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Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

Building organ consoles for use with Hauptwerk, adding MIDI to existing consoles, obtaining parts, ...
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engrssc

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Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

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jkinkennon

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 12:04 am

I ordered a bagful of those pistons. They took nearly two months to arrive but I like them. Cough up extra for shipping if in a rush. Now that I have them all the consoles that come my way have plenty of pistons.
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engrssc

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 12:22 am

I've heard the piston (button) rotates or is that not so?. If so, what to do about labels? Also that the melting temp of the plastic is fairly low so it isn't good to leave a soldering on the terminals very long. I've run into that before so I have a spring loaded (fairly small) tweezer that I position on the terminal right near where the terminal "enters" the switch. Acts as a heat sink. The "trick" is to use a soldering iron with enough heat to melt the solder quickly so you don't need the iron to stay long. Just a short visit without making a dreaded "cold solder joint". :wink:

Rgds,
Ed
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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 1:55 am

I have some of these, and yes the button does rotate. This doesn't bother me since I've never seen the need for labels (or illumination) though I know that many people do want this.

Nick
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engrssc

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 3:12 am

Thanks for the input, Nick. Otherwise ok?

Rgds,
Ed
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GrahamH

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 5:55 am

I also have used these switches. They are fine, provided you observe the caveat regarding soldering.

To mount them, I had to drill blind holes into the wooden key-beds, so I was unable to use the nuts. I simply wrapped a bit of PVC electrical tape round the threads to achieve a snug fit.

I have also used these
http://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/M ... f5Cfgbc%3d

which are a bit more robust, but also a bit more expensive (since they originate from Japan rather than China).

Graham
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NickNelson

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 6:55 am

engrssc wrote:Thanks for the input, Nick. Otherwise ok?


Yes, otherwise they are OK.

As it happens, I prefer these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232257202330 which are about 1/2 the size in terms of diameter (but, perversely, need a somewhat deeper hole). Also the buttons on these don't rotate so I guess one could have them engraved with one or maybe two numerals if desired.

For drilling the holes, I use what I know as a 'flat-bit' but which may be called something else in the USA. If you can't get one of exactly the right size for the button to be a snug push fit in the hole, it's not difficult to buy the next size up and grind or file the sides of the bit, a little at a time, until the hole is just right.

Obviously, it's best to use a piece of scrap timber for this.

Nick
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engrssc

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 12:12 pm

NickNelson wrote:For drilling the holes, I use what I know as a 'flat-bit' but which may be called something else in the USA.


It's called a Forstner bit. And they are available in many different sizes. If the local home or hardware store doesn't have the correct size, the best advice is check the Internet (eBay for one) for the best fit Many buttons have slight extensions to permit a "snug" fit without the need for additional hardware. Also there are buttons that use a nut to secure the button.

An important (for a thumb piston) is the depth including the terminals that needs to be taken into consideration. I added thin pieces of wood to space the strip/rail further out which for the most part isn't a problem. OTOH, you don't want the thumb pistons to protrude too far

Rgds,
Ed
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Eric Sagmuller

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 5:36 pm

The flat bits I've used are just that, and can be ground on the sides. I think they are called paddle bits too. For any somewhat critical holes though I would use a Forstner. They generally cost more though.

Eric
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Frank-Evans

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostWed Mar 22, 2017 9:20 pm

Spade Bit is the common name in the US
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Eric Sagmuller

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostThu Mar 23, 2017 2:21 pm

Ah yes that was it. My memory is failing me more and more.

Eric
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NickNelson

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostThu Mar 23, 2017 4:17 pm

Eric Sagmuller wrote:Ah yes that was it. My memory is failing me more and more.

Eric, be assured you're not alone in that !

Nick
(Now, remind me what was I talking about?)
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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostFri Mar 24, 2017 4:15 am

GrahamH wrote:I have also used these
http://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDetail/M ... f5Cfgbc%3d

which are a bit more robust, but also a bit more expensive (since they originate from Japan rather than China).

Graham


Graham, have you got a photo of these? The drawing doesn't quite do it for me!
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mdyde

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostFri Mar 24, 2017 4:23 am

[Topic moved here.]
Best regards, Martin.
Hauptwerk software designer/developer, Milan Digital Audio.
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GrahamH

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Re: Thumb pistons approx $3.74 USD/10 pcs

PostFri Mar 24, 2017 5:13 am

Graham, have you got a photo of these? The drawing doesn't quite do it for me!


This should do it for you!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1omjmz85brpu ... uOYba?dl=0

Graham
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