So, he restores engraved faceplates? I've seen his new ones with the laser etching. They are beautiful. If I could get an engraved one, or mine could be refurbished, I would be in line for that. Here are a few pics. Read 'em and weep.Late to the party,I know(but I'm hanging out here at my own in Myrtle Beach with Jimmy Buffett).
What you guys are trying to figure out is exactly what our own TMZ2 had been doing now for several years .
Short memories?
Back to the bar.....
Bob
Here's the problem according to Tony. All Marantz face printing does not match exactly. With an engraved face, the odds of having an artwork file exactly match your engraving is slim. And getting a new file of your specific plate is expensive. Also, engraved (actually stamped) faces are different depths. Some are deep and some are shallow. Mine happens to be fairly shallow. Taking a few thousandths off and re brushing can leave you with little engraving. Again, none of this makes it impossible. But in a one-off situation, the cost can rise above any potential value of the unit. Also, no single business seems to do all of the steps needed, and most of these businesses deal in orders of thousands. Most are not interested in working on one faceplate. It's certainly not impossible, but borders on the impractical.It makes me wonder if I couldn't get a gouged faceplate machined down, anodized in the correct color, then have it laser-etched (or whatever it takes to reapply the logo). That would be less fuss than a replica machined from scratch.
That's pretty much what Tony said, and in each case, you have to find a shop willing to do a one off. For most businesses, it just isn't worth the setup effort to do one, or they charge what it's worth, which puts the total job more than most can justify.5 places to make a faceplate......
Metal supply
Laser cutting shop
Woodworking shop (Drum sanding machine with auto feed on bed)
Anodizing shop
Silk-screen printing shop
I'll think about that for my two 510Ms in the future....I'm too busy now.
I'm not sure, but I know he has the artwork for many models. He has a batch he is getting ready to have processed, so it might be a while before he does it again. He stressed this is a hobby, not a business, so the amount of time he can put into it is limited.Wonder if Tony does a faceplate for the 2330. Love to have a black one for it.
it just isn't worth the setup effort to do one......
I'm not sure, but I know he has the artwork for many models. He has a batch he is getting ready to have processed, so it might be a while before he does it again. He stressed this is a hobby, not a business, so the amount of time he can put into it is limited.
There's always one in every bunchIf all fails you could always use a vintage rotary label maker