[Mark Korda]

Hi, I have about 4 vintage projects going where I have to change the old crappy jacks to some new bright and shiny gold ones
   My favorite preamp, the Ace Zero Distortion has 2 output jacks to my amp. I got a bag full of cables that are respectable but none will fit those jacks because there too close.
   I have new jack sets on other pieces of equipment and it looks like the (back) or mounting to the chassis material looks like circuit board material or what my old braces container was made of.
   Here's my question to the lab guys...
         It's finally snowing up here in Maine. There are no Radio Shacks open near by. I'm asking is there any material I could use that a common hardware store or Home Depot might have? All I can think of is plexiglass. I have the tools and drills but would like to steer away from any metal. Thanks for any ideas.....Mark Korda

[srb]

I think Plexiglas would work fine, unless static buildup presents a problem for audio use (?).  From the Plexiglas Data Sheet on Electrical Conductivity:

"Plexiglas sheet is an excellent electrical insulator with a high dielectric constant.  This property, however, causes a static charge on the sheet surface, which attracts dust particles and lint.  Antistatic compounds can be employed when static buildup and high dust concentration create a cleaning problem."

That is of course from the Plexiglas® product, but I would think other brands of acrylic sheet would be similar.

It takes a bit of extra care in cutting or drilling to avoid chipping as compared to other materials such as FRP, nylon, etc.

Steve

[Mark Korda]

Hi Steve, thanks for the info. After I posted this I did go to the hardware store. The guy there gave me a scrap piece of plexoglass. You need one other thing and it only costs about a dollar. It's a blade that goes in your utility knife that has a hook that digs in for scribing with a strait edge.
    Steve, if I didn't go to the hardware store before I read your advise I would have made a bee-line there after. Thanks for your help. I think I'm good to go...sincerely...Mark Korda