Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] keyboard covers

jh1221@... wrote:

> Hi All, I was just wondering if anyone knows where to get one of
> those flexible plastic keyboard covers for use on a cnc mill in a
> shop enviroment, the ones that you can type thru, not the hard
> plastic ones. thanks; John

I got mine on sale from Newark Electronics, for about $17, I think
(might have been closer to $20, can't quite recall). Anyway, you
get a postcard for your money. You count the keys, copy the
part number and manufacturer's name from the back of the kbd,
and check off some identifying features of the key arrangement
and send the card in. I was a bit dubious (had an image of this
vast warehouse with one of every kind of keyboard ever made,
and some guy climbing through barrels of them, looking for one
just like YOURS!) but when the cover came, it was a very precise
fit. Look in any one of those "Micro-warehouse" or Inmac
flyers of PC accessories. And, of course, Newark Electronics
stocks them, but you might find a better price from a different
source.

This is not quite as sturdy as is really needed for the CNC
environment, but mine has worked for about a year of light
use with no damage whatsoever. it has had chips hot enough
to melt into the plastic land on it, lots of coolant and way and
cutting oils, and shows no wear (other than tiny melted
spots), cracks, tears or anything. It fits well enough that I'm
hardly aware that it is there at all.

Jon