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Old February 22nd 06, 06:41 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.homebrew
 
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Default Inexpensive small shield enclosures from square tin cans

If you or your significant-other use some of the specialty tea
or coffee products for instant gourmet tea or coffee, do NOT
throw out the little cans it comes in...they can be recycled
into a variety of enclosures, shield cans, etc., if they are
made of tin-plated, light sheet steel.

Of three products tried for this are various Chai Tea boxes
available under "Safeway Select" brand at Von's food stores.
Those are 3 3/4" wide, 1 3/8" deep, and 3 1/2" high (about
3 3/16" high inside). Those and the other two below all have
a lip around the top, ideal for attaching cover plates or
whatnot to protect whatever is inside. The aperture at the
top is about 3 1/4" wide by 1 13/16" deep.

Through Ralphs food markets is the "Private Selection" brand
of flavored coffees and General Foods International Coffee
brand (General Foods also at Von's). Those are 4 1/8" wide,
2 5/16" deep, and 2 5/8" high (about 2 3/8" high inside).
The aperture at the top is 3 1/2" wide by 2 1/16" deep.

With the outside paint lithography stripped off, they all
take soldering very well for insuring all seams can be
made conductive (and for weather-proofing if used outdoors).
To check for tin-plated steel, use a "refrigerator magnet"
to see if it adheres or not. [got lots of magnets, too]
While not as strong as a cast aluminum box (as from Bud),
they are sturdy enough to hold quite a bit inside. The
price (nil) can't be beat! :-)