Develop Bugs

My First Dremel Frankencase

This was just a stock black case I bought from VZ. I used a dremel pretty much freehand and this was the result:
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and:
and the front:
The case is secure and works, but it definitely isn't pretty. As I cut on this case the plastic began to bubble up. Any thoughts on ways to keep that at a minimum? I think I might try to use water in between cuts, design a cut pattern, and use a different size cutting tool.

LMAO....Thats ths sh*tiest thing I have seen in a while. Whats the point??

Well, as a case it works. It's protective. And you cannot purchase extended battery cases as of yet.
Thanks for pointing out the obvious in a gentle and subtle fashion. <3

I wanna get myself a Dremel and practice on a case or two. What speed did you use?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

Props for trying to fab something up. I would try to keep the rotation speed down as low as possible. That should help with the bubbling. I don't know that water would help much, but you could try it.
I would sand the edges down and get everything smooth and even, then hit it with some spray paint. Krylon Fusion is pretty durable. Another idea. Plasti Dip. It would give a rubbery and anti slip texture, really durable, and comes in different colors. I would tape off the inside of the case then remove the tape after the Plasti Dip application. That would keep it from messing up the way the phone fits.
Whats the point??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks like someone with an extended battery wants added protection for the phone. The case added a raised lip, so the screen is now protected when layed face down. The edges of the phone are protected, and the area surrounding the camera and leds are as well. The only part that isn't protected is the battery door, which costs a lot less to replace than other components on the phone.

Not bad for first attempt. Like previously stated, try a lower speed to reduce heat...might help with bubbling and increase accuracy.

Oh, and if you wanted, you could even hit the battery door with Plasti Dip so it would match the case. You can peel Plasti Dip off, so it wouldn't be permanent either. If it got scratched up, just peel it off, and put a new coat on.
I don't have an extended battery, but I want one now just so I could take this project on. haha

Haha.. I love the word Frankencase....

MsSassypants said:
The case is secure and works, but it definitely isn't pretty. As I cut on this case the plastic began to bubble up. Any thoughts on ways to keep that at a minimum? I think I might try to use water in between cuts, design a cut pattern, and use a different size cutting tool.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mask it with masking tape, and maybe try cutting in intervals. By that I mean cut one part/side a bit and then move to another part/side and then back and forth rinsing and repeating as neccesary to help prevent heat build up.

ddgarcia05 said:
I wanna get myself a Dremel and practice on a case or two. What speed did you use?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the first time I've ever used a dremel, so I used different speeds. The top end speeds cut through like butter, but they bubbled.

Another thing with the dremel if you don't have the handheld wand kit is to mount the dremel and move the case. You will get greater control with your cuts.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

There isn't much point to keeping the back half of the 2-piece case, though, since the only thing that really needs protecting (the camera) isn't covered, and the from half fits fine without it when the extended battery is in.

You need to use a Dremel routing table.. It cost like 30 bucks but will give you a mount for the Dremel, and fence to line up you case with. I use this all the time for modifications for everything. But not bad for your first stab. I noticed that if you go to fast with these plastics that the blade tends to pull the plastic towards where you don't want to cut. So if you try again just go slow.

Nice try, but the Dremel may have been overkill and not best suited for this job. Is that case hard plastic or silicone? Seems some scissors would have don't a cleaner job if it's silicone.

Just dress it up with some duck tape now.. Just kidding, could not resist.

I found that a utility knife and a straight edge will do the job too. Multiple passes will make nice clean edges.

Oh man I think I might just use my dremmel to carve my name right into the phone and call it a day! LoL!
sent via r00t3d TB - thx jcase!

Boss428man said:
You need to use a Dremel routing table.. It cost like 30 bucks but will give you a mount for the Dremel, and fence to line up you case with. I use this all the time for modifications for everything. But not bad for your first stab. I noticed that if you go to fast with these plastics that the blade tends to pull the plastic towards where you don't want to cut. So if you try again just go slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a link for the case you started with? I like the look of it.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt using Tapatalk

I appreciate it.
Boss428man said:
You need to use a Dremel routing table.. It cost like 30 bucks but will give you a mount for the Dremel, and fence to line up you case with. I use this all the time for modifications for everything. But not bad for your first stab. I noticed that if you go to fast with these plastics that the blade tends to pull the plastic towards where you don't want to cut. So if you try again just go slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boss428man, you mean something like this?
Thanks all for the suggestions! I'm going to hunt down another case (via ebay) and see what I can come up with!

MsSassypants said:
Boss428man, you mean something like this?
Thanks all for the suggestions! I'm going to hunt down another case (via ebay) and see what I can come up with!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the one. Works great for my projects.
The case I have is the
"Rubber White Hard Case Snap Cover HTC Thunderbolt 4G" found on ebay. I didn't see any on there now, maybe the seller is re-listing it. Seller - aplusacc

Skin it Stickers

http://www.skinit.com/skins/
Awesome alternative for people who dont want a case
Found a Coupon skinitsaver20
gives 3 dollars off
End Cost $11.99 $2.99 shipping
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Have you ever used them on anything? Just wondering if they come off without leaving gum on the phone.

knave68 said:
Have you ever used them on anything? Just wondering if they come off without leaving gum on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no but the moment i get one ill be sure to report how it is
According to the site this is what they say
Easy On - Easy Off
Durable, automotive-grade, 3M &tm vinyl for easy application and residue-free removal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Thanks. I've looked at those skins for other devices but don't know anyone who has actually tried them. They look good on the website.

These work really well. My wife has had a few different ones on her iPod and they stay put, are easy to install, and don't leave any residue. I would recommend them to anyone.

I also had one on my N1. It was pretty nice and held up well. I've actually got a couple pics of it on the eBay listing I have for it now. It was a stormtrooper with a blaster. I think they will put pretty much any pic you want on the skin.

I have used these on ipods and xbox controllers they come off just fine dirt builds up around edges a little rubbing alcohol takes it right off
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

and just like with cases, I imagine they don't make any for the extended battery?

Very durable.
I have one of their skins on the front of my PC (It was free when I bought it...)
Since it's vinyl and not plastic, I'm sure you could trim it with an Exacto knife to put it on an extended battery, but I know that's not the same thing.
I wonder if someone sent them an ext cover if they'd be willing to mock one up?

I've used gelaskins brand skins before and they leave no residue. Alas, none available for TB yet. If these are similar vinyl I wouldn't think residue would be much of an issue.

Does it stick against clothes? I'm thinking about it, but I wouldn't get it if it makes hard to take out of my pocket.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

My company gave skinit's out for its last birthday and I picked up one for my old moto droid. They work fine, they don't peel at the edges, no residue, no issues taking it in and out of my pocket. Only problem I had was with the front panel sticker, it didn't seem to fit as well as I would have liked, so I ditched it.
I eventually got bored of it and just peeled all of it off, came off in one quick peal.
One thing to note (iirc) the front sticker covers the softkeys in the front bottom. I didn't use this on the moto droid so I can't say anything about it affecting usage.

The gelaskins for the TB are out, but they do not include a front sticker, it seems.
http://gelaskins.com/store/skins/phones/HTC_Thunderbolt/

i'm using a real dry carbon fiber skin from skinomi... fits perfect and looks slick

I had a skin on my EVO I believe was from DecalGirl, but the edges of the stickers raised a little, so after a few weeks it took extra effort not to accidentally peel them off. Could be fixed by making them thinner, tapering the edges, or overdosing the edge with adhesive. Are these better?
Sent from my T-Bolt

I have been using since original post no peeling at all and my phone goes in and out of my pocket alot. For application I did wipe my phone well with alcohol taking off the oil from my hands
It does not affect usage of my front buttons. Although it does diminish the light.
Every sticker fit perfectly on the phone not to big or small.
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

theoneownz said:
I have been using since original post no peeling at all and my phone goes in and out of my pocket alot. For application I did wipe my phone well with alcohol taking off the oil from my hands
It does not affect usage of my front buttons. Although it does diminish the light.
Every sticker fit perfectly on the phone not to big or small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you think this skin would work if I used my phone in a case sometimes? Would it play nicely or do you think it would be a problem? (Yes, I realize the silliness in putting a case on a phone with a skin - I personally use my phone both with a case, sometimes, and naked at other times.)

Jaxidian said:
How do you think this skin would work if I used my phone in a case sometimes? Would it play nicely or do you think it would be a problem? (Yes, I realize the silliness in putting a case on a phone with a skin - I personally use my phone both with a case, sometimes, and naked at other times.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the same skin installed on my phone, it fits fine in the case-mate pop case. I haven't had any issue with it or with the car mount.
I had to exchange my TB just last week and it took some real effort to actually peel off the skin. I am getting a second set for the new unit soon.
PS. I think the phone wit skin would fit fine in a soft/rubber/gel case but hard case like seidio surface which is very tight fitting. I think that will create an issue.

I would say it would fit easily inside almost all cases maybe even all.
It's less then 1/16th in thickness
If I still had a micometer I would check it for you but its really not serious.
Tapatalk

Skin makes it difficult to put on a hard case... Even though it is not very thick it still makes it difficult to put a hard case on and if you do use it with a hard case the case will screw up the skin and put creases on the skin as well as scratch marks on the skin.

Show off your gear!

I figured it was about time to ask everyone to show off their case with stickers, their fancy paint mods, cool clips, holsters, docks or whatever you like to use with or mod on or around the use of your DInc2!
Here's what I got.
First my ever so slightly modded dock for using my DInc2 as an alarm clock. All I really did was buy a $5 speaker set off Amazon and cut it so the phone would fit in it.
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Then I have my car dock made based on something I saw in the Eris forums way back with hooks to hang it from my ashtray, and a little Sugru to pad the "feet" so it doesn't slide too much when I rally race my Pup around the corners. The rubber bands are to provide traction for the phone so I don't need to build sides for the "dock". This thing works amazing!
Please share ANY gear you love and/or modded to work for you!

Binder clips FTW.

DIY Extended Battery TPU case.
I made this case myself after I got the OEM extended battery. It was originally a HTC branded TPU case. I simply carved out the back, which allows the new, larger back door to bump out. I REALLY wish that I did not get white.
This was hard. I had a good xacto knife from Utrecht, and probably spent an hour trying to shave and sand it... and i still think it looks crappy. Cutting through TPU is tough. Next time I would be interested to see if I can heat the knife up somehow... but the problem with doing this that if you make a mistake you can trash the case. It's hard to know how heat would affect things. Maybe next time I could try boiling the case to soften it up before cutting. However, that could trash the case, so I don't know if it would work.
So you can do this, but making it look good (and not rough around the edges) is quite difficult. Cutting anything that is not a straight line is really hard.
A 2nd effort I made with a different TPU case resulted in me destroying a case.
However, it works great. This case is now a bumper.
Pics are attached, happy to answer any questions.

I think you did a great job with that. I'm inspired to try it myself with an old tpu.
I wonder if a soldering iron would smooth out the edges, or maybe a dremel?
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda premium

If I had to guess, the soldering iron would be best. That said, Orbison almost certainly going to char the case.
I would like to try a hot knife, that might actually work really well. Again, a white case is not ideal.
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda premium

TheAtheistReverend said:
I figured it was about time to ask everyone to show off their case with stickers, their fancy paint mods, cool clips, holsters, docks or whatever you like to use with or mod on or around the use of your DInc2!
Here's what I got.
First my ever so slightly modded dock for using my DInc2 as an alarm clock. All I really did was buy a $5 speaker set off Amazon and cut it so the phone would fit in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say I kinda like the dock setup for music, you said you bought the music player off amazon, what did you use to cut it?

techno-update said:
I have to say I kinda like the dock setup for music, you said you bought the music player off amazon, what did you use to cut it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cut it with a dremmel type tool. I've made more cuts in it since then to free up more real estate on the screen. I have seen people use Sugru to line the edges for a more custom look, but it's not necessary.
Really, the sound from that thing is quite good especially for the price. You can even take it with you if you put a few AA batteries in it. It folds up to a nice little cube for travel.
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda premium

Nice, I am defiantly gonna look into doing this.
Sent from my XT862 using Tapatalk 2

I'm a prototype plastic injection mold builder and I trim plastic all day the best way to cut out the back of the case is to use a pencil type grinder dremel etc.. Grind out the back and leave your trim line alittle full then come back with some course grit sandpaper or a file and your lines will be dead smooth.. Just take it slow
Sent from my VivoW using xda premium

was clearing dust on top... glass between bezel and speaker broke.

I am so angry at me right now... There is plenty of dust collecting between top bezel and glass, so I sticked a fingernail in there in order to clean the dust and as I was making my way through the bezel, the screen broke on the way from bezel to speaker, so now I have 2mm long crack on top of the phone....
I guess I can't do anything with this now. Are there any cases that can hide this part ? I mean - cases that reach or cover the top speaker
Shame... its a fantastic device but build quality is rather delicate especially compared to htc one or nexus4

Wow that is the first time I heard of anyone with this kind of an issue. Best you can do is either try to use a Anti glare screen protector or use a vinyl sticker that changed covers everything else besides the display, that would help cover up the cracks. You should post a picture of the affected area to get better opinions.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

Thanks for answer. What type of sticker do You mean ?
The full version of accident was like that:
in the morning I dropped my n2 from hands height (I am a tall 1,86m person) directly SCREEN onto tiles in my flat. I had pc+. Case and back cover FLIED away. I reinstalled everythig and noticed plenty of dust collecting on top - between bezel and screen in that little gap. So I started cleaning it and the area above speaker just cracked. I guess it must have been structurally damaged from the fall and I finished the job. I have n2 for 4 months and did that cleaning couple of times without problems.
Anyway. it looks like this
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The crack is a little more visible in real and really annoys me. Thankfully it appeared above the speaker so there is now way that crack can continue further.
So, what are means of hiding it? Can You link the screen protector and tape You recommend ?
Also - I want to get new case. that pc+ maybe did the job but now I want a case that will have higher bumpers from the screen side. And I want those bumpers to reach further into the device if You know what I mean. At least so they will hide the mentioned gap, so dust wouldnt colelct in there. maybe uag ?

For future referance I never use nails instead use a business card as it is thin enough and rigid enough to het the dust out. And I have no idea why I thanked to previous post 2wice.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

HiCZoK said:
Thanks for answer. What type of sticker do You mean ?
The full version of accident was like that:
in the morning I dropped my n2 from hands height (I am a tall 1,86m person) directly SCREEN onto tiles in my flat. I had pc+. Case and back cover FLIED away. I reinstalled everythig and noticed plenty of dust collecting on top - between bezel and screen in that little gap. So I started cleaning it and the area above speaker just cracked. I guess it must have been structurally damaged from the fall and I finished the job. I have n2 for 4 months and did that cleaning couple of times without problems.
Anyway. it looks like this
The crack is a little more visible in real and really annoys me. Thankfully it appeared above the speaker so there is now way that crack can continue further.
So, what are means of hiding it? Can You link the screen protector and tape You recommend ?
Also - I want to get new case. that pc+ maybe did the job but now I want a case that will have higher bumpers from the screen side. And I want those bumpers to reach further into the device if You know what I mean. At least so they will hide the mentioned gap, so dust wouldnt colelct in there. maybe uag ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you seen those stands at the mall where they wrap your gadgets up with some type of vinyl sticker? It wraps around like Zagg invisible shield but you can choose different designs or texture and it actually holds on well. Well you can choose to only have it on the front screen and in white. I'm not much into all the various gimmicky covers available in the market but I'm using the Samsung Protective Cover+ which has protected my note2 pretty well and barely adds thickness. You should check that out.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I know what You mean now. I don't want that tho. It's a ****ty country modding for my taste :lol:

HiCZoK said:
I know what You mean now. I don't want that tho. It's a ****ty country modding for my taste :lol:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say just ignore it. And if it really really really bugs you then you may as well just replace the glass panel, which is a bit difficult, but still doable. Just check the link in my signature.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

[Q] [Idea] Gold/Silver ring on the bezel ??

Hey everyone,
I recently got a black Moto 360, while I love the subdue look of it, I like to spice it up a little. What I would like to do is glue on a silver or gold ring onto the flat part of the bezel around the display. Made a mock-up of what I want to do with a photo editor. Has anyone seen something similar available for sale ? I have seen slickwraps vinyl sticker which covers the sides, but I would like real metal ring for the top part. Wondering if a jeweler will be able to make one ?
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+1 this looks gorgeous!
I fear that a jeweler could be an expensive route, if you find out a quote, please let me know!

Nice. But have a feeling this would be one of those ideas that looks good in principle, but practically not so good. It would need to be super thin for starters otherwise it's going to interfere with swiping on the screen. Secondly how would it affix? Again, would need some super fine sticky stuff which is peelable.

Chris_c81 said:
Nice. But have a feeling this would be one of those ideas that looks good in principle, but practically not so good. It would need to be super thin for starters otherwise it's going to interfere with swiping on the screen. Secondly how would it affix? Again, would need some super fine sticky stuff which is peelable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think a better solution would be to have someone polish the outer rim. It would be very difficult, since the glass raises up above the frame, so the chances of scratching the glass are pretty high. Just a thought. It does look good though. I also have a black Moto 360, and have found myself eyeing the silver ones...

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yeah, I think a better solution would be to have someone polish the outer rim. It would be very difficult, since the glass raises up above the frame, so the chances of scratching the glass are pretty high. Just a thought. It does look good though. I also have a black Moto 360, and have found myself eyeing the silver ones...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered a black one originally and so did my father in law. However I cancelled and ended up ordering a silver one. When I see the father in law's black 360 I have to say, I do prefer the silver. I'm glad I went for it in the end.

Chris_c81 said:
Nice. But have a feeling this would be one of those ideas that looks good in principle, but practically not so good. It would need to be super thin for starters otherwise it's going to interfere with swiping on the screen. Secondly how would it affix? Again, would need some super fine sticky stuff which is peelable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think thickness would be too much of an issue. I have seen metal / alloy washers n stuff which are less than 0.5mm, and since the glass of the watch sticks out about 1mm from the bezel, having a very thin metal ring shouldn't interfere much. Same goes for glue, there are plenty of products out there. I'm pretty sure it can be done in a way that doesn't interfere with the normal swiping / operation of the watch. The bigger issue is getting such a ring made.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yeah, I think a better solution would be to have someone polish the outer rim. It would be very difficult, since the glass raises up above the frame, so the chances of scratching the glass are pretty high. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting, yes I think that could work better (assuming I can find someone to polish it without damaging anything). However I would like to keep the watch as stock as possible.

You can get gold vinyl wrapvthe kind they use on cars .. You would have to be meticulous about trimming it and would have to use a sharo exacto and hair dryer
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

This is exactly what I'm looking for too. Should be simple enough, just need dimensions and a metal shop.

PhoenixFx said:
I don't think thickness would be too much of an issue. I have seen metal / alloy washers n stuff which are less than 0.5mm, and since the glass of the watch sticks out about 1mm from the bezel, having a very thin metal ring shouldn't interfere much. Same goes for glue, there are plenty of products out there. I'm pretty sure it can be done in a way that doesn't interfere with the normal swiping / operation of the watch. The bigger issue is getting such a ring made.
interesting, yes I think that could work better (assuming I can find someone to polish it without damaging anything). However I would like to keep the watch as stock as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you found a solution yet?
I am super curious to see if this idea can be brought to life! There are so many things I'd like to customize to make the 360 even cooler, but I am afraid I don't have the requisite skills to do it myself

A thin ring of brass would be nice for a gold look, I might try this when I get mine. I have a CNC that I can cut it on, just adhering it would be a problem, a few dabs of super glue might just be enough and wouldn't be permanent either.