers
User avatar
prevariikation
 
Posts: 150
Joined: 22 Feb 2021 0:44

Return to The Machine Shop

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest