Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: BillyJack on April 23, 2003, 04:42:10 pm
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Okay, I know that I've seen this on the bottom of someone's cabinet, I just can't find it in the examples. It is a "kick plate" that surrounds the bottom of the cab, and it's made of the same sheet metal used for truck running boards / tool boxes etc. I can't think of the name of this stuff, but I know someone out there (probably everyone but me) knows what it's called, where I can get it, and how I can put it on my cabinet.
Here's the stuff:
(http://members.cox.net/dshay32/sheetmetal.jpg)
(That's the stuff)
Thanks,
BillyJack
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You're looking for "diamond plate." I used to build table tops with them. It's a very cool effect. You'll have to take it to a metal worker to have it cut with a plasma cutter though, as it's extremely strong metal
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Well it's refered to as "Diamond Plate". I was looking for polished aluminum diamond plate some time ago for a totally non-mame related project, but for the amount I was planning to use, I found the price to be prohibitive. I suspect that for a kikckplate though, it shouldn't be to bad. I'm not sure if there is Steel Diamond Plate available, but if there is, it should in theory be less expensive then the stuff I was looking at.
If you have any sheet metal dealers in your area, check with them, or do a google search for "diamond plate sheet", and you should find some distributors. (You'll also find a lot of links for truck bed liners too)
Hope this helps.
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Lowes sells it. At least, that's where I'd get it. Then have it plama cut to the right size by a metal worker. A small kickplate will probably run about $30 a side for your cab
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Found this on ebay, should be what you need to make a pair of kickplates. You just have to find someone to cut them to the right size for you.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2523769131&category=31489
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I've cut aluminum diamond plate with a jigsaw and metal blade. Worked very well adn was very quick. You just have to go slow when you go over the bumps because the metal is so much thicker there. Its best to clamp the metal down to reduce vibrations and walking. It was very easy to cut. I've had some plasma cuts done by a machine shop that weren't very clean, but the jigsaw saw makes a very clean cut. The blade probably wont last too long, just go slow.
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NAH, are you serious?!!?
You cut it with a jigsaw. I never really thought to try it. Anyway, about how thick was the stuff you cut?
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Not to confuse the issue, but there are different kinds of diamond plate and you might want to make sure you get what you want. The stuff shown in the original post is commonly known as Inland 4-way plate, checkered plate, or just floor plates. This is what my company uses all the time for decking & platforms in automotive plants. The pattern has smooth surfaces and you can easily run your hand across it, no snags.
The bright finish aluminum diamond plate used on toolboxes & running boards typically has somewhat sharp edges and can easily snag on clothing or even cut you if you are careless. Here's a pic of the sharp stuff: http://www.billingssheetmetal.com/toolboxb.JPG.
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Thanks guys, I talked to my dad, he says he's cut the stuff with a reciprocating saw before, and he has other blades that can do the job and leave a good cut... Damn it feels good to be a gangsta, well at least to have family that has all the stuff for any job.
Thanks for the help naming and sourcing,
Billy Jack
ps i'm tired of being a newbie... i'm more of a lurker... i've gained much knowledge but posted very little.