Control Panel Enclosures

So I'm curious what everyone is using for control panel enclosures. I used a metal cash box that worked out pretty well with exception I'm now about out of room running three different voltages and a bunch of relays. I've seen people use the plastic enclosures from the LHS but I'm not a big fan of that. I'm on the hunt specifically for metal ones that are pretty spacious. Maybe this would be a good resource thread anyway so post some pics!

Thanks in advance.

Here you go

http://shop.mobileweb.ebay.com/searchresults?cmd=SKW&pg=1&kw=16x16x8+enclosure

AutomationDirect.com is where we shop for enclosure and most electrical supplies.

Stumbled upon this site today: http://www.customaluminumbox.com/. Going to see what it would cost to have a custom size made. The black powder coat looks pretty sharp!

jcaudill said:

Stumbled upon this site today: http://www.customaluminumbox.com/. Going to see what it would cost to have a custom size made. The black powder coat looks pretty sharp!

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Excellent find!! Thanks for sharing!

I use a 5 quart aluminum pressure cooker from Goodwill; $9. I took the handles off, tapped the side to accept a 3/4" pipe and ran the wires through it. Nothing like it.

I bought my steel enclosure on ebay from Electrical Replacement Parts.
By far the best price I've found, and the box will survive a nuclear blast.
They've got stainless too if you're a bling whore

Sort of related, I got all my DIN-rail mounted stuff from Tier1Automation.
Really good prices, free shipping, and you can buy just 1 of something if that's all you need.
That was my only complaint with AutomationDirect - I don't need 50 pieces dammit!

I'm looking at this one:

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_34&products_id=143

wolfman_48442 said:

I bought my steel enclosure on ebay from Electrical Replacement Parts.
By far the best price I've found, and the box will survive a nuclear blast.
They've got stainless too if you're a bling whore

Sort of related, I got all my DIN-rail mounted stuff from Tier1Automation.
Really good prices, free shipping, and you can buy just 1 of something if that's all you need.
That was my only complaint with AutomationDirect - I don't need 50 pieces dammit!

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Thanks! Always looking for better suppliers.

Tier1 did not have several items we use often included illuminated 22mm pushbuttons.

This old Craftsman tool box was free for me and worked out pretty well. I made the hinged top plate and the front cover from some sheet metal that I pirated from an old filing cabinet.

kevink said:

This old Craftsman tool box was free for me and worked out pretty well. I made the hinged top plate and the front cover from some sheet metal that I pirated from an old filing cabinet.

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Holy clean Batman! Very nice job. Unfortunately my setup is a bit more complicated than that but that is definitely clever.