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Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 07:21 AM
Goals:


Create a Cube Style Server Case
Isolate mobo from heat generating components, such as drives and psu
Integrate my water cooling
Not loose any finger/toes due to sawing accidents... almost happened in the past more than once...
Have fun and be the envy at the LANs!


For my inspiration see: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=473582

I am building a cube style server case out of acrylic. polycarbonate prolly be easier to machine, but other than that, awesome! Have a friend that can get me acrylic scraps big enough to build the entire case and acrylic weld for free so I think I will stick with acrylic... :beer:

I have a draft of the design started and will post it up soon. Anyone know how to export an image file (.jpg or .gif) from Auto Cad 2005?

I have a variety of tools at my disposal (mostly wood working tools but also some taps and other machinist tools. I plan on making my large straight cuts with a table saw. Doing some small work on the router table, dremel, etc. Have a circle cutter for my dremel that makes fan holes a breeze.

I have a Antec Super Lan Boy that I am going to disassemble for parts such as drive bays, switches, usb ports, and mobo tray/io area. I am thinking of using an AL mobo tray, I/O area and Drive bays for durability sake. May build some of it out of acrylic, not sure yet.

But before all that starts I want to spend plenty of time in the design phase and have some pretty solid drawings to base my build on. Anyone know of somewhere that I can take Auto Cad files and have them plotted? BTW I am in the US.

Edited to fix spelling/grammar
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 07:26 AM
My design is going to look similar to these http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=78 and some of the others at http://www.mountainmods.com. I am going to do some custom stuff like a built in res and rad integration.

I also see some custom paint on my drives, and all AL parts (blue and neon green). I am also considering a carrying handle system for LANs.

Edited to fix spelling/grammar
Adragontattoo
08-25-06, 07:51 AM
Hey immortal I may be "borrowing" some of your ideas for a case that is ATX/AT server combo I jsut got.

Three sides and front Plastic are all connected and come off as a single unit (slide off the front of the unit)
Adragontattoo
08-25-06, 07:59 AM
The carrying handles can be picked up from Home Depot or Lowes if you dont want to machine them.

The one case I am talking about will have to be heavily modified and I am thinking about replacing the back panel of the case with Acrylic as well.

I am interested to see your design.
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 08:16 AM
Here are some basic guides for working with acrylic:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-04/jg/index.php
http://ozreef.org/diy_plans/techniques/gluing_acrylic.html

Considering doing some acrylic bending also. It’s time to do some research on that.

Just an FYI I am not experienced at working with acrylic but I have a lot of wood working and machinist background. Should be a good learning experience.
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 08:24 AM
Strip heater for bending:
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=169

Basic bending guide, it ok, kinda...

http://www.austinpcmods.com/Plex%20Bending%20Tutorial.htm
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 08:36 AM
Basic acrylic guide:
http://www.clearpc.ca/rev.2/workingacrylic.html

Using a router to cut acrylic
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/routing.html

another basic guide:
http://www.eaa1000.av.org/technicl/acrylic.htm

another guide has some finishing techniques that are useful:
http://guides.pimprig.com/modding/working_with_acrylic.php

BTW I am just using this as a dumping gound for links right now. Plus it could be useful for others.
Adragontattoo
08-25-06, 08:52 AM
oh it is totally useful!

I have found that bending acrylic is easy, bending it without bubbling isnt.

I have been playing around with acrylic a bit and it is a very easy material to work with if you take your time.
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 09:05 AM
I will try to get a design up tonight. I just have the front done as of now. I am at work until about 3:30 EST.
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 09:07 AM
My drive bay/PSU config will look similar to this: http://directron.com/yy0221bk.html
Immortal_Hero
08-25-06, 09:08 AM
oh it is totally useful!

I have found that bending acrylic is easy, bending it without bubbling isnt.

I have been playing around with acrylic a bit and it is a very easy material to work with if you take your time.

What do you use as a heat source?
Adragontattoo
08-25-06, 09:54 AM
handheld torch.

I need to pickup or build a heating element.