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View Full Version : Building a new computer.


Jesse
06-21-2006, 06:07 AM
And to start, I decided to completely custom build my own computer case out of 1/16" aluminum diamond plate. I'll just copy and paste what I posted in a modding forum.

The supplies. Brand new Dremel 400 XPR. A whole bunch of diamond plate which I bought from work for $22. Aluminum square tubing, some aluminum angle bar. Piece of sheet aluminum with a mirror finish, purchased from work for under $1.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0793.jpg

And here we go...
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0795.jpg

This nifty little device here was nice to have. Helped eliminate shadows produced by my hand, etc, etc.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0796.jpg

Here's the frame all cut, and ready to be put together..
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0797.jpg

I was eager to see what the final product would begin to look like, so my friend and I taped the frame together. It made me very excited.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0798.jpg

Another shot of the frame, held together by tape.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0799.jpg

Say hello to my motherboard mounting tray/plate. Needs to be cut to fit the case, of course.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0801.jpg

On the phone with my uncle, discussing some welding he'll be doing for me. At first I was just going to screw the frame together, but the screws I bought are a bit too bit, so I decided that instead of buying more screws, I'd just have my uncle who's a professional welder, weld the frame together for me. That will be done on Friday, as well as cutting the diamond plate to fit the frame.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/IMG_0803.jpg

raublekick
06-21-2006, 09:03 AM
very nice dude. never thought of building a case.

i'm trying to make my desktop dissapear.

Optimus Funk
06-21-2006, 09:31 AM
That does look really neat, how long does it take you to cut through that aluminum square tubing with the dremel?

Oh and awesome Airheads DVD on your table, I love that movie

Jesse
06-21-2006, 03:52 PM
Not too long at all. Once you get a decent technique down, it's pretty easy going.

Today while I was at work (metal recycling yard), I came across a couple more things I'll be able to use in the new computer.

Some aluminum mesh for fan grills.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/mesh.jpg

And I came across this as I was unloading a truck. I figure I can try it out and see how it works as the radiator for the liquid cooling kit I'll be putting in.
http://www.whitelinestudios.net/pictures/case/rad.jpg
It all cost me only $2, so I figured why not.