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

I painted my otterbox

I needed some way to differentiate my dev phone from my daily phone. So, I grabbed some fusion plastic paint from Walmart. I scuffed the surface with a scotch-brite pad, then cleaned with 92% alcohol, then painted and applied clear-coat.
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The paint also helps to hide the small crack I repaired next to the menu button.
I'll let you guys know how the paint holds up. What do you think?

Oh that's nice. You have given me inspiration!
Makes me really want an Oreo though.....

ive been tempted but, weary of paint scraping off and looking bad... I have some professional graffiti spray paint sitting around
let us know how long it lasts...
Ive also had an idea about painting the phone itself. by lightly sanding and using Nail Polish and a super hard Clear Coat

Very cool dude awesome I thing I should try it blue and black
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App

I definately want to try this now. Lol. I'm going red.

Not a bad idea. Keep us posted as to how it survives. Will check back in 3 weeks

yeah that paint on the two 'nobs' is going to scrape off, then scratches on the front ring...

joe.nobody said:
yeah that paint on the two 'nobs' is going to scrape off, then scratches on the front ring...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not if he goes and buys a quality clearcoat.
I mean, id even suggest going to autozone for automotive clear coat and using that. If you want it to really last, use a few coats.
EDIT: I should read the entire first post.

It looks good. Matches up with the colors from Andromeda.

Nice. My friend has an otterbox for his iphone just like that.

I should have done a better prep job. Do not use the method I mentioned above. Go with 400 grit sand paper to smooth out the surface, then 800 grit sandpaper to remove the 400 grit scuffs. Then use alcohol to clean and then paint.
It has received 1 chip so far which I attribute to improper surface prep.
Here's a picture I snapped to day of my ultra-jig and the arduino which I plan on communicating with.

ok now i want more info on your ultra jig....
what else does it do? just varriable resistance via the switches? so it would be able to enter dock mode too eh? anything else?
and the arduino? what you gonna do with that fun thing?
http://www.arduino.cc/

It's for all the factory modes and OTG mode listed here in this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=820275 I plan on helping out on saving some bricks with the Arduino's communications libraries. The wrapped around wire will connect into the Arduino. Hopefully I can get some good USB to serial to UART going on.

i needed some fun reading...

Oh wow you made it. So you got the connection you were wanting.

!
That's pretty cool really stands out with those colors. but my case broke in same exact spot no more then 5 minutes ago. But hey if the case could talk it woukd have storys for days

Just call otter. They will send a new one. That's why I don't have a problem messing with this one. My new one was free. Just go on their website, dial the number in the upper right corner and tell them what happened to your case and where you bought it. They sent me a new one with that information only.

Trusselo said:
ive been tempted but, weary of paint scraping off and looking bad... I have some professional graffiti spray paint sitting around
let us know how long it lasts...
Ive also had an idea about painting the phone itself. by lightly sanding and using Nail Polish and a super hard Clear Coat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, this is off topic a bit but do you think clear coat nail polish would be able to make the rubber part of the Otterbox Commuter less rubbery (and maybe harder)?
I know you probably don't have the case, but I'm talking about this rubber piece that goes before the hard shell:
The reason for this is because the rubber piece is too rubbery and it collects a ton of dust. It also dislodges a bit when I take it out of my pockets due to it being rubbery so I was looking for something I could use to make it less so. I didn't think of nail polish though. Let me know if you think this would make sense. It's just a random idea in my head when I seen you mention it. I would just be using it on the exposed top and bottom parts.

Enhanced said:
Sorry, this is off topic a bit but do you think clear coat nail polish would be able to make the rubber part of the Otterbox Commuter less rubbery (and maybe harder)?
I know you probably don't have the case, but I'm talking about this rubber piece that goes before the hard shell:
The reason for this is because the rubber piece is too rubbery and it collects a ton of dust. It also dislodges a bit when I take it out of my pockets due to it being rubbery so I was looking for something I could use to make it less so. I didn't think of nail polish though. Let me know if you think this would make sense. It's just a random idea in my head when I seen you mention it. I would just be using it on the exposed top and bottom parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here with the Commuter. I suspect that wouldn't work though. Ive been wrong before though.

a hard-coat or anything sprayed/painted on to the rubber would just flake off...

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.

Galaxy Nexus, Diztronic silicone case modified to work with 3800mah Battery

I bought the Hyperion 3800mah battery for my galaxy nexus a few days ago. I got it last night and popped it in, and immidietly missed the grip that I had with the Diztronic case. Hyperion doesn't make a case for the extended battery, so I decided to modify the one I had. Here some pictures:
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First what I did was cut out the of the case, the case it self has an edge on the back, and I used this to guide my scissors. I cut the bottom of the case out a little higher than this seam, since the edge of the case and the battery back don't match up.
After that, I laid some duct tape on the outside part of the case, put case on the phone, and fed the duct tape strips through where I cut. then laid the flap on top of the duct tape. I used some electrical tape to finish off the look so it didn't look too bad. The cut out for the camera is kinda ehh, I just guess and checked until I thought it looked fine.
Maybe this will inspire someone to buy a cheap case and do something similar, instead of dealing with a slippery, fat naked phone. If only it wasn't a phone... lol.

That's one way to make this phone look atrocious.

czonin said:
That's one way to make this phone look atrocious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
least it won't slip out of my hand. lol.

Back in nam i used to duct tape mags together for faster reloads. But this takes the cake
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2 Beta-4

Lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I applaud your effort, but MAN DOES THAT LOOK UGLY

my eyes, my eyes!!

One does not simply make a case.

tdesbien31 said:
I applaud your effort, but MAN DOES THAT LOOK UGLY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

I made some modifications. Got rid of the tape on the back side, and put some red duct tape over it for some flair. Ugh still doesn't have a "clean" look...but I think it looks a little better...eh?

I am not sure but your phone may have cancer

Droidguy987 said:
I am not sure but your phone may have cancer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Seidio Extended Case
I am all about saving a buck, but you can't be happy with this.
I picked up a few of the 3800 batteries cheaply and had the same issue. I picked up the Seido Extended Case for $30. Fits even the cheapo extended doors just fine!
I can't post the link, because I'm a noob here, but I think you can probably find it yourself...

Bro you had me up until you put tape on your phone.

Kill it with Fire!!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Oh god the red made it worse...

Zomghxc said:
Oh god the red made it worse...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank god I'm a teen and not a businessman, so I can get away with ghettoness. I would be buying that sedio case right away if I was.

try to use a little border to hide the scratched edge.

For sure, no one will ever try to steal your phone !!!

Doesnt seidio make a case specifically for this battery? I used a seidio surface on my dinc and loved it. I would suggest getting one of those for a cleaner look. Very resourceful mod though.

DIY Flip-case

If you buy a rear cover cradle type case it's pretty easy (maybe) to glue some covering and include a flap.
Here's mine (unfinished) done in leather:
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This is a great idea, possibilities are endless.

Cool idea. Not good at working with leather.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

How does the finish look like?

hand made cases is always good u just need time to finish it all . thats why people prefer buying one than making one :laugh:

thanks look cool but the time invested seems a bit much for finding something similar for $4. On the otherhand i am always up for DIY projects and i always thought of doing something similar to this for a case but adding a LED circuit of some sort into it. That case would def not be found anywhere else.

Time investment isn't a consideration for people intelligent enough to have thrown away their TV sets. <snicker> <snicker> Some folk prefer to spend such time doing hobby stuff like leather carving, RC model building, glass blowing, pottery, sewing, computer graphics, writing, reading, and so on and so forth.
Adding LED or LCD to a case might be fun. I can't imagine what I would hook them up to though. As indicator lights they would be redundant. Maybe as text scrollers they might be interesting. They sure would add a lot of bulk for sure! I can't really fathom any use for it. <shrug>
Such a thing like this doesn't have to be made from leather. I chose leather because I wanted to recap/learn about leather carving but gluing cuts from an old pair of Levis onto some hard plastic or cardboard for the front and onto a cheap-o back shell-case for the back could work. Furs too! I have a few faun skins (pelts) that I was thinking about using for my Galaxy Note. And also the covering doesn't need to incorporate a flip cover front part. Just the back would do. And in that case starting out with a white one and spray-painting or air-brushing could produce some interesting results! Using sculpey and sculpey-like products on a flat surface is easy and fun too!
Here's a progress update on mine. This is from about a week ago. The next step will be finishing the edges a bit and adding an inner surface which will be hard like a door and covered with padded microcloth.
Front
Back
​

WOW!

nice
it's great
mine i just buy a temporary cover, its made of silicon, and i dont like it, i just need it to protect my phone,
can you or you all give a advice on picking up a cover or protector for phone ?
Any will help

Nice work.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

line the dragon in red led's

Thanks guys!
NomNom, advice? As in "do not swallow!" or the likes? I dunno. Some phone manufacturer designs incorporate an antenna in the rear cover. So if the case you select replaces that cover, make sure it has the antenna connections.
FutureSteve, Now that's just plain weird!

Your artwork is amazing! Great job.

nice if i can only do this by myself. it would be great.

Nice
Great Job i was planning on asking my friend to make me one because she make shoes herself and also manage to make her own cellphone case

Bifurcator said:
If you buy a rear cover cradle type case it's pretty easy (maybe) to glue some covering and include a flap.
Here's mine (unfinished) done in leather:
​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Job!!!
Wish I was I had your skills... Mine would look like a mutilated chew toy...

Do you have a pic of the finished product? Would love to see how it turned out.