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View Full Version : Gluing a case together?


Zeroignite
05-22-2009, 01:28 PM
Hello, TBCS

I am currently planning a scratch-build case, partially inspired by the Silverstone Raven EATX case. However, this build will try to be on the very small side of ATX. I have the design roughed out in sketchup, with final outside dimensions of about 14x18x6.5.

Anyway, the case itself will be build out of aluminum (my favorite metal). Physically, it will be built from L-angle 1/8 Al and rectangular struts, with relatively thin paneling covering the faces.

I want the keep the exterior as continuous as possible. However, using screws, bolts, or rivets would result in visible exterior fasteners. Even countersunk, you could still see the screw head.

This leads to my real question: it it acceptable to hold a case together with a high-strength adhesive (i.e., JB Weld)? I am envisioning epoxying the superstructure together, resulting in a exterior marred only by access panel thumbscrews.

Would this be effective, or would I be left with a heap of loose metal?
SXRguyinMA
05-22-2009, 02:31 PM
possibly, but you may also want to try getting some aluminum bolts and grinding the heads off, then just spot welding them to the inside of the panel, that'd make it easily removed and hidden :up:
billygoat333
05-23-2009, 07:06 AM
As long as you don't plan on moving the case a lot, and putting a lot of stress on it, JB weld will work. when I was working on my ps2 case (still never finished that, need to) I used JB weld to hold some L angle aluminum together and it worked flawlessly. strong too!
blueonblack
05-23-2009, 04:59 PM
I'm with SXR here, I would try countersinking the screwheads, but I'd use the JB to fill the holes and cover them. A lot easier than welding and removable if needed later.
Drum Thumper
05-31-2009, 06:20 AM
Why not countersink and put some plugs over the top of the screw-heads? If you are going to go with brushed aluminum, this could be an easy way to cover it up.
Eclecticos
05-31-2009, 07:13 AM
As long as you don't plan on moving the case a lot, and putting a lot of stress on it, JB weld will work. when I was working on my ps2 case (still never finished that, need to) I used JB weld to hold some L angle aluminum together and it worked flawlessly. strong too!

Yep, that will work just put some C-Clamps down on it, and allow the compound to cure.
Here is the material safety data sheet. Over Here (http://jbweld.net/techinfo/index.php) <=-
Zeroignite
06-01-2009, 03:42 AM
Thanks very much for the replies, everyone.
I'm gonna go for it!