Project: Warchest

[Will]

I hope this name hasn't been used already..did a search and didn't see it.

I've been wanting to make a case from an ammo can. I finally found a good size and style. Here's a preview:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2069.jpg

[Eclecticos]

Really like the ammocan projects.
Picked out a really cool name for your project.
Interested in seeing this take shape.

[Mark_Hardware]

Neat-o. How big is that can? I see 81mm tank rounds, so I'm guessing about 2 ft by 1 foot, bout 7 or 8 inches tall? That's a fairly heavy box, too... I'm interested to watch this, and welcome! :up:

[Will]

I don't know the exact size just yet, but it's roughly the size of a tower case. It probably weighs 35lbs. I'll get some real numbers later today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2087.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2093.jpg
This is an old P1 rig that actually still runs. I'm going to use some parts off of it...and most of the case. It will almost drop right in. Cheating, I know ;)

[gamer_from_aust]

Saweet!

[Will]

I can't seem to find my tape measure. This is slowing down the project a little.

So far...
- the old case is cut in half and mounted
- I came up with a drive cage that will work for now, but I plan on doing something different eventually
- fan locations have been mapped out
- holes for the PS and mobo connections have been marked and partially cut. I ran out of Dremel wheels

I have an idea that involves an old cd drive with a functional tray mechanism, but this might be on hold until I know for sure that there will be enough room for it.

Speaking of CD drives, I'll be mounting one so that it opens on the inside of the case. There are a couple reasons for this. This box is beefy, but with all the holes that I am cutting in it I'm worried about the integrity a little. Also, I've never seen anybody do this. If it fits correctly, it will fall into place with a couple ideas we've been discussing.

I was flipping through the channels last night and caught the last 10 minutes of Fight Club. Right after Edward Norton escapes the cops, he finds the van in the parking garage. I think the ammo box in the van is this same type as my box. If I had known this, I think the mod might have turned out differently. ;)

[DonT-FeaR]

cool idea

[Will]

I made some progress this weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2125.jpg
fan holes

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2121.jpg
rough cut on the back

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2116.jpg
this little guy watched

That's it for now. Should be painting some stuff soon. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do for legs. I might build an aluminum cart thing with casters so that it can roll around easier.

[DonT-FeaR]

nice work like the idea of the casters

[Will]

I got a little bit of work done tonight.

First, I figured out how the power/reset buttons will be mounted. I didn't want to mount them on the outside of the case where they could be triggered accidentally. I came up with a plan to recess a small area where they will be mounted. I'll get pics of this up soon.

I was going to make a cool key-operated sliding panel that would use an old cd drive mechanism but this is really going to be a little too complicated considering the lack of room inside this box. I think it would need a separate power supply. The idea was to turn the key and a panel would slide out of the way, exposing the buttons. The good thing is that I could easily add this part later.

Second, I realized that the fan holes are too small. I wasn't paying attention and used a 2.5" saw instead of the 2.75". This was stupid. I'm going to test out the flow later this week and hopefully there is enough. If not, I'll use the holes I ready drilled for mounting the fan to secure a temporary plate over the old hole and start over.

Pics coming soon...

[Will]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2133.jpg
Dropped all of the mock up parts in to give you guys a sense of scale. The box is 13" x 25" and about 7" deep.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2134.jpg
I made a model of the recessed area out of some thick paper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2136.jpg
I might use this can to make the recessed box. It's thick enough, but still somewhat easy to bend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2138.jpg
The "workshop" in my parent's house where I'm doing a good bit of this work. It's small. Let me know if you find Waldo somewhere in this shot.

[DonT-FeaR]

nice progress so far

[Mark_Hardware]

Dropped all of the mock up parts in to give you guys a sense of scale. The box is 13" x 25" and about 7" deep.

:rolleyes:

[Will]

Eh?

The switch panel is almost finished. Next up, cutting a couple more holes and then painting. I'm still looking for the right switches.

[Mark_Hardware]

Military style switches man. For your power switch, use a temporary on toggle switch with the miltary style covers (http://www.moddersmart.com/en/switches/military-style-covers.html)

[Waynio]

Perfect box for your mod, should turn out nice :up:.


Military style switches man. For your power switch, use a temporary on toggle switch with the miltary style covers
Would be good :up:.

[Will]

I like those, but at the same time that's exactly what you would expect to find on a case like this. ;) I'll find the right stuff in due time. In the meantime I'll just use some stuff I've already got.

Thanks everybody for the advice/kind words :up:

[Will]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/92PathSE/Project-Warchest/IMG_2173.jpg
still in progress. painting is mostly done.

[Mark_Hardware]

Cool. Can't wait to see it done!

[DonT-FeaR]

/\ agreed

[st8smn]

mmmmmmmm ammo
nice work mate ,'camo' switches would be nice...