Homemade cases

[Gene C.]

don't know if this is where this belongs or not. what, I want to do is try and make some homemade system cases. I bought some full tower case's. but, they don't have any covers. I have a workshop with all the tools needed. to do the job. just didn't know about the materials to use. can I use something like 1/8" or 1/4" solid oak,cherry,birck. Or can you use clear plastic sheeting"plexie glass" what would be the problems. heat,static, what? I would only be doing the top and sides. if it will work I'll do the fronts to. am I stupid or what. you tell me. I can't sell systems without the cases.

[drdeath]

i think that the cases are made out of metal for a reason - they transfer heat better. using wood or plastic will cover up the computer, and protect it from outside objects and the such, but it will trap a lot of heat inside...

[socalgal]

Hi Gene C.

There have been several topics on custom cases here. I took a trip down memory lane and found a couple of threads for you, maybe give you some ideas. /forum/smile.gif

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/000575.html

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/000097.html

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/001520.html

[CMonster]

If you are not too concerned about spills - did I mention that steel security screen mesh makes a good case and is easy to bend - not to mention that it's typical 1/8" holes make drilling almost completely unnecessary. It also shields RF and provides great ventilation when using additional fans.

[Nathan G]

Clap,Clap... CMonster ..great idea! /forum/smile.gif This would provide the best safety & cooling of all the ideas i have heard mentioned. I would make sure the bottom surface is solid and not a screen due to one safty test UL does (not that you are going for certification).... its called the "Flaming Oil Test" /forum/redface.gif Really, no kidding ! The idea of this test is that if something does burn inside the case, none of the dripping/flaming plastics (oil in test) will fall out of case and onto floor(carpet) and start an even larger fire. hehe The holes need to be no larger than a certain diameter (couple mm i think).. i can look it up at work if you wish.hehe
Great idea .. wish i had a work shop and the talent to build my own but...naaa!

[This message has been edited by Nathan G (edited 11-22-1999).]

[dexmax]

How about wood in the front panel. I think it would look nice, just like wood panels in some classy cars. and maybe make wooden versions of your cd-rom front panel,etc, fdd front panel, etc. The classic style would be great. And of course all the stuff you find in a standard case at the back. But match the color w/ the front panel, so it will not look ackward. Place fans for cooling, etc.
I will send you via e-mail on thermal resistance/conductance of variuos materials you can use that are available locally.

Good Luck!!!

[welsh wizard]

Well if Steve Jobs can do it with Macs why not with IBM comp, you can always treat the plastic to make it anti static. I beleave Daawoo are producing sys with cases sim to I Macs and Mac is trying to stop them on copyright grounds!
WW