Completely Custom Case

[intelsux]

Last night I decided on building a new case for my computer. I created this thread for other peoples input on my ideas. I was thinking of making it out of sheet metal painted with Rust-Oleum. I will post pictures of the Hard Drive/CD Drive mounts later. Any ideas on attaching them to the case would be welcome. If I use wrong terms for the items please tell me.

[Son1990]

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=173336&page=1&pp=30

That thread should help you out. However im not quite sure sheet metal would be the best material to build your custom case.

[intelsux]

The idea behind it was to use thumb screws, washers, and those right angle support pieces (Not Sure What They Are Called).

[Son1990]

L-Channel? That is a very simple and very good idea in holding the sturcture togeather.

[gvblake22]

The idea behind it was to use thumb screws, washers, and those right angle support pieces (Not Sure What They Are Called).
That's prettymuch exactly what I plan to do when I make my custom case. I'll probably do what you said, but use a rectangle of polycarbonate or something as the sides of the drive cage and just use the aluminum angle and screws to hold it all together. Just kindof like a miniature case :)

I have some other/better ideas too but I can't really explain it with words. Believe me, I would if I could, lol :p

[squasher]

lol, I am doing that right now.

Its pretty frustrating actually. I have the box together and it just does not look nice. I am not soo great with the dremel, so the edges are uneaven, and they do do not come together well at the sides or the cornders, I am thinking about giving it up.

[Captain Slug]

L-Channels and angle brackets are ugly, especially if you don't have the tools required to cut them precisely (BandSaw or CrossCut Mitre saw). If you have the ability to drill and tap you might as well expend the small amount of extra effort it would take to simply build the supports into your case design or find a way to make a frame.

[intelsux]

I was thinking of buying it pre-cut. 4 1 foot by 2 feet and 2 2 foot by 2 feet.

[gvblake22]

Captain Slug, what do you suggest to use then for making the case frame and securing the side panels to each other? (if not aluminum L-channels)

EDIT: what about something like these?
http://mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=53&products_id=214

[intelsux]

Good find on the website gvblake22 i might get the mobo panel. Also might get the cube support thing.

[Captain Slug]

I was thinking of buying it pre-cut. 4 1 foot by 2 feet and 2 2 foot by 2 feet.
That will make a nice box, but what about mounting the parts inside? Cutting sheets to square dimensions is just the beginning and if you can't do even that on your own you're going to have ALOT of problems.
EDIT: what about something like these?
http://mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=53&products_id=214
Pretty good. Those were much more expensive when I first tried to find them and end up being about the same price as regular cast acrylic cubes.

[Son1990]

Thats a really nice find there Blake. You can also go to Mcmaster (part number: 8680K26) and buy 1"x1" squares and drill and tap on your own. However they are a little more expensive at $1.18. 2"x2" cubes are part number: 8680K28 just for anyone who may be intrested in those as well as 1.5"x 1.5" are 8680K27. However once again are a bit pricey.

[intelsux]

What about using my removable motherboard tray from my old case.

[Son1990]

What about using my removable motherboard tray from my old case.

That would be idea, and build the case around that. That will def. give you a great start.

[Jeff Moser]

You may want to consider THIS (http://www.cool-cases-usa.com/Erect-A-Case.html) Custom sizes and shapes can be ordered.

[gvblake22]

You may want to consider THIS (http://www.cool-cases-usa.com/Erect-A-Case.html) Custom sizes and shapes can be ordered.
hmmmm, those are cool, but kindof on the expensive side. Thanks for the link though!

What about using my removable motherboard tray from my old case.
Hey, look what else I found on that site though!
http://cool-cases-usa.com/Zen-Cart-v1.2.4/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=150

[intelsux]

This will cost me about $125.00 keep in mind that this is a sheet metal case and a large one at that. Is this resonable.

[intelsux]

Does anyone know if I can use PVC pipe as a cd drive mount or will it melt. Also will metel scissors cut accuratly enough for a cd drive hole and a mobo tray hole.

[WarriorII]

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=424450

:attn:


From the "Local" Metal supply store, 3 -96" pieces of 3/4" 1/8" thick angle Alu
cost me $7.06

(I've used all but 3 ft of it too)

Just a thought. but @ .06 a screw...... that's killing me ! :D

[intelsux]

Does anyone know of one near Dallas TX

[intelsux]

Okay I Have Started Building It. I Am About Halfway Done Might Finish Tonight.

[gvblake22]

Okay I Have Started Building It. I Am About Halfway Done Might Finish Tonight.
You started building the case?! Do you have a digital camera? You gotta take some pics for us or at least make some drawings!!!!!!!! C'mon man, share the wealth!!! :D

[intelsux]

Okay I Will Post Some Tommorow.

[jcw122]

a Lubic kit might be a great idea, Navig has made a really awesome custom case w/ it.

Basicly they are the frames of the case...just Google it :D


I think www.zipzoomfly.com (very reliable/reputable vendor) supplies some of their kits. All you'd need after that is acrylic or metal for the panels, and some other stuff.

[intelsux]

Okay Here Are the Pics
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/1.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/2.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/3.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/4.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/5.jpg

[intelsux]

Here Are Some More
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/6.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/7.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/8.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/9.jpg
http://www.mikeslanparty.com/pics/10.jpg

[intelsux]

Just Thought Of A Name. Liquid Silver.

[gvblake22]

Sounds like a cool name.
And it looks like even more of an interesting case! Looking forward to see how it progresses. Could you explain your plans a little bit? Like what you plan to do and how? :)

[intelsux]

Okay The Case I 1' High 2' Long And 2' Wide. As You Can See From The Pictures I
Have 2 Brackets On The Bottom Lengths And 1 Bracket On The Vertical Lenths. The Top Will Be Secured With Those Pop-In Pop-Out Things That You See On Furniture Doors (Will Post Pic Later).

[intelsux]

Well guys my Dremel started smoking so I will have to postpone the project for a couple of days.

[intelsux]

Returned The Dremel Will Post More Pics Tommorow

[peterrastall]

Get a thermaltake Tsunami Dream... much nicer!

[gvblake22]

Get a thermaltake Tsunami Dream... much nicer!
Dude, that's totally not the point of this thread... :rolleyes:

Looking forward to some pics intelsux :D

[intelsux]

Sorry for not posting pics the case is done but needs perfection will post pics when it is perfect.