Perfect device to modify 8" disks

[Hans01]

Found at the Banggood store.

A perfect tool to modify 8 inch diskettes to make them single sided from double sided or visa versa.
Just punch a new index hole at the right position on both sides of the jacket and cover the unused hole with
a black sticker.
I use thermal stickers which have been made black with a hot solder iron.

https://www.banggood.com/Metal-Sing...=104858042&sc_uid=wrU7Hve8YS&cur_warehouse=CN

 

[SomeGuy]

I used to use one of those to make 5.25" flippy disks for TRS-80s, that require the index hole.

Had not looked, but let me guess, those aren't common any more because "What's paper?"

 

[Chuck(G)]

Not at all uncommon, still.

Here's one at Staples

Less than a cuppa at Starbucks.

 

[pski]

Yes, this is my go-to tool. NOS double sided 8" disks are much more plentiful to find these days, so this tool is a necessity if you have a single-sided drive like those found on the Model II. I like the idea of covering up the unused index hole so that it is obvious what type of disk it is. Although, it's technically not necessary on DS to SS conversions because the SS drive does not know about the DS index hole, but is necessary vice-versa because the DS drive does know about the SS index hole.

Hans01, do you find it necessary to blacken the sticker to prevent misoperation on DS drives, ie.reflection, or is it purely aesthetic?

 

[Hans01]

Hi Pete.

Nice, that you like my idea

Hans01, do you find it necessary to blacken the sticker to prevent misoperation on DS drives, ie.reflection, or is it purely aesthetic?

Yes, my experience is that the index led is shining through white paper. I use black paper on both sides of the jacket.

 

[Chuck(G)]

Anything that is IR-opaque should work. I've used 5.25" write-protect tabs.

 

[Dwight Elvey]

The punch can ding the floppy surface. I always put a thin piece of cardboard ( cereal box ) between the disk surface and the punch, to protect the disk when punching extra holes.
Dwight

 

[Hans01]

Hi Dwight.

You don't have to worry about damaging the surface as the bottom part of the puncher is a little curved and has a very smooth metal surface.
It has the look of a spoon.
To be sure you could glue a piece of felt on it.

 

[JonB]

Hello Hans

I've been using a hole punch like that for some time now to modify 5.25" disks for the Phillips P2000K and 8" disks for the Model II. For the Model II, I used a TRS-80 branded disk that was dead, took the media out of the envelope and used it as a template so I knew exactly where to mark a disk sleeve for the hole. Quick mark with a pencil, then punch it out. Easy!

I'm pretty sure I read about it on VCF, but your post is a timely reminder. You can get these punches from eBay or Amazon for pennies (I think I paid a quid).

Cheers mate
JonB

 

[Dwight Elvey]

Hi Dwight.

You don't have to worry about damaging the surface as the bottom part of the puncher is a little curved and has a very smooth metal surface.
It has the look of a spoon.
To be sure you could glue a piece of felt on it.

Any sharp corner or edge can make a ding. It really depends on the punch you are using.
To locate where to punch it helps to have a guide. If you have an old disk that has been trashed, cut the envelop such that you have the upper quadrant with the hole. You can then use it to align the punch for the new disk.
Dwight