Project Stealthlow

[x88x]

Wow, great work!

I really like how the drilling accident came out; it gives a certain polished quality.

[Waynio]

Holey carp!!! :eek: That is a lot of drilling in on day. I really like how the happy accident turns out. It's a different look and it can't hurt the airflow at all.
Thought the drilling was never gonna end & was having a bad dream lol :D but then seen the result at the end of the day & the next morning :banana: thanks msmrx57 :up:.


Wow, great work!

I really like how the drilling accident came out; it gives a certain polished quality.
Gives it a bit of a 3d hex shape on the inside & the outside is nice circles so yeah awesome accident by going too deep with the countersink :D thanks 88 :up:.

[BS Mods]

I've been in love with this mod since the first time I laid eyes on it.:up:

When you make mistakes and turn them into gold like that means you are truly a natural when it comes to modding. Great job.

I have a tip for you on using body filler -

There is a product called "All Metal" that I use for doing auto body work. It is great because it's super strong, won't shrink like fillers do, you can file it, grind it, etc. Normal bondo type fillers can shrink just a little and/or crack and you will see it under the paint after a while. Either way just make sure to use plenty of primer to help hide it.;)

[Waynio]

I've been in love with this mod since the first time I laid eyes on it.:up:

When you make mistakes and turn them into gold like that means you are truly a natural when it comes to modding. Great job.

I have a tip for you on using body filler -

There is a product called "All Metal" that I use for doing auto body work. It is great because it's super strong, won't shrink like fillers do, you can file it, grind it, etc. Normal bondo type fillers can shrink just a little and/or crack and you will see it under the paint after a while. Either way just make sure to use plenty of primer to help hide it.;)
Thanks BS :):up: & thanks for the filling tip but the only place I could find the product you said about is in the US, I have same problem trying to find a clear adhesion promoter or clear primer so I can use candy paint to keep the brushed look but still add some colour, if any UK paint specialists know a good clear primer please let me know :D (slaveofconvention).

[BS Mods]

Thanks BS :):up: & thanks for the filling tip but the only place I could find the product you said about is in the US, I have same problem trying to find a clear adhesion promoter or clear primer so I can use candy paint to keep the brushed look but still add some colour, if any UK paint specialists know a good clear primer please let me know :D (slaveofconvention).


So you want to keep the brushed metal look? That's easy!

Have it powder coated with clear. You can use clear powder coating over any raw metal. You can also add pearls, metal flake, etc. There must be someone around you that can do powder coating.

http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powder-coating/powders/clear-powders.html

This video shows how you can polish something and then do some artwork using decals. They polished a bat and then added some color but for your case you would just get the metal brushed and then clean it and powder coat it clear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBf-cPHs7o

There is also one other way -
If you have an automotive paint store go in and tell them what you are doing. They can show you some things. Ask them about using just the "toner". It's not clear but it comes in lots of colors. It's fairly transparent so you could keep the brushed look and spray a cool color over it and the brush markings still show through. Then you can clear coat that and it would look awesome.

[slaveofconvention]

if any UK paint specialists know a good clear primer please let me know :D (slaveofconvention).

Actually, if YOU find out about one, let me know and I'll start to stock it at work - we regularly get people who want to clear bare metal and we just don't have a product designed for it.

We do have a waterclear plastic primer which is, effectively, a mild etch but I have no idea if it'd work at all on metal - I'm assuming it wont do jack as I'd assume any etch for metal would be acid based whereas any etch for plastic would be based on some kind of chemical reaction with the plastic.

[Waynio]

So you want to keep the brushed metal look? That's easy!

Have it powder coated with clear. You can use clear powder coating over any raw metal. You can also add pearls, metal flake, etc. There must be someone around you that can do powder coating.

http://www.eastwood.com/hotcoat-powder-coating/powders/clear-powders.html

This video shows how you can polish something and then do some artwork using decals. They polished a bat and then added some color but for your case you would just get the metal brushed and then clean it and powder coat it clear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBf-cPHs7o

There is also one other way -
If you have an automotive paint store go in and tell them what you are doing. They can show you some things. Ask them about using just the "toner". It's not clear but it comes in lots of colors. It's fairly transparent so you could keep the brushed look and spray a cool color over it and the brush markings still show through. Then you can clear coat that and it would look awesome.
:) Thanks for opening another option BS, I had no idea there was clear powder coating :D, had me looking around to find out what I'd need to setup a powder coating system & it's all fine except for making my own oven lol I could do that but it'd keep bumping up the cost of the build but on the other hand it could be a very good investment, I even came across candy powders not many colours though but still I only thought there was just solid colours for powder coating, thanks again for opening my eyes to an alternative +rep.


Actually, if YOU find out about one, let me know and I'll start to stock it at work - we regularly get people who want to clear bare metal and we just don't have a product designed for it.

We do have a waterclear plastic primer which is, effectively, a mild etch but I have no idea if it'd work at all on metal - I'm assuming it wont do jack as I'd assume any etch for metal would be acid based whereas any etch for plastic would be based on some kind of chemical reaction with the plastic.
Here is a few I found through a sleepless night of searching :D.

Universal Adhesion Promoter U-POL Aerosol Grip#4 (I've seen the price of this one vary from £8.50 to £17 :eek:)
http://www.autopaintsbrighton.co.uk/universal-adhesion-promoter-u-pol-aerosol-grip4-450ml-235-p.asp

VHT ADHESION PROMOTER (sounds like good stuff but is for very high temperatures but dunno if that matters tbh)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VHT-ADHESION-PROMOTER-SP440-/250673892499?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a5d540c93

Adhesion Promoter and Sealer
http://flowkochem.com/clear.php

Dupli-Color/11 oz. clear adhesion promoter
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Dupli-Color-11-oz-clear-adhesion-promoter?itemIdentifier=460112
http://www.amazon.com/ADHESION-PROMOTER-CLEAR-PRIMER-AERO/dp/B0007UAXJQ

Ideally I want to clear prime parts, then use candy paint & then a matt or satin lacquer, want to avoid gloss :), it's still possibly weeks away but it would be good to get it all sorted out so theres not any waiting, I'll be buying a spray gun too for doing the candy & clear coat.

[Waynio]

:) Update

Ok so I mounted the psu & mobo for figuring out where the cable holes will go.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0449.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0450.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0451.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0452.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0453.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0454.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0455.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0456.jpg

Drilled 10mm holes so I could get a square file in & make the holes, they look square & ugly but I have a plan for making them all very very neat but I'll save that for a later update.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0457.jpg

Then took the bottom panel off to add the feet & was going to measure & mark but there was markings left behind from the begining of the project woo hoo :D so I opted for the points on the corners so the bolts will overlap where the corner support bars are but I chose to use countersunk bolts instead of the ones that came with the feet as I wanted them out of the way, they were way too long so I grinded them down.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0458.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0459.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0460.jpg

Feet on :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0461.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0462.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0463.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0464.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0465.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0466.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0467.jpg

So I got the wire pass holes made, shortened the curve bar supports, expanded the optical angle bar so sata data & power cables will go through both now, cut to length a perfect length wire for the cpu power & atx power as a first step of the prep for sleeving, installed the feet Bill sponsored me with.

Doesn't feel like much progress for almost a full day but progress is progress :).

Thank you for sponsoring me Bill, the feet are awesome & the Modmen show is too :D.
http://www.mnpctech.3dpixelnet.com/picture_library/2010.mnpctech.banner.jpg (http://www.mnpctech.com/casemodstore.html)

[x88x]

Heheh, that CPU cooler makes the case look not so huge. :P

Good work, it's coming along great. :up:

[Waynio]

Heheh, that CPU cooler makes the case look not so huge. :P

Good work, it's coming along great. :up:

Cheers 88 mate :):up:. It's a nice fit :D.

[TheMainMan]

Looking great! Your hard work is even more evident the closer this project gets to completion.

[Waynio]

Looking great! Your hard work is even more evident the closer this project gets to completion.

Thanks MainMan :) I'm currently considering starting on the sleeving & wow I'm hoping it's not as difficult as many say it is lol :crossed::D.

[SXRguyinMA]

Nah it's not bad. Just make sure to use a hot knife to cut it, or melt the ends with something to keep them from fraying. Also, make sure to cut MORE than you need, as when it expands it shrinks. I usually sleeve the wire, then cut to length as needed. Also, don't forget to put your heatshrink on BEFORE you crimp the connectors on :D

[AmEv]

Something you learned the hard way, SXR?

[x88x]

Also, don't forget to put your heatshrink on BEFORE you crimp the connectors on :D

/\This...very much, this... :facepalm:

[SXRguyinMA]

Something you learned the hard way, SXR?

Yes, just check out the sleeving I did on my Red Comet project (link in my sig)


/\This...very much, this... :facepalm:

yes :facepalm:

[Waynio]

Nah it's not bad. Just make sure to use a hot knife to cut it, or melt the ends with something to keep them from fraying. Also, make sure to cut MORE than you need, as when it expands it shrinks. I usually sleeve the wire, then cut to length as needed. Also, don't forget to put your heatshrink on BEFORE you crimp the connectors on :D
Thanks for the tips SXRguyinMA :):up:.


Something you learned the hard way, SXR?
:D


/\This...very much, this... :facepalm:
:D


Yes, just check out the sleeving I did on my Red Comet project (link in my sig)



yes :facepalm:
Noted :):up:.

I've heared the psu I'm going to sleeve (corsair ax850w) is a nightmare to do, but I'll move forward & find out for myself :D.

[Waynio]

OK time for some MDPC sleeving :D.

Being new to a full on sleeving job, a quick google her a quick goolgle there & BAM.

How to remove an ATX plug
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=64632

Snipped the heatshrink, cable tie & sleeving off the corsair ax850 atx cable.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0468.jpg

Then went & gathered pliers, wire stripper, the crimping tool I got from MDPC in all it's matt black glory :D & my ridiculasly huge disposable lighter my bro bought me for christmas & isn't even half way used since christmas lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0469.jpg

Got a paper clip straightened out & tried using it but was too thick soooo, I took it to the garage, snipped it in half & grinded it so it was nice & thin.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0470.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0471.jpg

Tested it & it does the job of removing pins awesome, instead of pressing it against the ground I held it tight in the pliers to push it the extra needed amount, first attempt & it came out perfectly, so so much for this psu being difficult hehe :D, still though I'll need to dig out an exacto blade so I can heat it up to cut the sleeving well.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0472.jpg

Nils awesome trademark custom cartoon picture :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0473.jpg

40 metres of black sleeving for single wires & I think 10 metres of sata sleeving too, 150 pre-cut heatshrink pieces, a nice length of heatshrink, a pile of pins, a load of cable clip pieces of all the available sizes, enough sata power pass through pieces & a few sata power end pieces, that is all I think :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0474.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0475.jpg

I might only do the CPU cable & the ATX cable tonight but it's on :):up:.

[x88x]

For heating the heatshrink, I would highly recommend picking up a heatgun (or a hair dryer would work too) instead of using the lighter. With a lighter you run a much higher risk of heating the tubing too much or even catching it on fire, plus you're limited in the range of movement that you can use it it. IE, only underneath or maybe to the side of the tubing, whereas with a heatgun you can attack it from any angle, and you can be much more precise in the amount of heat you convey. Plus, the heatgun will force the air into any little nooks and crannies and between wires, getting into those tight spots that you just can't reach with a lighter.

[Waynio]

For heating the heatshrink, I would highly recommend picking up a heatgun (or a hair dryer would work too) instead of using the lighter. With a lighter you run a much higher risk of heating the tubing too much or even catching it on fire, plus you're limited in the range of movement that you can use it it. IE, only underneath or maybe to the side of the tubing, whereas with a heatgun you can attack it from any angle, and you can be much more precise in the amount of heat you convey. Plus, the heatgun will force the air into any little nooks and crannies and between wires, getting into those tight spots that you just can't reach with a lighter.

Luckily I have the option of both :), it's just that with the sleeving pack it said best results with a lighter by sweeping it past carefully, but it may have said that for those without a heatgun.
I have used a heatgun for a light bit of sleeving & it burnt the sleeving but then again I wasn't using the correct size heatshrink :facepalm: anyway I brought the heatgun over also so I can find out which works best, thanks for mentioning though 88 :):up:.

[Waynio]

This lot took me ages to sort out, the place I bought my molex cable & fan cable mixed them together & they were a nightmare to untangle.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0476.jpg

My first 2 ok crimps.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0477.jpg

My first 2 wires done, but I'll be taking these out to re do them, so I'll use the rest of the atx crimp pins to get my technique perfect, but I had to make a new order for a pile of female crimp pins & a tiny bit more sleeving & some nice black fan headers, so yeah the sleeving is back on hold for the time being, at least I'll be good & ready to go at it like I know what I'm doing when it gets here :) & yes I now realise the heat shrink should only be showing a little which is why I'll re do these to get it perfect :up:.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0478.jpg

The lighter worked out best for me, tried the heat gun but it was blowing the heat shrink around too much lol whereas the lighter worked perfectly :up:.

[Waynio]

OK now I feel the pain on my finger tips but moreso blisters from clenching the pliers lol but thats mostly because of the DIY pin remover I'm using (a grinded flat piece of a paper clip & using pliers to drive it through) lmao :D, hopefully I never laughed at anyone when they mentioned it is painful because now it's time for them to say haa haaaa :P if I ever did :D, think I just did in my mind :D, anyway I'm glad to say I'm not creating any waste since last night & I have a trick up my sleeve for getting any of the heatshrinks that aren't the same, a razer to finish them off ;), but they are very close but I'll leave it to you lot to judge :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0479.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0480.jpg

LOL I keep nodding off to sleep, I better jump on my bed :D.

[SXRguyinMA]

nice work! looks great!

[xr4man]

very nicely done. the heatshrink looks great to me.

[x88x]

Nicely done! And yes, the proper tool does make pulling those pins a lot easier. ;)

[Waynio]

nice work! looks great!


very nicely done. the heatshrink looks great to me.


Nicely done! And yes, the proper tool does make pulling those pins a lot easier. ;)

Thanks guys :):up: the reason I avoided investing in an atx pin remover is I've heard quite a lot of people say they aren't much good & they break too easily but I think I should have got one anyway & just be careful with it but anyway I'll do an awesome cross type tool that does all the pin removing jobs in one :D:up:.

[Waynio]

Haha I couldn't resist waiting for the crimp pins & used the final 8 female pins for an extension lol.

I took the pictures first under my daylight bulb & then with a shade covering the shine & it gives a dramatically different look, looks blingy under direct light & like awesome shoe laces without :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0481.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0482.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0483.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0484.jpg

So thats the CPU & ATX cable done :).

[Waynio]

Ahaa just when I thought I'd run out of things to sleeve with the bits I have I thought I'd make a start on the sata power cables, next up is fan sleeving I used nothing but the scrap stuff I have for doing these so I reclaimed all the black wire & put all of it to use & I'll be able to finish these off easily with the waste sleeving & still have plenty for shortish sleeving jobs, I'm now quite confident I'll be able to sleeve everything :).

Only got 1 WIP pic of this bit & it's pretty dark.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0485.jpg

Couldn't take this any further as I need the female crimp pins.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0486.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0487.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0488.jpg

Plus I already have the left angle sata cables & they are sata 3 :).

[SXRguyinMA]

those came out awesome! +rep

[Waynio]

those came out awesome! +rep

Thanks mate :):up:, the sata power cables could have been done a little better but I aint pulling it all apart to re do them lol :D.

[Waynio]

Got the package from Nils & from KustomPC but they ran out of black molex wire & spade connectors for the vandal switches so thats on back order.

Just need to find the bunch of ac ryan molex pass through adaptors I have laying around somewhere but in fear of not being able to find them I made an order from America (performance-pcs) as that was the only place I know that sells them now which is odd as they are awesome molex pass through plugs, I chose the ceapest delivery option so might take some time for them to arrive.

The 9 fan splitter cable is perfect for what I have planned with it & it looks to me like it uses MDPC sleeving too which really surprised me.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0489.jpg

This shot shows the fan splitter next to MDPC sleeving, I'd say it's the same stuff but for taking a wider load.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0490.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0495.jpg

A few of the sample pieces I have & the red seems to glow :D I'm already looking forward to doing a multi coloured sleeving job some time in the future :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0491.jpg

Load of female ATX crimp pins & fan crimp pins :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0492.jpg

Load of fan plugs.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0493.jpg

Lian-Li wire kit as I'm sick of not having printed mobo headers for my switches lol & also a psu tester which will be very handy for testing fans/lights but I got this one for using on the stack unit to replace the paper clip I use on it :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0494.jpg

And here is a shot of a very rough idea of what I'll be doing with the fan splitter.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0496.jpg

So back I go to finish all the sleeving if possible & I won't do another update on the sleeving until it's complete :D.

[Waynio]

Wow that was a needed change of modding :D.

I found the sata power pass through holes weren't quite big enough so had to make them bigger, also not pictured here I added 2 10mm countersunk pass through holes for fans close to the corner & also made a mount for an ssd aligned to do another sata power cable that powers the ssd & optical, the cable for that will be extremely short :D, still need to mod the angle & square bar in the bottom to allow fan cables to go underneath the hdd cages.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0497.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0498.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0499.jpg

The ssd mount is just a small piece of 10mm flat bar that mounts the ssd & a 20mm flat bar that connects to the 10mm one & screws into the panel by 1 bolt, nice & simple :).

Also made the mobo panel power pass through holes bigger since I'm using extenders for those.

So now I can continue with the sleeving honestly can't wait until I complete the sleeving :D.

[x88x]

Nice SSD mount. I love the simplicity. :up:

[Waynio]

Nice SSD mount. I love the simplicity. :up:

Thanks 88 :):up:.

Just finished all the sata power cables :) & got some pics of it all including the floating ssd :D been doing very well at using up the waste sleeving, sorry about the poor quality pics but I'll make up for that when it's all completed ;).

Oh yeah & so much for no more updates until I finish the sleeving, I'm in a habit of updating as I make progress :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0500.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0501.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0502.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0503.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0504.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0505.jpg

[Waynio]

OK Partial update lol

This shows why I went & had a go at making the sleeved ATX extender become the main ATX cable, it was silly long lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0506.jpg

Tested out crimping onto 2 wires & to be honest it went fine.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0507.jpg

And was also able to plug it with sleeving in the socket.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0508.jpg

Snipped all the ends off the extender end I didn't need.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0509.jpg

Started on making the 4 dual wires, I used wire strippers near the end of the wire to create an opening where I could join a 2nd wire.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0510.jpg

2nd Wire tristed around nice & tight & knotted.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0511.jpg

Cut the pre sized heatshrinks in half & applied over the wire.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0512.jpg

Covered it completely.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0513.jpg

And here with sleeving & heatshrink on & crimped ready for installing to the corsair cable & to merge the custom cable to the thoroughly awkward corsair dual socket.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0514.jpg

Then the rest well....

I need a new replacement corsair AX850 ATX cable as I took the wires out of the wrong end & yes I didn't just take 1 out, I took 12 out without realising I was focusing on the wrong end so I don't know where the heck to put the new wires so I emailed corsair explaining my situation & hopefully they'll help me out on this & soon, I don't expect it for free but I just hope they can help.

[Waynio]

An awesome chap on another forum made a diagram of where the wires go on this AX850 psu & shared it with me so saved me having to wait for corsair to help out which was a huge relief :).

Well I completely ran out of heat shrink after completing the main ATX cable d'oh so yeah to keep the sleeving of a consistant quality I had to make an order just for heat shrink :( but at least this time I will be able to dedicate a good chunk of the week to getting started on the windows :), I'd expect any future efforts for doing a sleeving job I'll only need to do the 1 order :D.

Here is the atx cable :), not as neat as an extender as wires cross all over the thing with it having 3 ends but I'll have no clutter around the psu now ;).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0515.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0516.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0517.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0518.jpg

[Waynio]

I got back to the fabrication side of things since I can't do any more sleeving until I get the extra heatshrink :) & wow I really thought this would take a bit longer to do but I breezed through all the windows in a few hours & only a few of them needed a tiny bit of filing to fit in lol but it looks like the alu needs giving a nice finish again & the edges of the acrylic still need sanding so they are nice & smooth which should keep me busy for tomorrow :D.

Of course I'd love to rip the protective backing off to show it off good but I want to keep it all perfect for when the time is right :D.

So I thought about reducing the scuffs the jigsaw leaves by covering the base of it with masking tape, it worked :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0519.jpg

Here is the 1000mm x 500mm x 3mm light tint acrylic ready marked, was nice & simple to do, just plonked the side panels on & traced around the holes.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0520.jpg

First panel done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0521.jpg

Both panels done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0522.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0523.jpg

At this rate if I go & buy a bunch of clamps this week some time I could do the acrylic curve this week also but I still need to add sata data pass through holes on the motherboard tray.

[Waynio]

Here is a sample of the light tint acrylic stuck to the 2mm clear acrylic, can't say I'm impressed really but maybe it would look better than bolts especially if I only used a faint blob on the edges of the ends of the windows, other option would be to make sure it all gets an even coat of the adhesive so it's all uniform.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0527.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0528.jpg

[Waynio]

Well I'm very eager to get these windows stuck but I'm gonna have to wait for the glue syringes to arrive so I can apply it better, dunking something in the glue & trying to apply it is just not gonna happen as it leaves a trail of adhesive & makes applying it a nightmare lol so instead took a few more pics of the side panel & 1 piece peeled back a bit as a teaser lol :D & it's in the best lighting possible broad daylight.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0529.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0530.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0531.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0532.jpg

Hopefully I'll be able to continue really soon :crossed:.

Nearly forgot to add the following.
Going off the testing I just done though I'll go with applying a tiny blob of the adhesive to both ends & the middle to fix the windows to a 1 piece clear acrylic internal panel that bolts on from the outside, it will give a slight imperfection to the windows but it'll look better than bolts I think :).

[x88x]

Mmm, that should look nice. :D

[Waynio]

Mmm, that should look nice. :D

Cheers 88 :):up: but I missed my chance of getting to the sorting office again so nothing new until I do :facepalm:.

[Waynio]

I went & cut the dark tint to go with original plan of alternating the tints I also had to mount the 2mm clear acrylic pieces to the other side before I could stick the windows to it & had to bolt it down in quite a few spots so the tinted windows would stay flush.

Yeah so the function part is spot on but cosmetically if viewed from some perspectives & with the right lighting it looks bad but found under the good lighting in my room it looks pretty sweet.

Enjoy the pics for now though :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0534.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0535.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0536.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0537.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0538.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0539.jpg

This shot really shows how bad looking the blobs are.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0540.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0541.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0542.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0543.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0544.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0545.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0546.jpg

One panel partially done but requires some good thinking to hide the adhesive messes :D.

And up next the right panel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0547.jpg

Suggestions welcome, not sure if I should re attempt doing these windows with a different fixing technique, I have thought about adding trim but wow I'll need to ponder on designs that will compliment the original design which will be hard but doable I think, could even prompt me to try something a little arty but it would have to be quite subtle to look right :D.

[x88x]

Looks nice. :up:

[Waynio]

Looks nice. :up:

Cheers 88 :):up:.

Stewed on it for a while & listened to other peoples suggestions & Monkey Puzzle on bit-tech came up with a great solution that allows to keep with the original design, basically it's using thicker acrylic at 5mm thick & make each window about 10 to 20mm longer on both ends, then file the face of the extended ends down by 3mm & slot in place using simple clear strong mounting tape on the tabs, this way I can keep it all perfectly clean looking :).

Ordered the new acrylic & new alu sheet & in the meantime I'll get the sleeving completed & with being busy doing this project I've not been gaming & not been buying new games so the spare cash went on this, 1 thing for sure is I won't be doing another megabuild for quite a while after this lol, I'll probably do some really cheap ones though :D.

[Waynio]

One last look at the case before I do the new panel & windows, the new alu sheet came today.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0548.jpg

Got the ATX, CPU, PCI-X, Sata power cables complete & my index finger is partially numb with grasping the pliers soooo hard lol, hopefully feeling will return & it's only temporary :eek::D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0549.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0550.jpg

And tested all cables ;).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0551.jpg

Still got Molex cables & fan cables to sleeve but they should be far far far easier going on my hands lol :D.

I sent corsair the email to jackflash & ramguy on the 24-Mar about me knackering the main ATX cable when trying to sleeve it, even mentioning I'm willing to pay for it since it was me who screwed up the cable lol then I joined their forum after googling about corsair support & seeing quite a few people waiting forever, made a new thread just to get in the picture of how it works, a moderator said they don't reply but instead just send out the replacement cables as soon as they are available, anyway I got an email on the 28th saying they don't have any at the moment but as soon as they have they'll get 1 sent out :), the next day I got another email saying thanks for contacting corsair customer support please allow 1-2 business days for process :).

Today it arrived in the post :D awesome, thats good going since it had to ship from America :) but an awesome chap on another forum made diagrams of where the wires go before starting doing his so I had it fixed well before the replacement cable came lol but nontheless corsair came though :).

So I guess people who have been waiting a really long time either didn't communicate too well with them or contacted the wrong email or it got lost in post, for me they were very good & I wouldn't need to think twice about buying more corsair stuff, good service & I'd expect even better if your in the US :) so I give corsair 2 thumbs up :).

Here is the new cable not that it's needed now though.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0552.jpg

[x88x]

Great to hear about Corsair's customer support. The only interaction I've had with them was RAM RMA's (most likely a different group too), but they were always very prompt with those.

[Waynio]

Great to hear about Corsair's customer support. The only interaction I've had with them was RAM RMA's (most likely a different group too), but they were always very prompt with those.

Yeah they made a good impression on me so now know why people stick with them :):up: shame they don't have a closer base though I automatically thought they would have with being so popular :D.

The acrylic has landed so have the materials to get started :banana:.

[billygoat333]

holy wow this thing has progressed since the last time I saw it!! I absolutely love this case!! very cool.

[Waynio]

holy wow this thing has progressed since the last time I saw it!! I absolutely love this case!! very cool.

Thanks a lot billygoat333 :):up:.

Ah you will all just have to take my word for it that I've completed the alu work on the new side panel & for the first time ever I modded out in the garden & wow it was a really nice change, had a bit to clean up but was worth it, so much nicer modding out in the open with the sun out, hopefully it will be nice the next day or 2 so I can carry on modding outside :).

Got the sheet marked, cut, all the windows cut out, mounting holes added, filed & sanded all the inside & outside edges & brushed both sides, you have all seen this process before lol, this time I didn't even clamp the panel down while cutting so was able to complete the cutting a lot faster than usual & was just as accurate.

Tomorrow if I can find the time I'll start on cutting the 5mm acrylic windows

Ah who am I kidding I just had to go & take a picture even though you've all seen this many times, not got my tripod at hand though, making this case has been a little like playing braid lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0553.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0554.jpg

And here is the window pieces from my last effort, taken this morning so had the tripod at hand.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0555.jpg

[x88x]

making this case has been a little like playing braid lol :D.

Hahahaha, delightfully nerdy statement. :D

The new window/side panel looks great.

[Waynio]

Hahahaha, delightfully nerdy statement. :D

The new window/side panel looks great.

Really made sense to me to put that in there :D thanks 88 :).

Would have got all the 5mm windows cut to size today but something came up so had to pack up, anyway got back onto it in the evening & with my new love of modding under a nice blue sky :D I carried on until it got dark, the spotlight on the jigsaw is so awesome :up: all of the windows for the left panel are cut to size, I'm doing it so I can decide which would be best for the tint so could go all light tint or all dark tint or do it all any combination, still need to add the steps on the ends but that shouldn't take long as long as I can come up with a speedy & accurate way to do it.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0556.jpg

I'll try to get the right panel windows all cut to size in the morning :).

[Waynio]

Ok so I got all the windows cut to size, had a few experimental hiccups on trying to add the 3mm steps so decided to try using the 10mm milling bit in the drill press again, I clamped a 2mm thick straight piece of acrylic in the right spot & just run them accross to take 3mm off for the steps, got them done nice & quick, it's a bit edgy doing this so need extremely firm grip to do it right, there is 1 piece that was a total fail on the left panel & 1 or 2 other windows that could do with a re-make but all in all not bad :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0557.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0558.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0559.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0560.jpg

I'll get the failed window re made & if I have enough spare I'll re-make the 2 that could be better :).

[Waynio]

Here are a few of the windows with the drill press milled stepped edges lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0561.jpg

In this shot you might be able to see the 2 imperfect windows, from top to bottom or right to left, the 2nd & 3rd upper windows I milled about 2mm off where I should have so these 2 will be replaced before I call this case complete :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0562.jpg

The rest of these pics I did outside as a little sunshine was peeking throuh the clouds, it was windy though & where I originally placed them they both got slammed on the ground so I planted them in the soil up against the fence :D, no damage was done, just a little dirt that'll blow off :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0563.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0564.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0565.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0566.jpg

The surface of the alu could use a re brushing again lol :).

[Waynio]

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0567.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0568.jpg

Finally got to the diy store to get dowel rods & a bunch of clamps yaaay :D.

So now the 2 I have already added to this bunch makes 10 clamps so can go & make the curved acrylic piece when I'm ready now :).

The B3 rev motherboard came today too :).

[Waynio]

This is what the rods are for, something solid to bend the acrylic against :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0569.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0570.jpg

Made a start, mounted, drilled & tapped an angle bar for the acrylic to attach to for the bottom end, if I get chance tomorrow I'll finish off placing the cut down rods, cut a long thin strip of acrylic, bend it against it to find out precisely how long it needs to be & to see how good a curve I can do, then cut the acrylic piece & get it fixed on :D.

Now I'd better switch over the motherboards :).

[x88x]

Coming along beautifully. Great work. :D:up:

[Waynio]

Coming along beautifully. Great work. :D:up:

Thanks 88 :).

Laying the case down was the easiest way to place the rods but needed a bit of weight to stop it falling off the work top.

Took hours to get it so I could use the clamps.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0571.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0572.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0573.jpg

First time I some how introduced a couple of cracks to the sheet so used it as a practice piece to see what I've gotten myself into lol.

Second time all was going ok but was just another learning bit lol.

Third & last time as I don't have any more of this length acrylic to try again went well kind of lol so I'm going to try & use the majority of the window & I think I'll have to come up with a different solution, maybe a mix of window & little part of my backup plan, if I didn't add the extra lip curve I'd have done it easily but man that extra curve lip made it really really difficult lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0574.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0575.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0576.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0577.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0578.jpg
To be continued :D.

To be honest I'm kinda happy I went wrong lol allows me to come up with an addition to make it better than just a window :D, now I need to brew up a nice addition, already got an idea storm whirling together in my head hehe :).

[x88x]

Hmmm, interested to see what you decide to do with that front.. :think:

[Waynio]

Hmmm, interested to see what you decide to do with that front.. :think:

Came to the conclusion I can still do the window but to keep it in place all along the curve I'll have to use 1mm sheet alu overlapping the seams & vent areas I'll do my mesh thing on 3mm pieces of alu & an internal piece that lets the outside 1mm sheet fix so the acrylic & meshes are fixed in place nicely, this allows for some nice features that are hard to do to a high standard so the low standard will be hidden :D.

Here is a seriously rough idea of what I'll do :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0579.jpg

I might think up something better, we'll see.

[x88x]

Interesting...well, I'll say one thing. I sure am glad you fab better than you draw. :P

[Waynio]

Interesting...well, I'll say one thing. I sure am glad you fab better than you draw. :P

:D Never been good at drawing with a mouse lol, the hand drawing I tried on paper is far better :D.

But I'm not quite ready to quit trying for a full window, Sniiipe dog on bit-tech mentioned trying freehand bending which made the cogs start turning with something John said about using gravity for easier bending so I've ordered enough for 6 attempts, overkill I know lol but if I get it right on the first attempt then it's just a pile of extra materials for something else :).

So the new approach will be to fix the window to the top of the lip then go freehand bending to get it past the top curve, then take the window off, put the rods back in, fix the window back on, heat it & let gravity get it to the desired shape :), 1 curve is easy, multi curve makes it trickier.

[Waynio]

OK so while waiting for the new materials & me having 2 msi p67a-gd65's at hand because of the switcharoo I was able to mark up presiecly where the sata holes should be, also to my horror the 24 pin was way further down than my other mobo lol so had to extend the hole, I will definitely need to make the 24 pin pass through hole tidiers now lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0580.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0581.jpg

Used a 7mm drill bit to poke holes through all the sata passthroughs & got busy filing, took ages as I had to use tiny files which take ages to get through normal thickness, the mobo panel is 4mm thick lol, the file jumped out now & again & I heavily scratched the surface, I then sanded all the inside edges, then used satinising mops :D was able to get rid of the scratches & re brush both sides of the panel & this time I put masking tape on both sides since this panel is complete now to preserve the nice finish for when it all gets put back together ;).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0582.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0583.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0584.jpg

Actually I might need to put an extra hole in this panel for the power button cable & might decide to add an extra power cable pass hole so it isn't too cramped to get wires through :).

[Waynio]

Seven attempts at doing the double curve piece & this was the best out of the lot but is not to the standard I wanted I have enough acrylic for 2 more attempts but struggling to see the point in trying again so I'm taking a break from the project to see if I can think up a good alterative, best way to get this double curve piece done would be to have it thermo formed but I don't know how to get the precise curve line accross to a place that does this & even then I'd need to add the mounting holes & knowing my luck I'd shatter it lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0585.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0586.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0588.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0589.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0590.jpg

So it's time out while I come up with a good alternative, could be overnight, could be a week or more.

[Waynio]

It's not terrible but wanted it to be much better, there are some areas that are risen & sunk & some warpage, I have 2 more attempts left & after a tip from someone else I was going to get some mdf & make a solid jig to do this on but someone else also suggested using thin alu sheet so I have a bunch of spare 0.7mm sheet left over from my last case so I'll be able to form it to the curve bars & something someone else said a while ago heat that up so it's like a hot plate & it will also be a solid base to get the curves without any warpage, 2 lives left so hopefully I'll get it done properly tomorrow :D I really can't afford to be getting new materials so if I fail again I'll have to do an alternative.

[AmEv]

wootz wootz! The big window is in!

[Waynio]

wootz wootz! The big window is in!

If it would have worked out well I'd have been jumping around shouting woo hoo :D but just can't get it to a good standard :neutral:.

Here I go again I felt quite optimistic starting off lol.

Here is a few of the 0.7mm alu sheet I had spare & the metal shears I used to trim the mounting holes away & then cut what I need to size.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0591.jpg

Clamping the cut to size alu sheets to the case to do the top curve.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0592.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0593.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0594.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0595.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0596.jpg

Top curve done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0597.jpg

Start of the main curve with added alu sheets to the rest of the length which is where it all goes wrong.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0598.jpg

A vision of how it could be with alu sheet.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0599.jpg

Gotta laugh & forget but not to forget trying to do this diy again, 1 curve doable, maybe even 2 curves or more but not if they are to be flush to an existing curve & they all curve the opposite ways :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0600.jpg

Ok I know when I can't win lol, I knew this was going to be the most challenging part of the build & a good learn by doing part of it :D, after 10 attempts I'm calling it quits on the double curve window, what I learnt on trying to do this bit was never try doing double curve in different directions by diy lol, best way to get this done is like others said a big oven & jig or get it thermo formed to perfection by a plastics place well at least for 3mm & above acrylic.

I was either able to do the top curve or the big curve very well but not both on the same piece lol so it's back to the drawing board with what to do, could do a big sprawling alu grill or simple bars or both as bars will introduce even more strength, it could loose a bit of the nice look but sometimes that isn't a bad thing if it improves the structure & if I put enough creative effort into the bars then they could make a nice feature.

Up next? well I have to come up with a nice design that compliments what's already done, I'll get there ;):thumb:.

Actually ideas are in place for a 1mm acrylic sheet for the window with tinting film added + a 1mm full mesh panel + a 1mm pattern panel + nicely shaped tabs to keep everything flush, Just need to draw the fitting design :).

[Waynio]

Took me many hours today to get all the alu sheets in place & got an extra set of hands from my dad else I wouldn't have been able to clamp it all up right (alu sheets on both sides sandwiching the acrylic to make a hot plate effect with the heat gun), the top left mount snapped though lol but carried on to see if it this method works since it's all clamped up, I'll never know for sure since the mount broke but I think if done with long continuous alu sheets it very well could work & nicely but wowzers it really is a true pita to set up lol, maybe if I'd have thought about this method earlier I'd have got it done to a good standard, anyway the alternative is a go go now so I'll get the 1mm polycarbonate sheet ordered & get to work on finalising the designs for the 1mm alu panels :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0601.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0602.jpg
No warpage, couple of slight high/low points but if done with full length alu panels I think it is doable but not putting out more money for acrylic, like said I just wish I'd have thought about this method before when I had a good bit spare, oh well on with plan b :D.

Here is a couple of shots of the sata holes on the mobo panel in good lighting to get this log back on a bright note, so much effort & no progress, but knowledge gained lol :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0603.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0604.jpg

[x88x]

Ouch, more and more bad luck with that window...oh well, maybe plan B will turn out better. ;)

[Waynio]

Ouch, more and more bad luck with that window...oh well, maybe plan B will turn out better. ;)

The double hot plate clamp worked the best though, I think if done with 1 piece lengths of alu & 4 or 6 more clamps it could be done to the exact standard I was aiming for after a couple of tries anyway :D, anyway might have an update on Wednesday.

[Waynio]

I sent a quote request to a plastics shop that has cnc & thermo forming capabilities for prices for the size of piece I need forming & that I want a little cnc doing on it & just worked up a design for the vents & a little extra stealthlow text worked in there :D & a silly doodle I did in sketchup which isn't a cut out but a 1mm sunken bit for painting that I worked in there last minute :D, the vents are of the side panel pattern mirrored, this is easily the best of the 4 I designed so won't show the others, I totally doubt the grin will be put in if this happens lol but the rest will if the price is reasonable & they are able to do the design exactly to my spec :up:.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0605.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0606.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0607.png

This design may have more added to it as it's fresh out of the mind :).

To get the precise curve line I'd just trace around the case & send them the example of what I need :).

[TheMainMan]

Truly sorry to hear about your mum.

[Waynio]

Truly sorry to hear about your mum.

Ah sorry for sharing that grim news but thanks TMM I deleted it out of the post as I probably will most of this bit later on if I'm not too drunk after the wake & wow I'll get drunk real easy with me not being a drinker any more, nearly posted about it a while ago when she was told a couple days left but left it out & carried on modding & visiting, guess it's with me being really dedicated to completing this project asap why I mentioned it, once I complete this project I'll get my fitness right back up as I've replaced excercise with modding since November last year & really see modding as a great use of excess energy unlike feeling like a gerbal on a wheel, I had side bellys before starting this mod & now they are virtually gone with all the elbow polish I've been putting in lol :D I want a rowing machine that can generate enough electricity to power my gaming pc, now that would make awesome sense to get some exercise, must invent it some how :D.

I've never seen a dead body before yet alone watch someone take their last breaths, I would say she went out peaceful & she did appear to do so but about 1 minute before she went her eyes opened up looking alert & focused but straight ahead for about 30 seconds, kinda disturbed me a little then they closed & not long after nothing not exactly a good memory to remember of her but doubt I'll ever forget it, I like to think she seen a crazy looking tour guide that appears scary at first but is actually an incredibly nice being that guides you to the next stage :) either that or just like a nice infinitely long peaceful sleep free of thought.

But please anyone else try & forget about me mentioning it, was a mistake sharing the news, I feel better just keeping the project going, I guess I've been wanting to let some kind of emotion out for the past 5 weeks, but I think I'm lucky I got to 33 really with both parents so got to know them well.

So back to the project log, keep the face or not lol :D & what do you think of the vents if I go CNC, a first for me :D but thought why the heck not since I'd be getting it thermo formed & they do CNC also.

[TheMainMan]

I think that the vents would break up the vast expanse of plastic well. Having just the text would seem out of place without some design around it in my opinion. As long as the price is right, I say go for it.

[Waynio]

I think that the vents would break up the vast expanse of plastic well. Having just the text would seem out of place without some design around it in my opinion. As long as the price is right, I say go for it.

Yeah I think your right mate, just need to see what kind of price they say for the 156mm x roughly 750mm piece.

Just seen the funeral though & got back from the wake & I am soooooooo utterly mashed I was getting given tripple shots of whisky & was knocking them back & had countless pints of guiness all day & I very rarely drink, tomorrow is gonna be a naaassstyyy hangover I think, I feel like garbage already should have stuck with good old coffee for the wonderful level headedness, it's amazing I'm capable of typing this really right now.

[x88x]

Sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like she was a great person. Like I say; mourn the death, but celebrate the life. :) Sounds like you've got that well covered. ;)

The new panel looks good too. It's a shame you have to resort to getting someone else to fab it though, just because everything else in this case you've done 100% from stock materials to finish.

[Waynio]

Sorry to hear about your mom. She sounds like she was a great person. Like I say; mourn the death, but celebrate the life. :) Sounds like you've got that well covered. ;)

The new panel looks good too. It's a shame you have to resort to getting someone else to fab it though, just because everything else in this case you've done 100% from stock materials to finish.

Thanks 88 :):up: lol can't believe how wasted I got yesterday :D luckily no hangover though just felt a tiny bit rough, sorted now though :).

Yeah thats right about it'd be a shame to go to a pro to get it done but as I thought the cost has scared me away from the idea :D.

Just got the price quote from the plastics shop.

Price for moulding tool £67.20 vat included
Price for each piece £43.20 vat included
Delivery £14.40 vat included

So for 1 piece say will be £124.80 & I think this is without vents being put in & to have a spare window it would be £168.

Soooo, 4 more clamps £24 -- a new sheet of acrylic for 3 more attempts £15 = £39 diy leaving more than enough change for a diy powder coating setup.

Or

2440mm x 1220mm x 25mm mdf sheet £25 which I'm unsure of how I'd get it here unless I can get b&q to cut it into smaller pieces for easy transport, cutout the shape of curve 7 times, jam them together, put the sheet of acrylic on a flat surface, use a secondary heat gun (dual wielding :D) to get the whole sheet easily formable, then some how move the really softened acrylic to the shaped jig & use the trimmed away jigs as a pressing tool & this should do a perfect thermo form diy for a little more than the clamping method.

Either way DIY window is definitely back in the house :D.

[Waynio]

Yeah mdf is the way I'll go, it's totally possible to get the oven style with heat guns I tested it out on a piece & was able to bend it any way I wanted with ease, ideally though I'll need to put something on the edges of the mdf to keep it from marking the acrylic so possibly tin foil completely smoothed out, I'd also need to put some kind of guide lines in place so it goes precisely & straight.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0608.png

[Waynio]

Revised clamping jig with excess length on both ends :) & for a precautionary backup plan if needed I'm getting some polycarbonate too which is tougher & more formable, when I go at it next time I'm getting it done at last :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0609.png

So just ordered more tinted acrylic & a sheet of polycarbonate, no idea when I'll receive it with all the bank holiday madness at the moment.

The plan is to heat the sheet up on a flat surface so it's droopy, then place it on the bending jig & clamp it down & let it cool, I'll put guide lines so I put it on straight, I'll have to put something on the edges of the mdf so it doesn't mark the acrylic, tips on what to put on the edge of the mdf anyone?.

Still though I'm not 100% sure an mdf jig is necessary, if I bought 4 more clamps & used full length sheets of aluminium I think I could get a perfect result, it came very close when I did my last try & it also had no warping, I do think I'd benefit from using 2 heat guns also.

[msmrx57]

Still though I'm not 100% sure an mdf jig is necessary, if I bought 4 more clamps & used full length sheets of aluminium I think I could get a perfect result, it came very close when I did my last try & it also had no warping, I do think I'd benefit from using 2 heat guns also.

Might I suggest using the aluminum inside the mdf. Just my 2 bits.

[Waynio]

Might I suggest using the aluminum inside the mdf. Just my 2 bits.

Yeah I'll try that :), I'll be in for a fair wait for the new acrylic so I'll straigten out some of the failed ones & have a good practice to see what gives the best results, might be able to get the mdf today.

[Waynio]

Been a while since a real update but the project hasn't died yet lol :D.

There are many ways to fill the middle void but for the time being I want to focus on doing what I originally intended.

Here we go again :D sort of.

First I cut the 1mm sheet alu into an inner piece & outer piece, the scrap left over from the 2 cuts I clamped to the curve & put the motherboard tray in place so I could see exactly where the bottom end should be & to mark where the vents should be, I left about 10mm over for the bottom end of the acrylic.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0613.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0614.jpg

Then I got side tracked with cleaning off all the red marker on the right side panels inside edges, started off using wet&dry strips but was taking forever so painted the edges with wd40 & it came off nice & easy :).

I got the top mount block cut outs done with the internal alu sheet & had to unbolt 1 side of the curve bar so I could get this 1 piece alu sheet in place, if only this was the design lol would be an absolute breeze to just cut a grill pattern into this, oh well I chose the difficult route & I'm sticking with it :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0615.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0616.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0617.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0618.jpg

Anyway I got the clamping pieces ready for tomorrow so might have a solid update of good progress then & if not tomorrow then day after :D.

[Waynio]

Oh yeah this will do me, at freaking last hehe :D.

Window cut to size & vents & top mounting holes added
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0619.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0620.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0621.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0622.jpg

Top little curve beginning, it was soooo difficult setting up this curving procedure with it just being me, but if I'd have been able to get a hand off someone it could have been done a lot easier, instead I had an ultra fiddly time & often had to use my head or chin to tighten the clamps lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0623.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0624.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0625.jpg

Setting up for the big curve.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0626.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0627.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0628.jpg

Crazy clampage :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0629.jpg

It didn't take a solid form of what I was aiming for but once mounted to the bottom mounts & a few added tabs in key spots it should be good.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0630.jpg

And I wrapped it up for the day since it hit midnight lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0631.jpg

Still though I'll need to make some 3mm alu tabs inside & out to hold it flush to the bars & with the top mounting holes being so close to the edge I'd be wise to use washers too & I have done better top curves but this one isn't too bad but if it bothers me enough I might do what some have suggested & combine 2 winning pieces & do something to hide the fact it's 2 separate parts :D.

[Waynio]

I've had a good relax after that & been thinking about how to make the tabs look like a good feature of the mod & other bits of the mod & I've blown the rest of the money from the motherboard switchover refund, could be a few weeks before I get to assemble it all, could be sooner, depends on how things go, I'm going to start getting quotes for anodising tomorrow but have no idea on how to enquire about it to be honest with there being many different pieces, sizes, thicknesses & a couple of different spec of alu, I still need to remove the steel helicoils & brass inserts but I'm not worried about that, it'll get done soon enough & I'll have an alternative ready for once it's been anodised, also gonna have to get the case feet anodised but don't know if they already are or not.

I've ordered some copper so I'll be changing from doing anodised blue internals to anodised copper internals to keep with the colours, was semi split between polished alu or polished copper & copper won as copper & black just looks awesome together :D, got it with the refund from the replacement b3 revision motherboard, I was gonna use the money for a few upcoming games but to be honest I doubt I'd play them until this mod is done so put it into the mod & I'll buy the games once I get this up & running, was gonna get the witcher 2, fable 3 & possibly brink but I think I'll get to see how they do in the reviews now.

The real copper I'm adding is.

DIY mesh for the vents on the window to fill the shape of the big vents I made.

10mm copper tabs that go 15mm over the acrylic & 15mm over the alu bars above & under & nicely rounded & about every 90mm along the full length of the case, even to the bottom so it looks right. Where the vents on the window are they will possibly get full length tabs, all the tabs will be polished & given a protective coat.

:) And the bottom front alu panel 1mm thick exterior panel brushed anodised black with some cut out details with a 2mm thick copper panel with diy mesh & the optical stealthed with 3mm copper piece, sure that isn't exactly stealthed but it should look good :D.

And since I ended up using body filler on the internal fan bars I'm redoing them in copper with properly aligned mounting holes :D so that's my refund gone :D.

--------


Parts getting anodised black
Side panels, curve bars, back panel, external bottom front panel, Bottom panel, a few pieces on the hdd platform.

Parts getting anodised copper colour
Mobo tray, 2nd level, hdd cages.

Parts getting painted either copper or black
Fixing bars, pci/io piece, optical drive.

Parts that will actually be copper
All front meshes, all the holding tabs & all the fan bars.

[Waynio]

Sanded the pci/io piece & primed it, I bought some copper paint to cover it - Toyota Copper metallic & Vauxhall Bright Copper metallic so hopefully between the 2 I can make it look somewhere near the look of copper, was either this or black & since the back panel is going to be black I'd have a go at copper paint, how I left it last night I really wasn't sure about it but I think it turned out pretty good :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0632.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0633.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0634.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0635.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0636.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0637.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0638.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0639.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0640.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0641.jpg

The copper came yesterday :D & wow it weighs a lot compared to aluminium (never worked with it before:)), on the sheet copper though the place sent correct sizes for 2 of the pieces but what should have been a 200x200x2 piece was the same as the other 150x100 sheets so just ordered another sheet & sorted it with the ebayer to refund the difference with free postage.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0642.jpg

Printed out the layout for the cut-outs & drill marks & cut the patterns out & stuck them on with cello tape :D lol it worked though :up: I also pre drilled the curve bars, I'll still need to file slots out of the motherboard tray to take the underside tabs.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0643.jpg

Here is all the tabs & the optical tray cover to a basic cut done on the power fretsaw :D I got it out & messed around with it & wow, wish I did sooner lol :facepalm: it will change the way I mod quite a bit in future mods :up:.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0644.jpg

Test fit of the 2 full length tabs.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0645.jpg

All of them with perfectly flat edges & rounded corners.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0646.jpg

And a finishing shot for this session of the copper pieces with the pci/io piece :), for the tabs I still need to do the underside ones in aluminium & polish the copper & aluminium then the tabs are done, also got to make the copper vents where the vents in the acrylic is, might be tricky as they'll have to be a very good fit & perfect faint curve but it's copper & it's easy to shape when hot as I accidentally found out :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0647.jpg

I didn't get around to phoning the anodising place but will do on Monday :crossed: they'll do it for me :).

[Waynio]

Aluminium underside tabs.

Printed same template & stuck with cello tape, spot drilled, drilled, tapped, cut, put helicoils in & got all the edges straight & gave them all a bevelled edge & mounted to the case, need 2 people to put the window in so left that out for the time being :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0648.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0649.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0650.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0651.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0652.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0653.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0654.jpg

They still need sanding & polishing & 1 of the full length copper bars or aluminium bars need re doing as 1 of them doesn't line up 100%.

[BS Mods]

This looks more and more awesome every time I check back. Keep up the good work!

[Waynio]

This looks more and more awesome every time I check back. Keep up the good work!

Thanks mate :):up: I'm considering not anodising now & instead keeping everything brushed & polished, if the pci/io piece doesn't fit in well then I'll strip it down & paint a more fitting colour :).

[Waynio]

Got the window installed so I could find the precise line I need to cut & also marked up on the right curve bar for the notches on the mobo tray that need filing down a little, I found 1 of the front fan mount bars was extremely close to the tabs so when I make the fan mount bars out of copper I'll need to file a tiny bit off so it fits without touching the tabs.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0655.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0656.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0657.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0658.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0659.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0660.jpg

A random bunch of pictures with todays effort completed, 1 of the full length tabs is missing it's internal aluminium tab as I'm waiting for helicoils but wooooo I'm happy with todays progress :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0661.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0662.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0663.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0664.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0665.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0666.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0667.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0668.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0669.jpg

Things to do in order.
Remake the fan mount bars from copper.
Make the copper mesh pieces for the front vents.
Make a 1mm thick aluminium bottom front cover.
Make a 2mm thick copper bottom front cover.
File some notches in the bottom hdd cage platform bars for fan cables to pass underneath.
Extend the fan cables & sleeve them.
Install some cable clip tidiers.
Polish the curve bars & tabs.
Brush all panels 1 last time lol.
Take the sandy bridge gear out of air cube, clean it up & install into Stealthlow & jump around like an idiot shouting wooooooooooooo :D.
Take some good pictures :).

[SXRguyinMA]

Wait a staffer actually doing modding work? It can't be true! Who did you pay to do all this for you huh? :D

[Blibbax]

This build is really starting to look awesome. I can't wait to see it finished :D

[AmEv]

Wait a staffer actually doing modding work? It can't be true! Who did you pay to do all this for you huh? :D

Ehm, his boss???

[Waynio]

Wait a staffer actually doing modding work? It can't be true! Who did you pay to do all this for you huh? :D
Me staff? lol :D & who did I pay to do this for me? myself, the price of the service was my 3 previous scratch builds & countless hiccups along the way :D, I'll be doing a monkey to man group photo when it's complete hehe :D so I guess my design & fabrication skills have seriously come a long way since 2008 :eek::banana: if anyone is saying that, cheers SXRguy :D:up:.


This build is really starting to look awesome. I can't wait to see it finished :D
Thanks Blibbax me too I just bought the witcher 2 & I'm itching to play it but I'm holding off on it until this is complete so I can play some awesome games I've been missing out on with doing this since begining of December so if I press on it could be days but I would really have to press on which I will as I'm itching to get stuck into that game :).


Ehm, his boss???
Boss? I don't have a boss :banana:.

[Waynio]

Hi all, I got a suggestion from voigts on bit-tech to use full length strips instead of frankenstein type tabs, it left me in a pickle for a bit as I knew he was right lol so I've since ordered the copper sheet but it could be up to about the 4th of June before I get it, so theres the upcoming change which will delay this a little :).

Sleep pattern fixed I hope :D & took some pictures in better light.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0670.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0671.jpg

Designed & printed & marked the shape of the vents on 4 individual pieces because each 1 will be very slightly different.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0672.jpg

Stuck them down to the 3mm copper sheet with cello tape, I'd do a lot better if I used adhesive spray but don't have any & couldn't be bothered with waiting for a delivery or going out to get some lol :D anyway got it spot drilled & drilled, I was going to use a 4mm drill bit but it was really blunt & getting nothing done so went to the 3.5mm bit.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0673.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0674.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0675.jpg

Then took it to the fretsaw & this was a point where I wish I went & got some spray adhesive so had to be really careful I wasn't going inside the cut line, I really must buy some spray adhesive before I do the other 3, it would make it a lot easier.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0676.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0677.jpg

Cleaned off all the cello tape.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0678.jpg

Got the big stew pan which I partly used for curving the main curve bars & heated up the copper piece a lot & then clamped it at 3 points to make it curved.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0679.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0680.jpg

It was curved a bit too much so had to carefully whack it with a mallet on a solid metal piece so used the vice & with the shape not being exact with it not being stuck down properly I had to take it back & forth to the disc sander shaving bit by bit off until it plonked into the vent hole & here is the first 1 done wooooo :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0681.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0682.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0683.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0684.jpg

[Gtek]

Front of the case (and the rest) looks really nice, but I would strongly suggest to keep it as simple as possible, to preserve the flow of the design. (but that is just my opinion/style)

[licenseless]

is it going to be painted grey or is it going to be copper... just a question...

[Waynio]

Front of the case (and the rest) looks really nice, but I would strongly suggest to keep it as simple as possible, to preserve the flow of the design. (but that is just my opinion/style)

Hey Gtek :) welcome to TBCS :).
Are the vent meshes too much? :D the tabs are getting replaced by long strips when it arrives so should merge well I imagine.

Anyway heres what's planned, nothing more than this ;).

The only things I have planned for the front are these vent meshes, replacing the tabs with about 15mm strips of copper with bevelled edges going from top to bottom to keep the window & bottom panel clamped in.

The bottom front will be replaced with a 1mm sheet of alu that has optical tray & button cut-out & plain hole to go in front of a 2mm copper sheet that has optical tray & button cut-out & diy mesh which will be clamped in place by the long copper strips, already cut out the optical tray cover but yet to make the eject button, then it's all polishing then the front is done :).

But I still haven't decided where I'm putting the power switch but I think it will go on the right curve bar somewhere close to the 2nd level.


is it going to be painted grey or is it going to be copper... just a question...
No paint, I only painted the pci/io piece because I used body filler so couldn't be anodised but I might not be getting it anodised now & considering just finishing it off by re brushing any of the panels that need it & polishing all of the front metal.

Actually not all of the front metal, the 1mm aluminium sheet will be brushed :).

[licenseless]

Hey Gtek :) welcome to TBCS :).
Are the vent meshes too much? :D the tabs are getting replaced by long strips when it arrives so should merge well I imagine.

Anyway heres what's planned, nothing more than this ;).

The only things I have planned for the front are these vent meshes, replacing the tabs with about 15mm strips of copper with bevelled edges going from top to bottom to keep the window & bottom panel clamped in.

The bottom front will be replaced with a 1mm sheet of alu that has optical tray & button cut-out & plain hole to go in front of a 2mm copper sheet that has optical tray & button cut-out & diy mesh which will be clamped in place by the long copper strips, already cut out the optical tray cover but yet to make the eject button, then it's all polishing then the front is done :).

But I still haven't decided where I'm putting the power switch but I think it will go on the right curve bar somewhere close to the 2nd level.


No paint, I only painted the pci/io piece because I used body filler so couldn't be anodised but I might not be getting it anodised now & considering just finishing it off by re brushing any of the panels that need it & polishing all of the front metal.

Actually not all of the front metal, the 1mm aluminium sheet will be brushed :).


so what are you going to do about the copper tarnish... or do you not mind the looks of it loosing its copper look after awhile?

[Waynio]

so what are you going to do about the copper tarnish... or do you not mind the looks of it loosing its copper look after awhile?

:) Yeah I guess there maybe no getting away from it so I just looked up what to use & brass lacquer looks to be the stuff to keep it from losing it's looks, think I'll use it on the polished aluminium also :).

[licenseless]

:) Yeah I guess there maybe no getting away from it so I just looked up what to use & brass lacquer looks to be the stuff to keep it from losing it's looks, think I'll use it on the polished aluminium also :).

:up:

[Waynio]

:up:

:)

Got my head straight with some good much needed rest & got the other 3 vent meshes made today, mucked up on 1 of them somehow so re-made the 1 I mucked up :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0685.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0686.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0687.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0688.jpg

Up next cut, bend & drill the mounting holes in the copper full length tabs.

[Waynio]

Ok so this is why I like the little tabs, they are highly functional & show the fact that the window is flush to the alu curve bars which in itself is pretty cool :) but also it makes taking the window out or the bottom panel out incredibly easy with only needing to untighten the tabs a tiny bit to flip them up or down which releases the panels, also no excess forces.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0689.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0690.jpg

Anyway on to making the full lengths strip tabs, here is 2 25mm strips cut with the jigsaw.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0691.jpg

Also before moving on I put the mounting bar back in for holding the bottom of the window in place as it bulged out a tiny bit & I didn't like that & was scared stupid of wrecking the window while drilling & countersunk the mounting holes lol, it went fine thank goodness :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0692.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0693.jpg

So the actual bending of the copper strips was soooo much more difficult than I anticipated & done heaps of different methods to get the curves I was after but as usual the top curve was a PITA :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0694.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0695.jpg

This is the first thing I really don't like with the copper strip tabs, with it being 3mm thick (I should have chosen 2mm) I think it's tougher than the aluminium as it's pulling the alu curve out by a good 2mm on the top curve, not good.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0696.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0697.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0698.jpg

I placed the left side vent meshes in for a glipse of how it might look :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0699.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0700.jpg

I don't like it as much as the tabs but even though it cost extra to get this copper piece I'm kinda glad I did even if it was just to put the idea into practice to see if I like it or not, sometimes you just know straight away if you like something or not & this is 1 of those things I don't like, doesn't look as good to me & it's a massive hassle with installation & that was without having the window & vent meshes in, so yep I'll be going back to my original tabs & I'll straighten out these copper strips & put them aside for other projects.

So up next is taking measurements of the bottom optical tray, eject button & vent location & designing it & making it :).

[Waynio]

Got the alu curve bar fixed back in shape after the copper ripping it out of shape, it also ripped the helicoil out & knackered the thread for the helicoil so called for drilling the mounting hole with a 4.5mm bit & whacking a brass thread insert in place but it's sorted now, phew :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0701.jpg

Run a little test on countersinking the mesh holes like I did on the back panel, 1 side deep countersinks, the other tiny countersinks, bit iffy with the holes close to the edge as shown but I do quite like this effect :) what do you guys think.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0702.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0703.jpg

Also smoothed off all the tabs by brushing them & they are to a nice colour now, the next stage for these is to polish them.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0704.jpg

Anyway I'm back to where I were the other day but with cleaned up tabs & cleaned up curve bars.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0706.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0707.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0708.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0709.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0710.jpg

So now I need to get the optical drive mounted back in the case so I can take measurements for the bottom front panel design :up:.

[msmrx57]

Looking awesome! I like it with the tabs better as well, I can't quite put my finger on it but it just "works". The vent panels are a nice look.

[licenseless]

you know what... that copper look has just grown on me man... THAT IS NICE!!!

[mDust]

you know what... that copper look has just grown on me man... THAT IS NICE!!!

I like the two tone effect as well. It's not just nice, it's great!

[Waynio]

Looking awesome! I like it with the tabs better as well, I can't quite put my finger on it but it just "works". The vent panels are a nice look.
Think what Gtek said earlier about not adding too much was very correct :), guess it was just too much copper, thanks mate :):up:.


you know what... that copper look has just grown on me man... THAT IS NICE!!!
Thank you licenseless :):up:.


I like the two tone effect as well. It's not just nice, it's great!
:redface: Thanks mate :):up:.

Took the measurements of the locations of the eject button, optical tray & where the front vent should be, then designed it & went to work on it, still need to re-make the alu panel as I carelessly turned the piece while being distracted by something :D so cut it in a wrong spot accidentally, also need to do the diy mesh on the copper panel but got a few shots while there was a touch of blue sky & it really was just a touch :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0711.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0712.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0713.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0714.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0715.jpg

[Blibbax]

/drool

[Waynio]

/drool

Hehe Cheers Blibbax :D:up:.

Re-made the front alu piece & brushed it & laid a mesh template down on the copper piece & spot drilled, drilled with a 3.5mm bit & then a 7mm bit & then countersink madness :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0716.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0717.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0718.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0719.jpg

[Waynio]

Nearly had a disaster for my power drill, jigsaw & fretsaw as I forgot about a spot in the garage that leaks when raining heavy, the jigsaw & power drill escaped the water but the fretsaw was covered in it & it also lost it's ability to tighten up the blade properly before this so I took it all apart to dry it all off & to see why I can't tighten it, figured as much the thread had worn away & I've barely used it but didn't let it put me off using it & wooooo I love using it for complex cuts, really really nice, but want to get a better one as I could only use the pin less blades a couple of times, it has a really crappy method for using pin less but it's fine for pinned blades so I'll stay with that until I can afford a new better one :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0720.jpg
:D I got the feeling whenever there was too much copper built up in an area it didn't quite make me smile or it did & then I'd be saying to myself it needs something else so I set about designing a different alu panel to break it up a little & man am I glad I did :D, been a while since I've cut something nice like this & it's got me hooked on the fretsaw :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0721.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0722.jpg

But was all out of 0.7mm alu so had to use 1mm, the copper sheet for the mesh panel is 2.25mm so the 0.7mm made it a perfect flush fit so think I'll have to either sand the copper panel down 0.3mm across the whole face of it or just give a faint bevel on the alu panel.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0723.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0724.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0725.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0726.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0727.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0728.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0729.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0730.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0731.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0732.jpg

I think this piece might have come about from the moral boost from comments so thanks everyone :):up: & keep em coming :D.

I'm going to add something different in place of the stretched copper tabs also :):up:.

[licenseless]

if you ask me... this is much nicer and goes with the flow of the case than the copper tabs (and i know it was just used to clamp stuff down but it still looked better)

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0694.jpg

thats just my opinion man... but keep up the good work

[AmEv]

If you could combine both (with arches in the copper to support removal........


But MAN THAT THING IS HUGE!

[BS Mods]

if you ask me... this is much nicer and goes with the flow of the case than the copper tabs (and i know it was just used to clamp stuff down but it still looked better)

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0694.jpg

thats just my opinion man... but keep up the good work



^^^^ I agree

[Waynio]

if you ask me... this is much nicer and goes with the flow of the case than the copper tabs (and i know it was just used to clamp stuff down but it still looked better)

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0694.jpg

thats just my opinion man... but keep up the good work
Not given up on the idea, seemed to have gathered some motivation after doing that bottom panel :).


If you could combine both (with arches in the copper to support removal........


But MAN THAT THING IS HUGE!
That is another alternative :), I think it'll look pretty normal once the hardware goes in :).


^^^^ I agree
Seems a popular choice then :D, it was voigts who suggested it he has a good eye for quality :).

I'm trying to think of a way to implement the copper curve bars but I found it was too much copper & it didn't look right to me, plus it messed up the form of the aluminium curve, fixed it now but it'll require a good bit more work on them to make them a perfect fit without it adding excess force to the main structure, I'm considering using the drill press & the milling bit I have to route a 10mm channel 1mm deep to place aluminium in there & so the mounts go through the alu, I'm not certain but I think it'll look much better than big plain copper bars.

Another alternative but requires a purchase of 1.2mm copper sheet is to do a pyramid step type form so a 25mm copper bar, then a aluminium one then a copper bar & the middle 1 being the mounting one.

Heres a concept of both.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0733.png

I was going to make an alternative for the tabs that stretch across the case but everyone saying do those :D so came up with a couple of alternatives that I think would look better, so let me know what you think, cheers :).

[licenseless]

man either way looks nice to me

the inlay of aluminium on copper is AWESOME!!!

[Waynio]

man either way looks nice to me

the inlay of aluminium on copper is AWESOME!!!

Thanks mate :), I'll remake the stretched tabs that are currently on it & make my mind up from there, it's possible it'll look good once I change those 2 tabs, but I'll still do a small piece to see how the inlayed alu in copper looks to help make my mind up :up:.

[Waynio]

Well rested & back on form, shame my tools aren't :facepalm: decided to give the copper bars another shot but with a strip of alu in the middle like in the concept pics I shown earlier, got 1 of the copper strips straightened back out.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0733.png

Here I am getting the centre of the copper bar aligned with alu flat bars clamped in place to stop it moving around, I did clamp extra bars on top to hold it in place properly vertically too but it made it so the copper couldn't slide through :neutral:, anyway it all went wrong because of the crappy drill table moving up or the chuck letting the mill bit move down & ended up milling all the way through the flipping piece grrrr, think I'll accept I can't mill good with a drill press now :wacky:.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0734.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0735.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0736.jpg

The main problem is getting the correct depth when doing this, takes ages to set the depth & for it to stay there, I tightened it all up good & proper but still just wasn't enough, mills are way too expensive for me so next best in line is a router.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0737.jpg

But I can safely say the full length copper pieces will not happen on this, I tried with what I've got & failed so I'll keep working on tabs & reserve the copper for something else.

Just taking a quick time out to post this, then I'm getting back onto it :D.

[licenseless]

under neath the clamps on the exit side of the path for the copper... place another piece of metal above that so that the copper has to ride underneath it like a bridge to hold the copper in place so it doesnt want to flex up causing it to rise and drill all the way threw...

basically make a guide... so you have two pieces of metal giving it the path and two more pieces of metal going perpendicular to those two pieces forcing the copper down.... does that make since...

and keep it lubed baby yeah hahahaahaha

[Waynio]

under neath the clamps on the exit side of the path for the copper... place another piece of metal above that so that the copper has to ride underneath it like a bridge to hold the copper in place so it doesnt want to flex up causing it to rise and drill all the way threw...

basically make a guide... so you have two pieces of metal giving it the path and two more pieces of metal going perpendicular to those two pieces forcing the copper down.... does that make since...

and keep it lubed baby yeah hahahaahaha

hehe :D, Yeah makes sense mate :up: but it wasn't that that caused it to go deep, it was either the drill platform moved to a different higher height which is doubtful so I'll rule that possibility out, I'd say it was the milling bit came down a bit causing it to cut deeper, it went too far along to make this piece usable & the copper is too expensive to be wasting like that, so I'm not sure I'll bother with copper strips, not got deep enough pockets lol, was ok with the acrylic as it wasn't expensive but the copper :eek::D.

I'll find a solution to make it good though :):up:.

Didn't get to do any more on it today, garage got taken over :D, but was sunny again so took a couple extra pictures :D, also flipped the copper mesh around & think it's more fitting with tiny countersinks so matches the other front vents better, so will need to make a new eject button hole.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0738.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0739.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0740.jpg

[Waynio]

Gonna have to drill & bung a thread insert into the clamping piece inside the fretsaw, it will not tighten up so the blade is very slack so it's only any good for thin or soft materials & even then can pop out quite easy so I'll need to find out the thread size so I can maybe even make my own, the blade keeps popping out when cutting thicker metal, so irritating.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0741.jpg

Made a few tabs out of 5mm acrylic but prefer the copper so wasn't able to make a few with the fretsaw & my hacksaw died a bit ago which just leaves the jigsaw or manual fretsaw as an option lol grrr, manual fretsaw the blades keep breaking very easily (I must just lack technique on using it like any new tool) just not as good as a powered one for me, with the powered one I could effortlessly cut how I wanted on the line & I just can't with a manual one without a heap of practice.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0742.jpg

Finally got around to re-painting the pci/io piece with the far better copper spray :D & think that's the best news in this update lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0743.jpg

And here is the vent meshes showing what it looks like with the small copper tabs & acrylic tabs but while I don't prefer the look of the full stretch tabs I just can't ignore they do what's needed which is to keep the panels at the same level all along the full length, they will be re-made so they haven't got the un-needed extra countersunk hole, might even thin them down in the middle so they don't stand out as much.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0744.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0745.jpg

There is however another way to keep it so the window is held in place nicely & that would be to add a couple more tabs just below the vents but it would put the spacing out a bit.

Or even JB weld the internal tabs in place & just go & do full length tabs so it's easier to install & remove a full length tab.

I'm getting way too indecisive about what I'm doing regarding the tabs, it's just not fun modding, would have probably completed this by now if I chose to pass on the full length strips.

I'm sure the sudden increase of heat isn't helping neither, I tend to mod best in the cold, keeps me more alert & not slouchy, been 1 of those days where I'm lingering in the garage thinking what on earth should I do :think:.

[Waynio]

Had a thought & it might be a good one or bad :D, since seeing JB weld getting used a bit lately, I wonder if it's possible & what would happen if I layered strips of 1mm alu & 1mm copper on top of each other if it would stay firm when removing the main curve bars & avoiding the need to use bolts, could give it a very clean look or it could just fall apart when removed, I just don't know, there is a bit of force in the window & the curve bars which is a part of what keeps it all strong so layering up while it's in this form maybe it could make it keep the form when removed, either that or the adhesive on the stuck on bits would just crack & pop off lol & I'd be gutted :D I'd put a strip of 1mm alu on the inside too.

I do think if the adhesive is up to the challenge it could work well but could use a little feedback if you think it could do it, I checked out with google to see how strong it is compared to welding & some say it's about 30% of the strength of the material while welding is just as strong & the 30% is only when the material is prepped properly, I wouldn't be able to smother it on neither, wouldn't want it to squeeze out making a mess so just enough to let it get stuck well, I'm thinking for the top layer it would be a minimal strip of the adhesive to stop it making a mess.

If that was to work well I'd be able to remove the whole lot as 1 piece by unbolting at the top rear & bottom front, but that would be putting a lot of faith into the strength of the adhesive though.

What do you guys think? is JB weld good enough for this?.

[Waynio]

Thinking a good strong silicone might be the solution for mounting the strips :).

PCI/IO in better copper paint, plastikote brilliant metallic copper, not a perfect match but not far off at all :) & as you can see got a bunch of bolt heads painted in the process of protecting the threads :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0746.jpg

With it installed back into the case & some close ups.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0747.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0748.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0749.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0750.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0751.jpg

Now, time to work on the hdd cage platform fan wire stash pass through gaps & the little copper bar in the picture is for the optical tray :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0752.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0753.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0754.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0755.jpg

Took a break to get something to eat & get the log up to speed :) after posting this I’ll get back to a big filing session :D.

And thought it looked pretty cool on it's side so took a couple extra pictures lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0756.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0757.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0758.jpg

[mDust]

You can likely take much of the spring out of the acrylic by heating it up to about 270-300F/132-149C (acrylic temp, not gun temp) with a heat gun while it's clamped in place. I'd start on the low side of that temp range and work your way up to avoid any drooping or bubbles. Start at the bottom and heat back and forth as you work your way to the top. Might take a few passes. When it cools it should be that shape permanently. You might be able to take those solid bars out after that.:)

[Waynio]

You can likely take much of the spring out of the acrylic by heating it up to about 270-300F/132-149C (acrylic temp, not gun temp) with a heat gun while it's clamped in place. I'd start on the low side of that temp range and work your way up to avoid any drooping or bubbles. Start at the bottom and heat back and forth as you work your way to the top. Might take a few passes. When it cools it should be that shape permanently. You might be able to take those solid bars out after that.:)

Thanks for the tip mate but I feel the spring in the acrylic should work well with the alu curve bars since there is a slightly similar spring in them when released, I'll have to run some tests on adhesives & silicones before I go for it with mounting some 1mm sheet strips for the tabs but if I'm not satisfied with it I'll just use countersunk bolts :). I think the strips should hold all of it in place really well so the stretched copper tabs are temporary :).

Continued until 01:20 AM :D so I'll have to get a router for future mods it was a silly amount of filing to be done & didn't have my thinking cap on as I should have drilled it a bit to make it a little easier lol.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0759.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0760.jpg

Wow for something so simple sure took a lot of energy to do lol, sweat pouring off me too so had to get a cold one :D which made doing it less dull :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0761.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0762.jpg

So now the cartoon mouse holes are done for the fan cables so I can work on the extending & then sleeving of the fans while I wait for a couple more things to arrive for a couple of extra touches, super close to the finish now I think :) also used the disc sander to shave a bit off the hdd slide mounts so the cages go in & out a little easier :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0764.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0765.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0766.jpg

All back together :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0767.jpg

Not sure if I mentioned it earlier but I ordered a 1mm sheet of copper for doing the full legth tabs :up: + ordered a mirror polished stainless steel sheet, just enough to cover the 2nd level for less than a tenner woo hoo :D.

[Waynio]

Since I'm gonna be waiting for the extra material I started thinking about how the alu fan mount bars needed body filler to fix the miss drilled holes & knew they needed painting, don't really want any paint in this other than the pci/io piece so started coming up with alternatives & this seemed a good design, the idea was to use 2 for each fan & the slot would close up with a bolt & the 2nd half area had a helicoil installed to clamp the fan secure & then mount to the mobo panel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0768.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0769.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0770.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0771.jpg

But didn't work out, my filing wasn't quite good enough to get a perfect 5mm slot to where I wanted it, so the slot that the corners of the fans went into had about 1.5mm space, tried using washers but it just wasn't good looking enough, was either a poor idea or just bad filing lol.

But decided to cut 1 of the sides of the slot off & just use a lock nut on the other side, it was solid & perfect when installed in the case in all fan mount locations, so it only needs the 1 bit to fix each fan to the case, doesn't matter what orientation it is it's that strong :) but the front fans are a little too close to the window for my liking now so wouldn't work too well with the vents so I'll have to come up with a use for the unneeded holes & make new ones but only for the 2 front fans, the rest are ok :) but all the spare holes will have a good use, got some nice ideas brewing ;).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0772.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0773.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0774.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0775.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0776.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0777.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0778.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0779.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0780.jpg

This first 1 I'll consider as a prototype test piece & I'll make nicer ones for the final version now that I know how they need to be, I especially like the way it looks like the fans are just floating when viewed from some angles :) but it really is great on how solidly in place they are when installed :up:.

Next update will be either getting 4 of these made or fan cable extending & sleeving, I'll try to combine the 2 so could be a few days until the next.

[Blibbax]

A question on cooling.

This is what you want to happen:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow1.png

But because you've got the intake fan not directly against its vents, and those vents aren't directly lined up, I think you might end up with a loop around the intake fan.

And because this will result in negative pressure inside the case, and you have a perforated rear, I think you might end up with a loop around the exhaust too.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow2.png

Between those two effects, you'd end up with very little airflow across the components. What say you?

(Not trying to pick holes here, just trying to be helpful :))

[licenseless]

A question on cooling.

This is what you want to happen:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow1.png

But because you've got the intake fan not directly against its vents, and those vents aren't directly lined up, I think you might end up with a loop around the intake fan.

And because this will result in negative pressure inside the case, and you have a perforated rear, I think you might end up with a loop around the exhaust too.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow2.png

Between those two effects, you'd end up with very little airflow across the components. What say you?

(Not trying to pick holes here, just trying to be helpful :))

Best way to test this is grab a cigar and hot box the case then turn the fans on... Bit of a wind tunnel test...

You should give it a shot and see how it does

[Blibbax]

Another method you could try is placing a piece of tissue over the intakes at the front and the lower section of exhaust at the back, to see whether the tissue is blown, sucked or not really acted on at all.

[licenseless]

Another method you could try is placing a piece of tissue over the intakes at the front and the lower section of exhaust at the back, to see whether the tissue is blown, sucked or not really acted on at all.

yeah but then there is no reason to smoke a cigar... hahahahahah


i found that tracking the smoke visually helps to isolate problem areas... and since his case has a clear side he can see exactly what its doing...

[Waynio]

Firstly sorry for taking forever to reply :D.


A question on cooling.

This is what you want to happen:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow1.png

But because you've got the intake fan not directly against its vents, and those vents aren't directly lined up, I think you might end up with a loop around the intake fan.

And because this will result in negative pressure inside the case, and you have a perforated rear, I think you might end up with a loop around the exhaust too.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow2.png

Between those two effects, you'd end up with very little airflow across the components. What say you?

(Not trying to pick holes here, just trying to be helpful :))
:) Thanks for raising the question, got me thinking about it :D I don't know if it could go round in circles like that but it is a bit too close to the front panel which could make it a little noisier, but I am itching to find out now :D.


Best way to test this is grab a cigar and hot box the case then turn the fans on... Bit of a wind tunnel test...

You should give it a shot and see how it does
Yeah good method :).


Another method you could try is placing a piece of tissue over the intakes at the front and the lower section of exhaust at the back, to see whether the tissue is blown, sucked or not really acted on at all.
Sounds a better method but might do both :D.


yeah but then there is no reason to smoke a cigar... hahahahahah


i found that tracking the smoke visually helps to isolate problem areas... and since his case has a clear side he can see exactly what its doing...
Yeah both are good ways of indicating air flow so I'll try both :up:.

Yeah the flow is close to that except there is a fan below the mobo tray, 1 at the top angled, there will be 2 in push pull on the cpu cooler which will be fairly close to the rear panel so should all be nicely guided out, the front fans are very close to the front but I could move them more into the case by say 10mm & if I do move them that little bit I have some 3mm copper rod that I have a nice idea for to make usage of the vacant old fan mount holes :).

But yeah guys, I'll run some tests before I call it complete :), got vibration tests to do & sound tests & flow test & yes the flow test will be first in line ;) but expect it to be fine & will only put smoke to it if necessary :D I did look around the net though for a cheap tiny smoke machine type gadget but for a proper aerodynamics type 1 they are flipping expensive lol so yeah what licenseless said a cigar would be good & cheap but stinky for this :D.

Hey all :) I've not been slacking just stepped out of mod world for a mo to do a lot of contemplating & research as I come into a little money & intend to use it well :D plus I'm down on a couple of tools, sure I could do it the hard way & have a crazy hefty filing session & be flat out knackered for a few days but that doesn't help me go to the garage with a smile so can't be arsed to be honest lol, scroll saw made me a little bit lazy :D.

INCOMING BLAH ALERT SKIP PAST IF CAN'T BE BOTHERED, off on a ramble again hehe :D.

---SKIP THIS BIT IF NOT INTERESTED, IT'S MOSTLY ABOUT ME GETTING A LITTLE MONEY OUT OF THE BLUE & ME THINKING OF WHAT TO DO WITH IT BUT A PREMIUM SCROLL SAW & OTHER TOOLS ARE HIGHLY TEMPTING---
Sorry for the shouting caps :D

Been a little bit pickled the past week doing loads of research on what to spend some money on which is why I've not been posting & done very little modding.

Nearly a week ago I got news I was getting given a little money & it threw me right off course with this project as I totally wasn't expecting anything & I've been drooling over some things for a long time that were just out of reach cost wise until now & started window net shopping like crazy & looking into forums & just about everywhere to get clued up on things, it's £1000 & I usually have to save up for quite a while to raise that amount but all the same I don't want to blow it on meaningless crap.

Invest in some nice new tools which will get used each year or maybe twice a year or more if I do any bits for other people for pc cases or other, got my eye on a premium scroll saw that has a massive 762mm throat with easy change blades & no vibration (this scroll saw is an epic tool for cutting & would be capable of doing some amazingly detailed large work which could have handled doing the side panels & back panel of Stealthlow nicely with wickedly detailed patterns if I wanted :D) a better full height drill press & a router & other bits & bobs & maybe more materials to make another case, sure seems the most fun & longer life span :D.

Or a DSLR camera & save the rest, I checked out heaps of reviews to see how good I could get with the money & came to the conclusion that a canon eos 550d with normal lens & possibly a cheaper macro lens & ok tripod would be a pretty good choice but this would swallow up the money leaving me with a great camera set but same old budget tools some being nice & reliable & some very much not, I'd say my main reliable tools is my hand power drill, jigsaw, disc sander, bench grinder & files could possibly get the good camera & the premium scroll saw but would be flat broke on the little but nice windfall.

I think this bit falls into the meaningless crap section lol, sure it's awesome tech gear right now but it will be very out dated pretty fast.
The upcoming Samsung 27" 1080p 120hz monitor with built in 3d vision even though I only want this monitor for it's size & refresh rate & picture colour quality, the 120gb corsair ssd I've been drooling over since I found out about it lol & could buy a couple of ok tools with the rest but no premium scroll saw but this would be a bit like burning money really spending it all on tech that would soon outdate lol where with a excellent scroll saw I'll still be making things with it in 10 years if I'm still healthy, think it's a life time tool if looked after.

Holiday but I see that just as much a waste of dough as going on a bender lol :D even though I'm about 17 years overdue a break from Manchester so it would probably do me a lot of good but can definitely think of better uses for the money than that, in my minds eye that flipping awesome scroll saw is floating at the top of the list very clearly.

I think the tools option is the wisest & most productive although I'll not be able to capture my mods in super nice quality pictures, so instead just as good as they currently are which actually mustn't be as bad as I thought since the shots I took were accepted for publication on Air Cube in Custom PC so that was a really nice vote of confidence from all the awesome people at bit-tech & Custom PC :D, I look at some others with really nice photography either pro or near pro standard & it would be nice to match that so yeah I'm a bit frustrated on what to go for lol, I also know dslr cameras can get to really ridiculas prices but I guess those types of cameras are serious pro cameras or simply people with too much money :D in fact some prices look very very scary to me in DSLR land lol.

Computer tech moves on fast so isn't such a priority with me not being able to afford a yearly full upgrade & a high quality scroll saw to me would be better than a laser cutter but without the engraving perk, I doubt I could get both the scroll saw & camera with a G but wow I can already vision some of the stuff I could make with a scroll saw like that & it's superior to Stealthlow, I've had a little taste of what a low end scroll saw can do & I'm definitely hooked on how much better it is for cutting than any other tool I've used :D I've found how bad they are at the low end & was busy looking for anything bad being said about the particular scroll saw & couldn't find anything negative about it only nothing but how seriously good it is & read heaps from all over the internet for a couple of days, same with the camera.

Milling aluminium with a router which all points in the direction of DO NOT TRY TO ROUTE ALUMINIUM but seen others do it here so I'm a bit puzzled on that one, apparently it's extremely dangerous & can see why after seeing how fast those things spin, I came across some that said they use a speed tweaker type gadget to slow it down more than the lowest speed by default or there are palm routers that seem good but quite fiddly in setting up, think I prefer the less hassle plunge routers or could be wrong on this & the palm type would be the way to go for me on this.

---END OF BLAH BLAH :D--- & ultimately I think my mind is already made up about getting the scroll saw :hehe:.

Oh & update time but it's a tiny one & I did this a good few days ago, been highly distracted since & still need a new hack saw to make the fan holders lol so I've hit a slow patch again because of potential new options available.

Had to do this 20mm strip of copper with the jigsaw so had to clamp it up as good as possible with a 10mm gap in the work bench, cutting thin sheet metal is a reminder why I used to not like using a jigsaw as it mangles the metal up very easily, so having tried a scroll saw even though it was for a short time I can easily say that's the way to go for thin sheet metal, & that cheap scroll saw I bought had the shortest life span of any tool I ever used, my own fault though really, should have looked up some tensioning videos lol but nonetheless it was a bad scroll saw as I couldn't properly use pin less blades on it.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0781.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0782.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0783.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0784.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0785.jpg

It was a bit of a struggle cutting a 20mm strip of 1mm copper with an overpowering jigsaw so I'm dreading doing a 10mm strip of 1mm alu with the jigsaw lol pretty sure it would mangle it up bad, this is another piece the super duper scroll saw could manage no sweat, not even sure why I'm holding out on ordering it but I seem to be but only because it's rather expensive, since my 2nd case I've enjoyed putting detailed fret work into panels but only during the past couple of months realised how awesome scroll saws actually are.

[Waynio]

I've got awesome scroll saw imprinted on my mind after considering all the great possibilities of things I could make :D I'll go for that & try to make the most out of the kodak easyshare z950 for a while longer :D.

Heres a little bit on the scroll saw I'm looking at :) :up:.

Basic stats, few pictures & test cutting video of Excalibur EX-30 Scroll Saw £530 :eek:.

The video was of the 21" version which is the same machine but just less throat depth & £40 difference.
bUC7wutR3A4

• Arm tilts 45° left and right, tilting the blade, not the table keeping the table level for better control & more accurate work

• 762mm Throat capacity

• 50mm Cutting thickness capacity

• Large 358 x 825mm table surface

• Quick blade changes with finger operated blade clamps, no tools required

• Easy access speed and tension controls

• Organized blade storage on base

• Onboard dust blower

• Can use 150mm lengths of 1/4" bandsaw blade, ideal for cutting thicker materials.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/950007_inset1_xl.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/950007_inset3_xl.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/950007_xl.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/t_drooling_homer_2141-261x300.gif

Only trouble I see if I got this beast of a tool is I'm not sure I could call modding a hobby or an obsession or even just a passion :think: :D I suppose some have hobbys that cost a lot to support & even compared to fishing enthusiasts this would be cheap I guess lol or some buy expensive clothes I buy no frills :D yeah, many ways to look at it that help rationalise the purchase :D & it should last a very long time if I look after it well which I will :up:.

[licenseless]

I've got awesome scroll saw imprinted on my mind after considering all the great possibilities of things I could make :D I'll go for that & try to make the most out of the kodak easyshare z950 for a while longer :D.

Heres a little bit on the scroll saw I'm looking at :) :up:.

Basic stats, few pictures & test cutting video of Excalibur EX-30 Scroll Saw £530 :eek:.

The video was of the 21" version which is the same machine but just less throat depth & £40 difference.


• Arm tilts 45° left and right, tilting the blade, not the table keeping the table level for better control & more accurate work

• 762mm Throat capacity

• 50mm Cutting thickness capacity

• Large 358 x 825mm table surface

• Quick blade changes with finger operated blade clamps, no tools required

• Easy access speed and tension controls

• Organized blade storage on base

• Onboard dust blower

• Can use 150mm lengths of 1/4" bandsaw blade, ideal for cutting thicker materials.



Only trouble I see if I got this beast of a tool is I'm not sure I could call modding a hobby or an obsession or even just a passion :think: :D I suppose some have hobbys that cost a lot to support & even compared to fishing enthusiasts this would be cheap I guess lol or some buy expensive clothes I buy no frills :D yeah, many ways to look at it that help rationalise the purchase :D & it should last a very long time if I look after it well which I will :up:.


how well does that thing work with metal... cause if i can get something like that to do some nice cuts on aluminum and thin steel... that would be AWESOME!!!

[Waynio]

how well does that thing work with metal... cause if i can get something like that to do some nice cuts on aluminum and thin steel... that would be AWESOME!!!

Well I used a low end scroll saw with fine metal fret blades & managed to cut 1mm sheet alu without warpage & with ease & same with 3mm alu & copper, cut up some 5mm acrylic too but seemed whatever I had to cut through it it could manage no worries :up: the nice thing about it is it only needs a very tiny hole drilling in spots on the panel to do some really detailed internal cuts, with a scroll saw but with that kind of throat depth I could have easily done the back & side panels on this case with so little effort compared to how I did it :D.

But still I was going to order it like today or tomorrow but I think I'll leave it until I've completed this case & got more relaxed & if I still really want to go for it then I will :).

[Waynio]

Wow I actually went through with purchasing the scroll saw lol, thought long & hard about if I'd put it to good enough use & feel quite comfortable that I will but it did feel crazy spending that much on a tool.

My dad & bro think I'm crazy for buying a tool like that unless I was making money from it lol but I can't look at it like that but if I get good enough where I could make some good stuff for others I'd probably be up for it eventually but I'll let my project logs show of what I can do with it :) there are many many many things I could make once I get up to speed on good scroll work.

Might even re-make the bottom front panel as I cut that with a knackered scroll saw when the blade was extremely loose & was the bulkier pinned bladed type.

It could come this week or early next week, it weighs about 50kg :eek:.

[Waynio]

A few random sneaky peek pictures of the scroll saw with Stealthlow next to it for size comparison :D there was a wood blade already in but not properly fixed into the bottom holder, so with the case lay down the throat is as deep as the height of the case :eek::banana: wow I'll be able to do some good stuff with this.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/1-1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/2-1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/3-1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/4.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/5-1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/6-1.jpg

And this shot shows how it is bolted to a plank of wood
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/7-1.jpg

Here is the first design for a table for it.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/8.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/9.png

Here is the 2nd nice & cheap one :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/10-1.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/11-1.png

I won't be making a table for it until I get Stealthlow completed ;).

[Fuganater]

Holy huge scroll saw dude!! I bought one of the tabletop ones like 2 years ago for $20 at a flee market. Best purchase ever! But this one is at least 3x bigger.

[Waynio]

Holy huge scroll saw dude!! I bought one of the tabletop ones like 2 years ago for $20 at a flee market. Best purchase ever! But this one is at least 3x bigger.

:D It is crazily huge lol, I had a small normal one but I didn't use it correct & it wouldn't take pin less blades very well had a really weak method of placing the pin less ones.

Since starting modding I've tried a few different cutting tools but when I had a short go on a scroll saw once I figured how to do it I was hooked :D & just realised how much potential for a lot of my ideas that I won't be as limited now when designing, always designed around whatever my building capabilities are or think I could manage doing bits, so this will really open some nice new possibilities, won't be for a while before I do another but I'll be experimenting with some ideas & making a few other things so if it's things of modding interest which it probably will :D I'll post in the appropriate section of the forum :).

[Waynio]

First DSLR camera play :D Canon EOS 1000D with Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG MACRO, came today but the tripod didn't turn up but I just couldn't hold back from having a play with it :D.

Did all these without a tripod, still waiting for it, the extra weight of the heavier camera & lens really helps keep it steady though & managed to do these :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera1.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera2.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera3.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera4.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera5.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera6.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera7.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera8.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera9.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera10.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera11.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera12.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera13.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera14.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera15.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera16.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera17.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera18.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera19.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera20.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera21.jpg
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/NewCamera22.jpg

First impressions after a pretty decent play with it, it's flipping amazing :D macro close ups nice & easy, longer distance image quality really nice, shooting my pc case in crystal clear quality though takes a bit of effort as I can't take the picture close to it for a full view of the case I have to step back about 3 metres, maybe a little more but overall this lens is sweet but you may see less of the full case except for the odd occasion or the final shoot :).

[licenseless]

Ah yes photography... My part time job... That's a nice depth of field... For only a 2.8... Nice find

U got any other work u have done... From one photographer to another... Keep it as a hobby or sell your prints only... The rest of the photography world is to big of a head ache

[Waynio]

Ah yes photography... My part time job... That's a nice depth of field... For only a 2.8... Nice find

U got any other work u have done... From one photographer to another... Keep it as a hobby or sell your prints only... The rest of the photography world is to big of a head ache

:) I searched a lot for a good one ;) & then looked into user reviews & everyone was really impressed with it & now I am :D, that lot was just from day 1 of getting it so I've a lot to learn with using it to it's best I think & yeah the intention is for hobby use mostly but wow I feel a new interest taking over me after that session :D, nice being able to take a picture & use it as a desktop wallpaper in nice quality, couldn't really do that with my last cam, well could do but was nowhere near as good detail :).

[licenseless]

my new favorite thing is doing time lapse photos... then using windows7 and havint it change the background image every ten seconds and pull from a single folder containing all the orginized images .... so that my back ground image is a timelapse haahahah

it looks cool and if stuff moves thre the sky slow enough u barely notice the change

[Waynio]

my new favorite thing is doing time lapse photos... then using windows7 and havint it change the background image every ten seconds and pull from a single folder containing all the orginized images .... so that my back ground image is a timelapse haahahah

it looks cool and if stuff moves thre the sky slow enough u barely notice the change

:D Sounds pretty cool, could do one of a day night cycle of various times of year so you could have the sunny feel of summer in the peak of winter 8).

[Twigsoffury]

someone was having fun with the camera settings.

and you could scroll saw a cow in half with that thing man... wth LOL

[Waynio]

someone was having fun with the camera settings.

and you could scroll saw a cow in half with that thing man... wth LOL
:D Yeah, thought it was a good idea to familiarize myself with it before taking progress shots :) & yeah it's a silly big scroll saw but had a first go on it earlier & I love it :D so nice & easy changing blades & no vibrations at all on slow speed which is what I'll mostly be using for metal & acrylic :up:.

Got the scroll saw temporarily set up & ready for action in the cellar at long last, still ned to make a custom table for it's permanent usage & the tripod arrived today so took a bunch of pictures of the case :) & I think I'll manage to keep this lens as a primary lens :D, finally started to resize the pictures for easier uploading but I'll keep the original raw full res images backed up.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0786.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0787.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0788.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0789.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0790.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0791.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0792.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0793.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0794.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0795.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0796.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0797.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0798.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0799.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0800.jpg

In extreme close up this shows why I was considering flipping it to the other side :D quite a few of the countersinking went very un-smooth.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0801.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0802.jpg

Also I seemed to have got up to speed on taking shots without the need of taking multiple shots so that little practice play the other day really helped :).

Tomorrow I start on the full length clamp strips :).

[Waynio]

Back in action :)

Got all the strips cut to size on the new scroll saw these are 1 metre strips, 25mm x 1mm alu, 20mm x 1mm copper, 10mm x 1mm alu, just need to add bevels on all the edges.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0803.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0804.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0805.jpg

[licenseless]

Back in action :)

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0805.jpg

NICE!!!!!!

[Waynio]

NICE!!!!!!
:):up:

Here is an alternative grill I designed & made today, the copper mess is sorted now I flipped it over & countersunk deep but did it on a slight angle & they all went nice & smooth, got a tip from PabloFunky & he meant something else but it worked lol :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0806.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0807.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0808.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0809.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0810.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0811.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0812.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0813.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0814.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0815.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0816.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0817.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0818.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0819.jpg

Soooo glad to get this moving again :).

[Waynio]

Wow, just had an epic session to make up for my bro hogging the garage :D so just carried on until 3:30 AM lol rather than running back & forth to the house I had a couple of beers :) & would have gone all night if I needed to to get these strips done :D.

I need to get an extra memory card for my kodak or an alternative lens that can take pics at a closer range, the kodak has enough room for 6 or 7 pictures with it's internal memory.

Anyway, the good stuff :D I straightened the strips & marked all the edges so I know they get a perfect bevel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0017.jpg

Gave them all a bevel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0018.jpg

Then took all the rough stuff off with a file as it was quicker & then gave a good sanding with 240 grit & then brushed them & also brushed the front panel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0019.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0020.jpg

Here I just used clamps to hold the strips in place while I drilled the mounting holes, just 1 at the top & 1 at the bottom & tapped the alu curve bar & added helicoils.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0021.jpg

Before I called it a day I decided to add the extra holes on the copper front panel mesh so there were no blank spots behind the grill but on my last hole the drill whacked the panel right out of shape & it was double clamped tightly so not sure why this happened, but it was still hot from all the drilling & countersinking so I whacked away with a mallet against the flat piece on the vice, got it to a straightened out form but man it was way out of shape, thought I'd definitely need to redo it :eeek:.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/000_0023.jpg

By the way thank you voigts for suggesting full length tab strips, they are awesome & thanks to everyone else for keep on reminding me they were the way to go :D.

Need 4 hands for installing the copper curved vents so left them out for this shoot & the strip tabs still need trimming down on both ends & the internal tabs need shortening a bit but that is a tiny task compared to what I just done :).

And wow I forgot to name the pictures lol.

Now onto the good shots or as good as can be when it's the middle of the night :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0105_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0106_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0107_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0112_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0113_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0116_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0117_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0118_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0119_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0120_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0122_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0124_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0125_1.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/IMG_0126_1.jpg

Hmmm the front panel caught a few scratches which I'll sort out & the strips will need re brushing because of the clamps.

[xr4man]

those strips make all the difference in the world. they really give it a finished off look.

[Waynio]

those strips make all the difference in the world. they really give it a finished off look.

Thanks mate :) yeah much nicer than the little tabs :banana:.

[BS Mods]

This build just got even better!

Those strips were exactly what it needed. It looks so smooth and clean now. I just can't believe what a difference it made. I like it before but now I LOVE it.

Great job on this thing. Keep up the good work. :up:

[Waynio]

This build just got even better!

Those strips were exactly what it needed. It looks so smooth and clean now. I just can't believe what a difference it made. I like it before but now I LOVE it.

Great job on this thing. Keep up the good work. :up:

:D Thanks mate, yeah I was trying to kid myself the tabs were better because of the difficulty I had with the 3mm thick copper but this solution works nicely without excess force pulling the curve out, yep glad I persisted :):up: I've uninstalled & installed the strips a few times already & they are even easier to install or remove with it only being 2 bolts but still I might although not for certain yet add a couple more bolts.

Thought I was in the clear with hiccups :facepalm:.

I'll try to keep this short but ended up going on & on & on like usual lol :).

The front copper mesh grill got more damaged than I thought when I drilled the final hole which is why it wouldn't sit flush to the acrylic, it bulges out by 1mm.

Tried whacking it into better shape at the time & then again today & seems nice & flat but not perfectly flat & it needs to be.

Decided I really like the copper mesh grill panel & going to alu for this front detail just would have been a come down for this, so ordered a 250x250mm x 2mm sheet & just in case I have more probs a 250x250mm x 1mm sheet so I can re-make it, but this time i'm going to go overkill with the clamping :D, thought I did before with 2 G clamps nice & tight but I guess not, really couldn't believe it when it completely deformed, really should have taken a picture, it was so twisted out of shape I instantly thought well that's that then :D but was using the kodak with it's internal memory with room for 6 or 7 shots.

I tried the original blank 3mm alu panel I made in the early stages of this project & it still fits perfect so at least the form of the case is still good, was getting worried it lost form some how :D.

I'll be a bit busy tomorrow but if I get chance & I'm up for it I'll get something done even if it's just finishing off the strips & then I'll have to use gloves so I don't get dirt or grease on them, the more the copper gets handled the duller it gets & the strips have already started showing clear dulling signs :eek:, so I ordered some brass lacquer for it to keep it's fresh look after I give it a re-brush & clean :).

The little copper vents are staying out of the build :D, they just don't look good after seeing them with the strips & they'd be quite restrictive for air flow so laters to them :D, I'll either leave the vents open or if I can think up something good enough I'll make something else but the edges got a good wet sanding so are near polished so theres a good chance I'll leave them as they are.

Just when I thought I was getting into some solid progress lol.

[BS Mods]

Don't stress too bad.

It's just part of modding. If it was too easy then everyone could do it!

[Waynio]

Don't stress too bad.

It's just part of modding. If it was too easy then everyone could do it!

:) I was stuck in a very bad sleep pattern so been getting stressed a bit easier than normal, but got it straight again for the time being but once I've completed this case I'm gonna get myself back in good shape before I tackle another mod :D.

I knew going into this one it wouldn't be a walk in the park lol, the majority of it was though :) but the stuff that was difficult really was :D but yeah I think all the difficult stuff is complete & just needs tidying up & waiting for the new copper to arrive :up:.

Just got the metal lacquer & brush so just waiting on the bottom front copper sheet now :) :crossed: it'll come today.

I think if I was to make another one of these I'd forget about the top short opposing curve as that is what caused the higher difficulty & really I'd find it difficult to reproduce, usually once you've done something in a mod it's easier to do again but not that lol or if I did I'd use plain polycarbonate & put a tint film over it as it has more strength from cracking & is more flexible, acrylic can be a real pain to curve for some stuff :D.

[Waynio]

Hmmm, I started filing the excess edges off the ends of the strips & left side went fine, right side I got impatient filing 1 way & went both ways & with the 10mm x 1mm alu strips being uber flexible it pulled back & detatched from the case :( so was knackered, then I went & made another 10mm x 1mm strip & drilled in the same spots where the original had them & when I installed it it had a good bit of baggy flex so really not good, my disc sander seems like it's past it's best but I need to open it up to see what's wrong it spins well but it's making a ton of extra noise & vibrates heavily so needs opening & looking to see whats wrong, some of the case screws had come very loose so I'm guessing it's something similar inside the machine, hopefully it's fixable.

Only way I'll get these alu strips done now is if I use button head bolts as countersinking these extremely flexible strips just makes them even more so, so yeah I'll re-make the 10mm alu strips tomorrow & get them on with button head bolts for a better connection :).

Anyway heres some shots of the case with correct length strips & shortened internal tabs.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0840.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0841.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0842.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0843.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0844.jpg

And because it was doing my head in I needed to see it in a fuller form so re-brushed the left panel & put the side windows in too :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0845.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0846.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0847.jpg

The bottom front grill I'm using a tripple layer of alu until the copper arrives.

[Waynio]

Fixed the disc sander which is a relief :) & re-made both the slim strips & underneath the slim strips I added 4 extra bolts on each side to hold it all down nicer so the slim strips are held in with just 2 button head bolts so the bottom front panel is held in better also now :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0848.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0849.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0850.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0851.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0852.jpg

Back on track now I think after mucking up the other slim alu strips :) but I don't know what's going on with the copper delivery.

[BS Mods]

I can't remember back since I've been watching the build for a while, but, did you ever think about the feet being copper colored?

I can picture it and I think it would look great. It would go good with the copper accent strips.

Just my 2 cents.;)

[Waynio]

I can't remember back since I've been watching the build for a while, but, did you ever think about the feet being copper colored?

I can picture it and I think it would look great. It would go good with the copper accent strips.

Just my 2 cents.;)

:D Would be sweet if Bill did a copper version but they would cost a fair bit more :).

Suppose if I could anodise them it could work & also get them in line with the strips would make a nice touch, just got them up to the edge of the case so they can clearly be seen since they are sponsored :D no need for any logos if all the bits can be clearly seen :), but I think they'll be left raw :D.

Anodising is something I should try doing myself some time but I have a lot of research to do so I don't have any bad accidents & so I know how to store & dispose excess & waste properly, or could just go with powder coating which can be nice, simple, cheap & safe to do diy style.

[Waynio]

Ok some pictures of where it's at with added stainless steel mirror polished 2nd floor installed & everything fits perfect incuding the ssd mount & made sure the psu is still mountable & is :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0853.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0854.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0855.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0856.jpg

I had a go at doing the optical tray cover but the blades I have aren't adequate to do what I wanted to do, they are great for sheet materials but I tried going through 12mm diameter copper rod & it just takes ages, did cut all the way through it though but also wanted to split the rod down the middle to use a half circle on the tray but yeah it would have overworked the scroll saw for such a small part so need different blades for that really, it's doable but would take hours & hours & don't fancy risking burning out the new saw :) it is possible to use bandsaw blades cut up for this scroll saw though so I'll do that for pieces like this & it should breeze through it & much thicker material :D.

[Waynio]

Got all the fan mount stubs made & installed, did 1 of them wrong so just re made it :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0857.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0858.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0859.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0860.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0861.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0862.jpg

So close to finished :banana:.

[Waynio]

Took a few pictures with some nice daylight & with the side panel off :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0863.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0864.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0865.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0866.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0867.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0868.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0869.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0870.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0871.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0872.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0873.jpg

Also the curved acrylic piece looks good on most shots & to the eye but some shots I took it shows how messed up the surface of the acrylic is so a question for you all, how do I get it restored to perfection? :).

And ordered a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard lens so I can take certain shots that I just can't with this macro lens, the macro lens really is awesome but also really need a normal lens so I don't have to be so far away from what I'm shooting & can't afford the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG I really wanted so went for the nice & cheap 1 but it's meant to be good image quality anyway just low build quality.

Also I said I had all I need to complete the case but that isn't true since I decided to do the fan wire work properly so I'm gonna have to wait for soldering gear & supplies to arrive but hopefully they won't take long to arrive (not ordered yet but it's the weekend so have chance to decide before buying), I could wire twist & heatshrink like I used to do which is probably as good as soldering but I dunno, what you guys think, get the soldering gear or twist & shrink? :D.

[Waynio]

Did a test run of the installed fans running & woo hoo no vibrations at all, 1 of the fans has a faint wobble but isn't causing any vibrations with them being solidly secured but it's all genuinely silent, I had to stick my head inside the case to be able to hear them running lol so it will definitely live up to it's stealth part of the name & the air flow goes as expected :up:, just hope it can cope with the overclock I have on it, it's only just above a faint breeze going through the case so should be ok just about, people think those Fractal Design Define R3 cases are quiet, I've built a rig for my bro with 1 & they aren't so quiet but this is silent as if it's a passively cooled rig so if anything is going to make any noise on this it will be the gtx 580 :) really can't believe how silent it is, if there were no spinning fans or lights you couldn't tell it was on :eek::up:.

Also done a little smoke test so I could see the flow working correct & it does although the bottom front fan is cutting it fine, ideally it needs pulling 10mm further into the case so it flows that little bit better, either that or add a seperator piece between the 2 front fans.

[Waynio]

A question on cooling.

This is what you want to happen:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow1.png

But because you've got the intake fan not directly against its vents, and those vents aren't directly lined up, I think you might end up with a loop around the intake fan.

And because this will result in negative pressure inside the case, and you have a perforated rear, I think you might end up with a loop around the exhaust too.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/blibba/ProjectStealthlow2.png

Between those two effects, you'd end up with very little airflow across the components. What say you?

(Not trying to pick holes here, just trying to be helpful :))

:D I had to dig out this post as I remembered you saying this & I finally got to the part where I found out for sure :up: & you was absolutely correct about the bottom front fan :D, at the time when you said it I really wasn't sure if the air could do that but yes it did, however all the rest works as it should thank goodness :D.

Sorted it out though by adding extra vent in front of that particular fan & it all works as planned now, quite nicely too :):up: I'll get a picture update on tomorrow when it's light :).

[Waynio]

So I found the acrylic cover prevented the lower fan from catching air properly, so I added extra ventage :D this introduced a bit more fine scratches but I found a solution for it & already ordered it so all the scratches will be removed & the acrylic will be restored back to perfect :up:.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0874.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0875.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0876.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0877.jpg

These last 2 shots I took in sniper position without tripod :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0878.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0879.jpg

And in case anyones wondering why the alu strips aren't perfectly in the middle they can move a little side to side so not a problem :D.

[Waynio]

LOL A good old winge about the corsair cables being crap & it forced me to do something with the 3mm copper rods :D but not entirely sure I'll stick with this although it immediately tidied the wires up nicely but the dark tint makes it hide almost completely so either I'm on to something ok with the copper spiral rods that needs more work or I should just go with the MDPCX cable clips :D.

The black wire I bought was useless & snaps easy when tightened so couldn't do what I intended with the copper wire supports so did spirals instead :).

Also I wouldn't mind making a right angle ATX power connector to keep the wires out of the way from the front fan (I seen such a technique done by Chiller :) so it's possible).

Before the copper.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0880.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0881.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0882.jpg

Copper installed to tidy up.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0883.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0884.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0885.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0886.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0887.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0888.jpg

Thoughts? possibly on to an ok thing with the copper rod or not :D.

[Fuganater]

The copper looks good.

1 question: What is the fan above the PSU doing? Its not pulling or pushing anything. It looks to be less than an inch away from a solid piece...

[TheMainMan]

Copper wire management looks really good, kinda like watercooling anti-kink coils.

[Waynio]

The copper looks good.

1 question: What is the fan above the PSU doing? Its not pulling or pushing anything. It looks to be less than an inch away from a solid piece...
That's just for making sure all the heat gets guided upwards & outwards so theres no heat pockets :D an extra measure possibly not needed but it does aid in doing whats intended, I did a similar thing in air cube but on that it helped keep temps down a bit more but it was probably going at 1 of the mobo sensors lol :D thanks mate :).


Copper wire management looks really good, kinda like watercooling anti-kink coils.
Thanks mate, the overall feedback suggests it's quite good so I'll persist in making it a bit better still :).

Thanks guys :up:.

The acrylic scratch removal bits came today, it's novus 3 heavy scratch remover which I shouldn't need to use, 2 fine scratch remover which I'll use, 1 plastic clean & shine & a couple of 5 packs of 100% cotton fine polishing cloths.

Also the standard 18-55mm canon IS lens came today & give it a few shots to do, here they are :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0889.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0890.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0891.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0892.jpg

Not bad, not nearly as good as the sigma lens & feels like a toy but not bad picture quality, much better than my dads older lenses so I'll be happy with that & it's not an expensive lens so I'll be happy to use this in the workshop also so much better being able to be much closer to what I'm shooting was quite a mistake not getting a zoom macro lens as my main lens (I'll still take care of it as if it was an expensive one though) :).

[Waynio]

Just got all upper level fans installed & it's still silent but also with the push/pull fans the flow is rather good so the overclock should be perfectly fine :D so now I have all the fans ready to properly start on needed cable lengths & get the wire work done on them.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0893.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0894.jpg

I also ordered 5 ATX right angle pieces from America (they are white though so I'll have to colour them) & thought I could double 2 of them up so it points to the other side of the mobo tray so will keep the airflow completely clear :).

[TheMainMan]

If you decide to colour the ATX plugs, I just tried and had good luck with dying plastic using a fabric dye. From what I've read the black usually turns out really nice.

[Waynio]

If you decide to colour the ATX plugs, I just tried and had good luck with dying plastic using a fabric dye. From what I've read the black usually turns out really nice.

Cheers for the tip mate :) I'll get some black dye ordered :), hopefully I won't be waiting too long for the plugs :crossed:.

[Waynio]

Attila on bit-tech threw me an idea on how to make this case a good few notches higher in the appearence part but I just can't do it because of the way I designed it to be, these pictures are to show why, it boils down to there not being enough space between the tower heatsink & side panel & the mesh on the back, but I could add internal covering for below the heatsink but it might not look right so I think I'll pass & save something like that for another case.

Took a few shots to show why it would be a nightmare to make internal casing without causing a problem for air flow, the case width is designed perfectly for large tower heatsink & generous space on the other side for wires so there is only about 5mm gap between cooler & side panel.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0895.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0896.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0897.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0898.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0899.jpg

And here is the result of some elbow polish & the scratch remover stuff, this is on a I think 10 to 15mm piece of acrylic & dark tint so it shows the scratches really well, I roughed it up a bit with 240 grit & had to use all 3 solutions of the novus system, #2 just didn't cut it so used #3 then #2 then #1 & believe it will be much easier to apply on bigger pieces.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0900.jpg

[Waynio]

Just to show how bad the scratches got on the main window, I'll update later when I can get a good photo of it restored (thought I got it fully done but was still some scratches there so had to get back onto it lol went over the whole piece on both sides just to be sure from 240 grit wet sanding to 2000 & then a few hours hand polishing until it's as close as possible to perfect condition) & in the meantime I'll do the fan wires & I've said that I don't know how many times now, it's just so much fun wire work lol :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0901.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0902.png

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0903.png

[Waynio]

Ok so I didn't get it quite right & all because I skipped a grit, d'oh I did 240 grit then skipped 600 because it wasn't around & went straight to 1200 & then 2000, it all seemed ok so went on to the scratch removal liquids, it seemed perfect until I seen it in broad daylight which helped it show many many many ultra fine scratches especially when I took some macro shots so next I'll wet sand starting at 600 grit & work back to 2000 & then get the polishing done right this time, should be doing the fan wires now but got to get this piece sorted before I move on :D.

Random shot :D
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0905.jpg

Before
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0904.jpg

After
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0906.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0907.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0908.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0909.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0910.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0911.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0912.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0913.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0914.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0915.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0916.jpg

Sorry about the continued mass of photos but I did take a few nice ones & showing how it looks in different light, without daylight reflecting direct onto the bad areas you can't tell theres anything wrong so I could cheat it if I wanted :D but I'm gonna get it back to it's original condition, next bunch will be of the main window sorted & fans extended & sleeved or I won't post any more updates until they are done :D.

[Fuganater]

Looking good dude. I really really like the copper cable magement.

[Waynio]

Looking good dude. I really really like the copper cable magement.
Thanks mate, I've been told that's a technique they use for shaping bonsai trees :D.

Heres the freshly fully wet sanded window & new RAM I put in my rig to replace the ocz 4GB 1600mhz 7,8,7,20 I was expecting a drop in performance with going for kingston hyper x 8GB 1600mhz 9,9,9,27 but did before & after memory benches & they are just as good :) took these 2 without a tripod also but they are part of the progress so got to leave them in.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0916b.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0916a.jpg

OK I'm in the middle of doing the fan wires right now & having a little break from it so thought I'd up the photos of the window I took earlier in the day, all these photos are showing it in the worst possible lighting which would highlight any scratches so when daylight isn't on it like this it looks pristine & to be honest not far from it in this raw daylight but to get it in truly pristine form it would take I'd guess at least 14 solid hours of arm killing fun so I'll settle for this :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0917.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0918.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0919.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0920.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0921.jpg

Also put the warped copper panel back in, it needs some work to get it 100% flat which I'll have a go at tomorrow, it's also 2mm too short for the spot it's in & I do have an extra 2mm copper sheet which I could make a new one if I need to & I don't have to do a hole mesh I could do a complimenting pattern for the front alu piece in the same style as the clamp strips.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0922.jpg

[Waynio]

Finally got the very boring bit done :D extending the fan wires & sleeving them.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0923.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0924.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0925.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0926.jpg

Glad that's done with :).

[Waynio]

Fan mod time :banana: if I don't like these enough once I get them done right I have designed my own frames for if I feel like doing them :D.

These need bending better, I measured the enermax pieces & made a template, cut them all out on the scroll saw, took them to the disc sander, then brush finished them, then looked around for an ideal sized round hard object to bend it around.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0927.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0928.jpg

I'll need to make a mould to get it perfect & have plenty of spare scrap wood to do this :).

[TheMainMan]

That definitely ranks up there as one of my favourite fan mods of all time. So cool and so perfect for this build! +rep

[mDust]

I could wire twist & heatshrink like I used to do which is probably as good as soldering but I dunno, what you guys think, get the soldering gear or twist & shrink?
Not sure what you ended up doing, but I'd just do the twist & shrink since it works, it'll be easier to swap out fans in the future, and either way it needs to be wrapped in heatshrink.

I honestly wasn't a fan of the spiraled copper cable tie idea at first but it's growing on me. It would especially look good if each spiral was identical and the ends were hidden from view behind the wires.

The easiest way to photograph scratches in the acrylic would be to shine a bright light (such as a single LED) into the edge. Any scratches will illuminate.

And those fans are awesome. Did you have to cut out the middle section or was the fan modular? I ask because of those plastic tabs. Any pics of the fan mid-mod?

Awesomely, awesome work so far on this whole build!

[Fuganater]

I think the fan mod is awesome. Looks perfect from your pics.

[Waynio]

That definitely ranks up there as one of my favourite fan mods of all time. So cool and so perfect for this build! +rep
:banana: Thank you mate :):up:.


Not sure what you ended up doing, but I'd just do the twist & shrink since it works, it'll be easier to swap out fans in the future, and either way it needs to be wrapped in heatshrink.

I honestly wasn't a fan of the spiraled copper cable tie idea at first but it's growing on me. It would especially look good if each spiral was identical and the ends were hidden from view behind the wires.

The easiest way to photograph scratches in the acrylic would be to shine a bright light (such as a single LED) into the edge. Any scratches will illuminate.

And those fans are awesome. Did you have to cut out the middle section or was the fan modular? I ask because of those plastic tabs. Any pics of the fan mid-mod?

Awesomely, awesome work so far on this whole build!
Yeah I twisted, taped, shrunk & sleeved :) works really well for me. The spirals I'm still experimenting on what to do, I have a bunch of black MDPC cable clips but it's just not challenging :D so I might make some copper ones with the leftovers from these fan pieces :):up:.

I'll remember to take photos of the process when I get to work on the others mate, they are modular, the brushed aluminium enermax pieces inside them come as 2 half circles, honestly though that scroll saw makes modding so much better really glad I went for it :).

Cheers mate :):up:.


I think the fan mod is awesome. Looks perfect from your pics.
Thanks Fuganater, I have a pile more photos of it in it's proper form now I've got a sollution for geting the half circles done right so here we go :).

Woo hoo I found the perfect bending aid for getting these replacement pieces done, my masking tape with a perfect fitting tin of paint placed inside :D just wrap around it & squeeze & then a tiny bit of hand bending & got it to 99% perfect, I thought I made them 1mm too long but no they are just very fiddly to put inside the clips so now I know I can make it work I'll take these out & get all the other copper pieces bent properly & then if needed give them another brushing & then brush some metal lacquer on them to stop them from tarnishing :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0929.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0930.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0931.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0932.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0933.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0934.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0935.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0936.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0937.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0938.jpg

The strips go in in 2 pieces just like the enermax ones, it's a modular fan :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0939.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0940.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0941.jpg

[Waynio]

Got the fan copper pieces & the fan mount stumps brushed with the coarse mop & then brushed metal lacquer on them so they can be handled now without easily adding finger prints :) & got them all installed.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0942.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0943.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0944.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0945.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0946.jpg

[billygoat333]

I've got to say... this is looking awesome!!

[xr4man]

those are the coolest fans evar!

[Waynio]

I've got to say... this is looking awesome!!
:D Thanks billygoa :):up:.


those are the coolest fans evar!
:redface::) Thanks mate :up:.

[Fuganater]

Looks much better now. But you know what stands out? That awful blue GPU fan cover.

[Waynio]

Looks much better now. But you know what stands out? That awful blue GPU fan cover.

Hehe thanks mate, but don't worry that's my spare 9800gtx & the motherboard & TRUE cooler are spare parts also :D.

I got an invite to the International German Casemod Championship (DCMM) so I have until the 3rd of August to make my mind up if I go, I'd love to but I'm not a keen traveller & I'm ever so slightly agoraphobic, I'm ok going about in the UK but flights & everything else I don't know & not being able to have a smoke while travelling, only German I know is how to count & to introduce myself & say hello etc :facepalm: I'd need drugging & carting off to get there like B.A aint getting on no plain foo lol :D hopefully I'll be able to kick myself up the bum to get over there :).

[SXRguyinMA]

that looks SICK!!

[Waynio]

that looks SICK!!

:D Thanks mate :up: they work out nice & cheap also with me doing them myself :D like less than £10 for all 6 fans :).

This is what turned out to be perfect for getting the curves done on the copper rims, a fresh roll of cello tape with a tin of paint stuffed in the middle & just wrap the copper around it & then manually bend the ends a tiny bit, then flip over & spread it out a tiny bit & then they fit nicely :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0947.jpg

Took it all apart ready for brushing, there are quite a few parts that need a fresh brushing & some parts that still have markings on & parts that haven't been brushed yet so it's time to get every little bit brushed & lacquered although the curve bars & motherboard tray will have to wait a little longer as I still need to make & add copper cable clips & a power button :D I had to opt for a 16mm one, just wasn't quite enough space for a 19mm one where I wanted it because of the strip clamps, I have thought about grinding part of the switch bevel away so it fits but undecided on that & the motherboard tray needs the psu wire pass through hole making a little bigger so more wires can cram through :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0948.jpg

The nice thing about the metal lacquer is it doesn't leve a gloss finish if only using 1 coat but adds a nice protective layer, on a sample piece I did 1 coat & less than 3 hours later I handled it & left no finger prints or smudge marks, well none that were visible anyway & it really takes some hard rubbing to get it off so it's really good stuff :).

But whatever the case I'll still need to wait for the right angle ATX plugs before I can finish this, the dylon general purpose black dye came today so I'm all set to get this complete once the ATX plugs come.

Oh :D can't forget about the front bottom copper panel, waiting for the range of scroll saw blades so I can cut the 2mm copper more easy on a bevel, the jewelers blades struggle cutting anything above 1.5mm so cutting 2mm copper on an angle just isn't a good idea it would take forever & would waste quite a few blades, the bandsaw blade came today though so should be able to see how well it copes with a range of thicker materials, I'm expecting it to be as good as a hacksaw but with more ease of precision so I'm a bit excited to find out how well it does :D.

Oh BTW I found I can buy a decent milling cross table at a good price & a rotating table, so I'm gonna be saving up so I can buy both & a good pillar drill, then I'd be able to make quite a few awesome things :).

[Waynio]

Brushing the small copper pieces with metal lacquer left me with an impression it was easy to do without hiccups, some spots it looks nasty especially under certain light but I'll rub all the bad spots out & do a fresh brush of lacquer to get it so it looks nice all over.

Glad I had a few extra things to do to the motherboard tray really as I rounded the square holes on all the main pass throughs & the hdd pass throughs & looks much nicer now, didn't need to change the optical ssd pass through as it's out of sight & works perfect, oh & added a 16mm vandal power switch which only just fit :) silver with white ring & finally I drilled 5 or 6 holes & put helicoils in so I could use the MDPC cable clips if I can't be bothered with making copper ones :D.

On with the photos :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0949.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0950.jpg

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http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0956.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0957.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0958.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0959.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0960.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0961.jpg

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http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0964.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0965.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0966.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0967.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0968.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0969.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0970.jpg

And for shots like this is why I wanted a different lens, just couldn't get these shots with the fixed focal macro lens.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0971.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0972.jpg

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http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0976.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0977.jpg

Wow that was a load of shots but hopefully good viewing with the building up part lol.

[Waynio]

Added extra precaution for opening the fan frame, someone broke one & I didn't cover how to do it thought it was self explanitory but maybe not.

I've not been project logging properly lately with changing my camera which is too nice to be in a dusty environment & the tripod is huge & I have limited work space so it all just gets in the way of what I'm doing so to log better I'd be best getting an extra memory card & compact tripod & use my kodak for workshop stuff & save the nice one for out of the workshop, in the winter I hardly took my camera over to the garage as it was sub zero temps & I doubt that's good for the camera, my mp3 sometimes crashes it gets that cold :D.

Ok excuses out of the way & I'll do this to fill at least 1 blank since everyone seems to like this fan mod & 1 so far is even willing to pay for them, I won't be selling any, I've better things to do, I probably would sell these but have no idea on nice fair pricing for the buyer & for me I'd feel wrong for charging something to make it worth my while & I'd be stupid to do them for virtually free so here is a guide I just made so anyone who either hasn't got the tools or experience you could go get them cnc'd like many modders these days :D, it's good to share knowledge, keeps modding evolving rather than keeping the how's to yourself :).



Custom rims tut for enermax modular type fans :) (revised).


So you need a good strong pointy pin :D

Carefully unclip all 4 main connectors.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0992.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0993.jpg

The carefully unclip the centre holding clips, the rest don't need it as they don't hold as much force.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0994.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0995.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0996.jpg

And do the same for the ones on the other half of the fan, you have to unclip on both sides of the half circle & then they just fall out :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0997.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0998.jpg

There, shouldn't have anyone breaking their fans while doing this now.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0999.jpg

These fans have loads of potential for sweet customisation especially if you can go with CNC as you could add your own cool cut patterns or logo.

The strips come in 2 half circles & measure 182mm x 18.5mm x 1mm I flattened 1 out & kept 1 in good form as an example for this tut.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0978.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0979.jpg

The cello tape I used was 90mm diameter & think it works better than just a hard object as it allows you to squeeze it to a further form, this setup virtually makes a perfect form for the 120mm fans although with raw material it requires a little extra forming which you can do with strong fingers & a hard surface.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0980.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0981.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0982.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0983.jpg

With a raw material it's likely it will need a little extra curving & this works for me.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0984.jpg

It also seems to matter where you place the half circles, the enermax ones have a bunch of slots that help it stay in place so if your using a flat material it can be tricky to get both in correctly, they shouldn't be overlapping each other at all & they need to be in every single slot on the bottom & top or the fan blades won't spin because of the slots being bent towards the blades.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0985.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0986.jpg

Once everything is aligned well you can carefully press the connectors down into place & make sure it's fully closed & that's it, you have a cooler looking fan providing you cut & formed the rim to exact spec :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0987.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0988.jpg

Modding this fan has opened up loads of awesome ideas for me which I hope to do some time if I can get the right tools.

I took the stickers off the psu :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0989.jpg

And got the fans back in there.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0990.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow0991.jpg

[NightrainSrt4]

Beautiful.

[Fuganater]

What he said. Beautiful mod and your camera does a damn good job of showing it.

[Waynio]

Beautiful.
Thanks mate & congrats with getting engaged :):up:.


What he said. Beautiful mod and your camera does a damn good job of showing it.
Thanks mate yeah I felt my skills have grown enough to justify getting a nicer camera :D well that & getting a bit of unexpected money which was blown on the camera, lens, tripod & an incredible scroll saw :):up:.

Which is why I added modder 4 life in my custom title :D the price of the scroll saw for it to be justified I need to make a load of awesome things lol :D.

[Fuganater]

Ya I hear ya. I'm going to get a macro lens soon. Just need to get the $500 first.

[Waynio]

Ya I hear ya. I'm going to get a macro lens soon. Just need to get the $500 first.
I searched & researched heaps before going for mine, it's a truly awesome lens but I overlooked 1 pretty big detail, zoom :facepalm: lol :D.

The right angle ATX plugs & scroll saw blades came on Saturday :banana:.

But, looks like the right angle ATX plugs are for soldering to the motherboard with both ends being male :facepalm: I aint soldering anything on the motherboard lol so those 5 bits are heading straight to the random bits box probably never to be used, probably :D.

So I've ordered a male & female ATX plug & I'll make a custom extender that wraps around to the rear of the mobo panel so it doesn't obstruct air flow, this isn't a bad thing really as I'll be able to make the 24 pin cable go in the shape of the curve with the extra slack I'll gain from this.

I started out on the front bottom copper panel & was my first go at cutting on an angle with the scroll saw, quite difficult really as it turns a 2mm sheet into 4 or 5mm & it catches easier so got through quite a few blades & I had to press a lot of force downwards to stop it jumping around (wasn't that bad all the time but I'd say 50/50 so just did piece by piece spreading it out over the day & finally got the rough cut done, now it needs a good sanding session on the bevelled edges to get rid of any jaggies, things have moved forward that bit more :D.

The metal lacquer I had some trouble with, the first time I lacquered it all it left some drips & some blobs, I stripped those areas down, re-brushed & re-lacquered & all is mostly fine except the right side panel where the brush finish got messed up & the top right area doesn't go in form with the rest so I'm thinking of stripping all the lacquer off, re-brushing & re-lacquering, PITA but needs doing really if I want it as my best effort, I'll just have to be more careful when I lacquer it next.Also since the perfection thing has got a grip of me I'm going to try to mill drill some of the side panel windows a little more because some aren't quite flush to the alu & it's irritating me whenever I look at it & see a glare from the windows that are sunk in by 1mm or less :D.

Got some nice shots though with the morning light, enjoy :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1000.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1002.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1003.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1004.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1005.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1006.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1007.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1008.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1009.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1010.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1011.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1012.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1013.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1014.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1015.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1016.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1017.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1018.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1019.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1020.jpg

More soon :).

[msmrx57]

Looking GREAT!!! :banana: I love the copper on the lower panel now. However it looks to me like there are a few spots where the final filing/sanding might be a bit of PITA. :think: But you perfectionism is paying off in how nice this is turning out.

[BS Mods]

Just keeps getting better and better.

[Waynio]

Looking GREAT!!! :banana: I love the copper on the lower panel now. However it looks to me like there are a few spots where the final filing/sanding might be a bit of PITA. :think: But you perfectionism is paying off in how nice this is turning out.
Thanks mate :) oh it took a while to get it to a better form, to be honest if I had the extra bit of patience I could probably get all the cut marks out of the copper but arrrrrrgh pulling a thin strip of 240 grit paper back & forth thousands of times really tests a persons patience lol :D.


Just keeps getting better and better.
Thanks mate :):up:.

Slithered bits off the front bottom copper panel with the scroll saw & then smoothed off the copper panel by pulling strips of 240 grit paper back & forth to get most of the cut marks out & then brushed & lacquered, took quite a bunch of hours but worth it.

And also fixed something that has been irritating me every time I see it, not every side panel window fit flush so I took the offending pieces out & took them to the drill press with milling bit, it's a pain to set up for the depth & it's a bit of a nightmare controlling the piece I run through but managed it just fine :D & now I have 100% flush windows :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1021.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1022.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1023.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1024.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1025.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1026.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1027.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1028.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1029.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1030.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1031.jpg

[Waynio]

Just got a couple of ATX plugs & some other bits so I can make an extender & a really short 1 just so it doesn't interfere with the air flow from the front fans & I'll be able to have the wires go in the shape of the curve with the extra slack :).

:D I just finished designing, printing, sticking, cutting & forming the copper P clips, the big clips are P clips, the smaller ones it wasn't possible to do them nicely because of the thickness of the copper so they are a slightly different version of the P clips, was the only way to make them in a nice way & the copper sheet I ordered I got lucky with the off cut as it was mirror polished on both sides so was pleasantly surprised :D, only cost me £7 with delivery, I said I'd make enough for 3 of the fan pieces for someone on another forum & he wants them brush finished so I might use the ones I made from this mirror copper & send him the ones I already made :D depends if I like the look of them when installed :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1032.jpg

Also I've got around to thinking about lighting & decided I could make the bottom section fan holders better since my marking method has drastically improved compared to when I started this project I print the designs now & stick them on the material so it's far quicker & more accurate to my design than marking manually & I have the scroll saw now & just ordered a drum sander that is usable on the drill press & can use any sand paper on it so could take it to 2000 grit without a ton of effort :D, there was a couple of things I didn't like with the fan holders, after I stuck them together I continued wet sanding them to get a perfectly seamless finish on them but it went wrong & some gunk worked it's way into the seams so when viewed from an angle it didn't look so good especially with light in there & didn't like the fact I had to drill mill some of the holders down a bit & even then the fans were too tight (so tight I cut myself when pushing a fan back out of the holder).

So I'll re-make them but for the depth of the fans I'll use 9 x 3mm sticks of acrylic instead of 5 x 5mm with a luminous orange stick in the middle, the apollish fans don't add any light to the stick areas so it opens a way to light them differently & I'll be making them function as the hdd activity LED :D so should be a sweet little feature & got all the bits I ordered except for the drum sander :).

Making them again should take no longer than 2 good sessions or even 1.

And the other lighting thing I've thought about is RGB LED strips, 1 600mm strip for each curve bar & possibly 1 300mm for underneath the case, it will have a remote control for selecting whatever colour I want & could turn it off when I want so can't wait to get that to put in but can't afford it just yet :D, anyway only a few steps away from complete :up:.

[diluzio91]

gorgeous...

[Waynio]

gorgeous...

Thanks diluzio :), like the sig quote & so true :D.

Going back in time to re-do the fan holders :D.

Just finished cutting the acrylic for re-making the fan holders so thats near 60 sticks & 15 fan hole pieces waiting to be sanded, the scroll saw really likes cutting acrylic, the disc sander & drum sander will make pretty quick work of finishing the edges :D the orange is called lava orange & looks like a neon light, these will be in the middle of the stick pieces with a white LED behind them so should create a great effect amongst the black & white colours in the bottom section, the stick sections don't catch any light from the apollish fans so allows for something nice, I will run a test before I stick them though to make sure it is good :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1033.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1034.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1035.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1036.jpg

I started very late so only got this far so I'll do the sanding later & see if I have material for making a really accurate jig for sticking parts together, has to be a perfect jig & something placing inside the jig to prevent the bits from sticking to the jig so I don't have to do further sanding after sticking.

[Waynio]

Sanded to 2000 grit & to get them perfect I'll have my first go at flame polishing.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1037.jpg

Loosely stacked.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1038.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1039.jpg

[Waynio]

I tried out a polishing mop on the bench grinder so see how it turns the acrylic pieces I wet sanded with 2000 grit which took 2 hours for 6 pieces, they turned out awesome within a couple of light passes but the other pieces turned out quite crap really & wow I can't be arsed wet sanding the other 9 fan hole pieces & then the 54 stick pieces so yeah I'll just frost them all, far easier option & still a good option really, but wow the polished ones really did turn out excellent but it's just too much work, it would either be 24 hours or even 48 hours to do :wacky: it would be possible for me to do it but I'd need quite a few beers to make it less monotonous :D I rarely drink but I've found a couple of beers lets me just get stuck in without thinking much about how many more to do :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1040.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1041.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1042.jpg

[Waynio]

Heres all the pieces 2000 grit wet sanded, polished, cleaned & ready for putting together with dots of tensol 12 acrylic adhesive.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1043.jpg

All stuck together & I need a break, I feel wasted :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1044.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1045.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1046.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1047.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1048.jpg

[Waynio]

Got the clamp bars cut, shaped, drilled, sanded, brushed & lacquered & also cut the copper rod pieces to size which will be for handles to help taking the clamps out, power sanded edges flat, bunged them in the drill press :D & shaped the ends with files (only had about 3 to 4 mm to play with so couldn't get fancy :() drilled, tapped & placed helicoils inside them, brushed them & then brushed metal lacquer on them too :D turned out be pretty nice I think :) I found when brushing metal lacquer on it's best to use a heat gun on the lowest setting to speed up the initial drying which seems to stop blobs or runs forming anywhere on it :).

These clamp bars aren't even necessary :lol: the hdd cages are a good tight fit but I already added the clamp supports in waaaay earlier in the project so thought I'd make them anyway lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1049.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1050.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1051.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1052.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1053.jpg

Attila is the one who inspired me to turn plain bars into something nicer :).

[xr4man]

that's so sweet

[Waynio]

that's so sweet

Thanks mate :):up:.

Getting the lighting done right on those stick bars in the fan holders is proving a bit of a challenge :D, the apolish fans give off awesome light but don't touch the stick bars so I had to come up with a way to light those parts well enough to have a similar effect to holding it up to broad daylight.

I tried an LED placed directly underneath the sticks & only lights up the orange bar & a tiny bit of the dual tint pieces but lights up excellent on the top end, I also tried sanding the edges of the LED's flat which didn't help neither, I also tried countersinking the LED hole so it would make the light brighter & wider but didn't make a difference, so had ideas of frosting just the stick bars internally or using light tape or el tape stuck to the frame of the fans to give a consistant glow but light tape is fragile & expensive, I even tried a laminating sheet which looks frosted when it hasnt been used this helped a bit but still not what I was aiming for, so my latest idea is to make a block of opal frosted acrylic & bung an LED inside it & have it replace a 5mm portion of the stick bars hoping it will create an awesome spread of light to act like it does when held up to daylight but even with that I think I'd be best to frost the insides of the stick bars so it works excellent I made the acrylic too clear by polishing it :D, this light block idea won't be seen because of the clamp bars so should work nicely.

At the moment I'm waiting for deliveries for molex pins & the opal frosted acrylic so could be Tuesday or later before I get to try it out.

[Waynio]

I had a good look at the led strips on the apollish fans & they look really thin like around 1mm so was going mad trying to find where I'd get them to add around the exterior so I could join the connector to the fans, Tealc on OCUK was very very helpful about the led strips & I now have the solution for lighting these holders perfectly, after thinking about the fact I'll probably have to file a bit out of the middle of the holders to make space for the strips I thought why the heck not go for the brighter ones :D, another thing I held the RGB strip underneath the holders & I'd say the orange acyrlic is highly UV reactive so I ordered UV ones :D so with all this figured out now I've got the bottom of the case bolted back on as I won't need to mod the hdd platform, phew :D, so can work on other things now while waiting, also if the light is too bright I could slip some laminating sheet inside to diffuse it a bit :).

[AmEv]

Somebody get miniature, sanitized plungers.
I need my eyes pushed back in.

[Waynio]

Somebody get miniature, sanitized plungers.
I need my eyes pushed back in.

:D Cheers AmEv :):up:. I can finally resume now I have the parts I ordered :banana:.

Been ages or so it seems since I done anything & got the needed bits to continue now hopefully to the end of this project.

So continuing with working on the fan holder lighting :) this is with a UV LED strip inside the acrylic with about 8 sheets of laminating sheet in front of the strip, the strip needs it's waterproof cover removing so they take up less space & the holders will need some of the center of the bars filing down a little so here is a rough idea of what it will look like & the outer alternating tint pieces will be white LED from the fans :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1054.jpg

I intend to get stuck back into this properly tomorrow & make up for that long wait on the order :).

[Waynio]

:) I finally got the modding feeling back, better late than never :D & actually grabbed my nice camera & tripod so I could get this back to being a log rather than what it was turning into as a show & tell :D.

So the fan holders & this different way of lighting them simply required the stick bars to be thinner there was no other way & thought I might get away with just filing a little bit out of the bars but nope lol I need them to be 5mm thinner so the 24 sheets of laminating material which comes in at 2mm needed & the 3mm LED strips, I only placed 3 tiny dots of the acrylic adhesive on to hold them together this time but even that really welds them together but a nice razor & hammer can carefully separate them, was a bit of a gamble but it was worth it to get these spot on.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1055.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1056.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1057.jpg

Cut & peeled all the water proof material off the 3 LED strips.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1058.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1059.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1060.jpg

Filed the corners down on the top of the fans.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1061.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1062.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1062a.jpg

A clear demonstration of how these stick pieces will be lit up, sticks, diffusion, LED strip.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1063.jpg

24 layers of laminating sheet.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1064.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1065.jpg

Creates this :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1054.jpg

Measuring & works out at a needed slimming of 5mm so now I need to make all the 12mm stick bars become 7mm.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1066.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1067.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1068.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1069.jpg

Lapped the lot so they are perfectly flat & even & I'll continue getting these to precise size tomorrow :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1071.jpg

[Waynio]

Everything antiqued after grinding down the 12mm sticks to 7.3mm.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1072.jpg

And the fun begins oh yeah, this is them after the disc sander.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1073.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1074.jpg

After 160 grit going 1 way, length ways so they will polish up better.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1075.jpg

240
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1076.jpg

600
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1077.jpg

Sure wouldn't be able to do all these hours & be able to slightly smile without my trusty mp3 jukebox :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1078.jpg

1200
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1079.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1080.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1081.jpg

2000
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1082.jpg

Polishing.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1083.jpg

Result :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1084.jpg

After cleaning them all up I started sticking them back together.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1085.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1086.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1087.jpg

Copper ? clips, that's right not P clips but ? clips lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1088.jpg

Anyway once the revised fan holders have cured that's the last time consuming bit, then it's just the optical tray & eject button & a tiny bit of wire work for a molex cable & the power switch, then the final touch install the lighting & get the copper ? clips :D installed & then route all the wires tidy, then I think it's done & time for the final photo shoot can't wait so I'll get it completed ASAP :D.

[Waynio]

Installed the optical drive to gauge what depth is needed for the tray cover = 5mm :) & same for the eject button but an extra piece on top so it's pushable so decided on a 3mm piece of alu & a mix of 2mm copper & 2mm alu for a tray cover, figured I should power it up to make sure the tray can eject :D it couldn't but only needed a tiny bit of filing to let it work which required me to tweak my design a little again.

OK the good stuff :D.

I pre brushed the panels & then masked them up because some of the pieces would be impossible to brush once they are cut (many tiny pieces), then printed, cut up & stuck my designs on with prit stick :D it really works excellent, far nicer more accurate & faster method than marking manually saves me many hours so I'll do this all the time now, putting this student version of sketchup to good use :).

So here's the scraps from what I done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1089.jpg

And here you can see fan label covers for front & back, a plate I did for the psu side where the label used to be, eject button bits, optical tray cover which needs a little filing so the middle fits inside the copper one & lastly the ssd cover with yin yang alu/copper placed inside the circle :) I didn't think I'd get much use out of the scroll saw for the rest of this project but I guess I couldn't resist :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1090.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1091.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1092.jpg

The ssd cover was going to be mirror polished stainless steel but I gave up trying to cut it well so tried polishing some alu sheet but wasn't anywhere near as good as the steel so brushed it instead & I'll paint that piece matt black (has to be a different look to the alu/copper & black should be sweet :D could get some brass but then I'd end up adding brass trim bits all over the place also :D), bear in mind the bits you can see here are the rough ugly side :D the nice side should pretty sweet :).

[Waynio]

:D No cats or dogs for this log, just this little curious guy sat watching with all the shiny stuff about :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1093.jpg

Got the stainless steel cut, I ended up using 1 of the band saw sections in the scroll saw which changed a half hour job into a minute :) & this is after a coat of metal lacquer on all these bits.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1094.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1095.jpg

The corsair force 3 120GB which I bought the other day, need some double sided tape though to make it semi permanent & it still fits in the case :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1096.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1097.jpg

Optical eject button made with 5mm opal frosted acrylic which I'm kinda hoping will catch optical activity light & create a slight glow around the 2mm copper top.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1098.jpg

Replacement for the psu sticker.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1099.jpg

Covers for the labels on the backs of the fans.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1100.jpg

Pattern covers for the front of the fans.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1101.jpg

Optical tray cover & friends :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1102.jpg

Randoms :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1103.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1104.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1105.jpg

List of things to do in order of which I'll tackle first :) on the final steps woooooo I could dance like a freak with or without music :D.

Work out exactly where I want the cables to be & add extra mounting holes to mobo panel
molex cable
Fix led strips cables from molex to a fan adaptor or to work with the fan cable = half done
Lay gap filling material next to all faint gaps where there will be light.
Make a block that helps keep the light control box stay in place next to psu.
Fix light strips to curve bars.
Install hardware :).

Get a pile of junk food & beer & get that 30lbs back or not I'm liking the extra energy levels I have with that gone :D.

[Waynio]

Ejecting working correctly :) had a tiny bit more filing to be done.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1106.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1108.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1107.jpg

[Technochicken]

This is looking amazing! Are you going to do anything to keep the copper shiny, like a clearcoat?

[Fuganater]

Looks awesome bud. Things are going very well for you.

[msmrx57]

Looking awesome!!!! Love the detail work on those fans. :up:

[Waynio]

This is looking amazing! Are you going to do anything to keep the copper shiny, like a clearcoat?
Thanks mate :) yeah I've been brushing a coat of metal lacquer on it all & it's prevented me needing to re-brush it over & over :D I lost count how many times I had to re-brush it :D so the metal lacquer really helps keep it nice & clean & most importantly will prevent the copper from tarnishing :).


Looks awesome bud. Things are going very well for you.
Cheers Fuganater :) it's good that you brought up about MOTM over on bit-tech as when Antony sees people bring it up he usually sorts something out, I'll put a word in also for an extra nudge :D.


Looking awesome!!!! Love the detail work on those fans. :up:
:D Cheers msmrx57 :up: I nearly added more but had to say to myself no, no more lol :D.

Last fabrication update I think :D depends on how the sata data cables are if they need a clamp piece adding to keep them tidy or not.

So I added all the required mounting holes to the mobo tray to support the cable holders.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1109.jpg

I also decided to make a cable clamp holder also, I added the mounting holes for this before making the part & took the cable to be clamped & took measurements off it with the digital callipers & got to it on sketchup to design & print the needed piece complete with cut/bend lines & excess length so it could be trimmed down & rounded, couldn't be bothered setting up my basic bending brake & just did a quick setup with plywood & the vice & manual pressing which is easily doable when material isn't very wide.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1110.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1111.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1112.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1113.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1114.jpg

Held the piece where I wanted the piece to be & marked where the mounting holes are & then drilled the holes in the new piece, needed an accurate drilling with me not being able to clamp this down so the drill press came in handy as it sometimes does :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1115.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1116.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1117.jpg

All done for this piece & all the mounting holes & that's all for the fabrication of this project, now it's just the power/hdd activity switch wiring & a molex cable & installing the lighting :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1118.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1119.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1120.jpg

So might not have completed the project yet thanks to me using the wrong adhesive for quite a few parts & having to re-stick them with epoxy resin but all the challenging stuff & slightly challenging stuff is done I'd say :D. Hmmm actually I have a mass of cabling to pretty up :D:facepalm: & it has to be done with windows being on both sides :D it's the sata data cables I'm unsure about looking tidy but if they are a nightmare I could make a couple of clamps like I did for the 24 pin extension.

[msmrx57]

WOOOOHOOOOO!!! It's been featured. Congrats! :up:

[BS Mods]

NICE!!

FEATURED!!


Well deserved. This should win "Mod of the Universe". :up:

[OvRiDe]

Great project!


http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/Front%20Page%20files/tbcs%20times.png (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=Project+Stealthlow+by+Waynio)

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=Project+Stealthlow+by+Waynio

[Fuganater]

Gratz Waynio! Hopefully you get slected for the "Mod of the Year" competition. I think you would win it. This mod dwarfs all others in details.

[Twigsoffury]

Hah those spiders actually often find shiny or flashy objects, and attach them to there webs to attract insects to eat.

I found one in the basement that had taken a couple of my daughters plastic beads and attached them to his nest.

hes probably scopin' out your copper.

[Waynio]

WOOOOHOOOOO!!! It's been featured. Congrats! :up:


Great project!


http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/jdbnsn/Front%20Page%20files/tbcs%20times.png (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=Project+Stealthlow+by+Waynio)

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/frontpage/?q=Project+Stealthlow+by+Waynio



Gratz Waynio! Hopefully you get slected for the "Mod of the Year" competition. I think you would win it. This mod dwarfs all others in details.
:yellow_green: :banana: :blivnk: :banana: :yellow_green:
Thanks guys I'm honored :), cool looking header also, thanks for taking the time to do this appreciated :D:up:.


Hah those spiders actually often find shiny or flashy objects, and attach them to there webs to attract insects to eat.

I found one in the basement that had taken a couple of my daughters plastic beads and attached them to his nest.

hes probably scopin' out your copper.
:D Cunning little things eh :D.

Just made the power button/hdd activity led cable & currently making the molex cable & if the cable work behind the mobo panel is a nightmare to make look good I might make a casing for it all with windows & mix of alu/copper that can be easily removed by as few bolts as possible or even velcro :D.

[Twigsoffury]

You seen that braided copper/aluminum sleeving they make for automotive racing?

could look sweet in that computer.





http://www.wirecare.com/images/thumbnails/MYN0.50GL.jpg

They even have chrome, gold, metallic and color changing (cystal pearl) finishes.

http://www.wirecare.com/Braided-sleeving.asp

[Waynio]

You seen that braided copper/aluminum sleeving they make for automotive racing?

could look sweet in that computer.





http://www.wirecare.com/images/thumbnails/MYN0.50GL.jpg

They even have chrome, gold, metallic and color changing (cystal pearl) finishes.

http://www.wirecare.com/Braided-sleeving.asp
Cheers Twigs I added to favorites for possible future projects :) I just don't fancy pulling cables apart again :D I don't enjoy doing sleeving at all :D.

I did a test run of the cabling & it doesn't look so bad until the sata data cables come into play so I will make something to keep the data cables either hidden or clamped in place.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1121.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1122.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1123.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1124.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1125.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1126.jpg

[Waynio]

List of things to do in order of which I'll tackle first :) on the final final steps now.


Make extra clamp for the lower part of the 24 pin cable to hold it closer to the mobo panel & stop it bulging out.

Make a set of clamps & casing to hold or hide the sata data cable mess & let the modding community decide which is best :D unless I come up with a sweet cover that doesn't need feedback on :D.

The LED strips in the fan holders I need to change the molex to a fan adaptor or to work with the fan cable = half done

Lay gap filling material next to all faint gaps where there will be light.

Fix light strips to curve bars.

Do night & day photo shoots of it up & running which will rely on weather as I want to do them outside :).

[Waynio]

Freshly thought of, designed, printed & cut pieces for the sata data cable casing, now it's time to bend them :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1127.jpg

[Waynio]

Wooo hooo got the epoxy resin, I went for 1 I've used before & has proven it's worth (araldite rapid steel) since there was no JB weld at B&Q lol I almost bought a tube of liquid metal but I figured with such a huge amount of adhesive for only £3 more than the araldite which you get a tiny amount in comparison I figured it wouldn't be as good.

Anyway on with this sata data cable case update, it's a mix of 2mm alu as a 5mm strip with extra ears with mount holes in to attach to the mobo panel which goes from near the bottom of the 2nd level to just below the 8 holes I made for the pass trough's so it bolts on when all the cables are plugged into the mobo & 1mm alu & 1mm copper bent to make a nice cover to hide the horrors of the sata cables :D had to get my bending brake out for these though for the 5mm ends was too much for the weak ply wood & had to use the brake in a conventional & unconventional way to get all the right bends.

Here's what it all looked like after thinking, designing, printing, sticking & cutting & before bending.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1127.jpg

All laid out waiting to be stuck.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1128.jpg

A kind of half arsed jig :D it was the middle piece that cut me, simple basic piece like that compared to all the other bits & that cuts me lol :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1129.jpg

Couple more shots of the pieces.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1130.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1131.jpg

And the extra copper details that I nearly put on the fans but scrapped the idea, they look kinda nice on this piece but undecided if I'll stick them on or not, if I do I'll cut some alu pieces to place on the copper bits too :) kinda looks like some kind of marzipan :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1132.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1133.jpg

By the time I finished placing the last couple of pieces with adhesive it had already started setting so had to remove the last 2 & clean off the partly dried adhesive & re stick them.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1134.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1135.jpg

Once things had set after 10 minutes I went all around the piece with a razor blade to take off any excess adhesive & took a few shots, it takes about 8 hours for it to fully cure.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1136.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1137.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1138.jpg

Up next for this is to very carefully brush it as 1 piece & then lacquer it :).

[TheMainMan]

Cool, that's a really neat look!

[Waynio]

Cool, that's a really neat look!

Thanks mate :) I should be able to call this complete tomorrow, then it's just finishing photos :eek::up::D.

[Waynio]

Updated the mobo bios to the latest & got all other latest updates ready for a switch over yesterday, then got started at around 8 PM putting hardware in & getting the cable work done & installing win 7 & finally got it running, fully up to date & fully optimized & made a ghost image, took all night to do it all but I'm now typing from Stealthlow right now :D & woooooooo it's really nice & quiet & looks really good running, I took a good few photos of it during the night while I was putting all the hardware inside so I'll get them up in a mo ;), the noisiest part is the GPU, the RGB power cable though I'll need to get a new one, I was slimming it down so I could slip it underneath the hdd platform & I believe I cut an internal cable on it so need a new one so I haven't put the side panels on yet since it needs that last thing sorting but won't be able to get it until next Wednesday, other than that though it's all done & I can finally get stuck into a good game :D:up:.

Still a night with lights & day photo shoot to do on this also :).

[Waynio]

Righty oh then :D.

All done except for the RGB lighting which will have to wait, (knackered the power cable for it) but I can finally relax knowing that's the final bit, everything molex or fan related cables is nicely stashed underneath the hdd's :D so with the mass of wires going through the small mouse holes I had to make them bigger because of the switches for the lights on the fans so this pile of shots in bad lighting will be the last picture update until I get the RGB lighting sorted & then I'll put some effort into the photos at day & night, so I'm gonna get the weight back on & enjoy some good games until I can resume this, been feeling starved of some good gaming :D.

32 photos so might have to do 2 posts in at least 2 forums I post at.

Like this under both hdd cages :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1139.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1140.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1141.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1142.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1143.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1144.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1145.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1146.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1147.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1148.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1149.jpg

Old
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1150.jpg

New
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1151.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1152.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1153.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1154.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1155.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1156.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1157.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1158.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1159.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1160.jpg

In use finally :D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1161.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1162.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1163.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1164.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1165.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1166.jpg

I love the unique light the fan holders project :).
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1167.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1168.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1169.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1170.jpg

So, a little wait for the new RGB light power cable & then final shots, these are just to show it's now in use, mostly crappy shots I know but it's 99.9% complete now yaaaaaay I keep getting random big grins knowing it's in use now :hehe::D.

When I walk into my room I can't even hear it & it's sat right next to my monitor so it's awesomely quiet, just the gpu that I can hear & that is with the side panels off :), :D time I got around to completing alice madness returns at last :D but I'll have to start from the begining again since I'm on a new os install on the super duper corsair force 3 120GB or the Yin Yang 120GB as I'll call it, here is a quick bench I did on the reads, veeeerrrrrry niiiiiiiice :D:banana:.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/stealthlowtemps.png

Oh yeah the temps are better than air cube to my amazement, was expecting warmer temps but it out does the air cube by a few celcius which had much more air flow but this I really thought about the flow on how to make it work best & I'd call this my first perfect design :eek::D:banana:.

Forgot to weigh this beast so I'll weigh it when it's done ;).

[Waynio]

The more the side panels were off & it being right next to me the more I started disliking the lighting lol I think all the fan holders need are little covers for the tops to cut off the excess light but only in the slot for the fan where the bare led strips are, anyway I put the side panels on to get a better feel for it all & glad I did :D.

I actually thought the temps might be even better with the panels on because of the design but noted temps are about the same, not better not worse unless you consider 1 or 2c warmer as worse :D, I also had the iffy RGB strip working but I really couldn't figure out what I was doing right when I had it working so was completely hit & miss but should have no probs when the new cable comes, I took it to the scroll saw instead of grinding it slimmer on the disc sander (lesson learnt on that now :D) think I'll keep it set on orange light as it's closest to the copper & it also creates a very cool effect on the fan spinner pieces I made but I'll have the option to pick quite a nice bunch of colours or even have it slowly fade into all the different colours which is quite nice :) or switch them off if they get irritating, the apollish fans I enabled the rear 2 the front one is too bright & makes the front look wrong so this makes it look nice with just that one switched off.

I've also ordered white led strips to see if I prefer them in the fan holders, the uv is quite overwhelming to be honest & not really a part of the colours I had in mind but felt I should experiment so might end up with all white or uv or a mix of both, would have been nice to use RGB strips in them but the control box would be very difficult to hide to keep cables neat but I'm going to take apart the faulty one I have to see if I could make a slightly smaller box for it so it can fit under the hdd cages, if I can then maybe it will be RGB in the fan holder stick pieces :).

Took a few more pictures since I put the panels on, also disabled the mobo led's, got some nice shots 53 taken 21 shown.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1171.jpg

Glad I did this photoshoot as it's reminded me I need to place the windows better so they reflect everything correctly :redface::D.
http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1172.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1173.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1174.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1175.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1176.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1177.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1178.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1179.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1180.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1181.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1182.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1183.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1184.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1185.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1186.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1187.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1188.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1189.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1190.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1191.jpg

Let me know if I'm over doing it with the photos, just it looked good when I put the panels on & couldn't resist :D.

I think I should make a big sturdy lazy susan with alu/copper marquetry for easy maintenance & better photos :D after making that optical tray & the yin yang 120 I know I can do metal marquetry with the scroll saw wooooo :D with 2mm upwards I can do it nicely, 1mm it's surprisingly more tricky probably because it cuts faster & easier. I like to do a side project after a big one to ease myself back to normal so I slow down the modding withdrawels by not having a sudden stop lol.

[Fuganater]

I agree about the lighting. Deff need something inside there to show off all your good work.

[msmrx57]

Let me know if I'm over doing it with the photos, just it looked good when I put the panels on & couldn't resist :D.

No such thing. ;)

[Waynio]

I agree about the lighting. Deff need something inside there to show off all your good work.
Cheers Fuganater :up: it'll all be RGB lighting now so controllable colours :).


No such thing. ;)
:D Cheers mate :).

I took apart the RGB control box to see if I could make a more compact one for going underneath the hdd cages & I will be able to so it'll be RGB lighting all around this case :D system side, cable side & storage side :) so the 3 white & 3 uv led strips will go in the mod bits box for another time so now I have to design & make the new slim boxes. Already had 1 30cm RGB strip so just had to order 2 more & another control box (it lets you run 3 strips through it) so if I push myself I should be able to call this complete by the end of the week :crossed::D.

[Waynio]

Another hefty all night session of modding a trip to Blackpool & then back to modding :D I redesigned the sata hiding piece with a little reinforcement & extra length for a complete cover & 3mm extra space for depth & did my best to make sure all of the pieces are the same as each other but that sheet metal bender is difficult enough to line up 1 piece ready for bending so had to do 1 at a time which is why they lack perfection, anyway now I'll be able to have the cables fully extended & fold up excess length inside the piece & finished designing & making the new slightly slimmer RGB control box so up next is sleeving the visible parts of the sata cables then put these parts back to use again :D.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1192.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1193.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1194.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1195.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1196.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1197.jpg

I seem to be able to design in 2d quite ok now, wasn't too sure if I'd manage making a slimmer RGB control box but have & it's an awesome fit & just about the right size for the 19mm space underneath the hdd cages as the new box is just short of 19mm :D, the only reason the original box was too big is beause of them cramping the cable work so could have been a good bit slimmer but because of the bad cable work inside these things I had to make it longer but at least I can cram it under there now & have RGB lights in the storage section also :) I also placed a cut to size piece of 1mm foam board for under the pcb so it doesn't get any contact with the alu.

[Fuganater]

awesome job on the power supply!

[Waynio]

awesome job on the power supply!

Cheers Fuganater I was pretty chuffed when I seen it fits together nicely & doesn't come apart without some force, honestly since I started printing & sticking my designs everything has been spot on & saves me so much time on prepping doing manual marking etc, I used to find marking pretty tedious & also making my designs sometimes a little inaccurate also, so glad I figured you can print your designs in sketchup, I bought a student license so I could use layout :D but I'm yet to figure out how to print anything bigger than A4 size.

The new sata cable hider is 260mm long with 4mm more depth also OMG I just hope it fits like the current one, that would be a total crapper if it isn't aligned the same but it should be :crossed::D & I've just realised if I get the sata data cables half sleeved & get this new cable hider installed I think all I need to do then is install the RGB lighting tomorrow & do the final photo shoots :D so I'll get onto doing the sata cables in 5 min :D.

[Waynio]

I decided to not sleeve the sata cables, would have been too bulky so even harder to manage but I installed the new bigger cable hider & wow if I made it even 1mm deeper the side panel wouldn't have gone on :eek::D so the cables are tucked up so it all looks neat now, I even made an end cap that I'll stick on the top, just need to brush it, lacquer it & then stick it on top.

Now I'm just waiting for the extra RGB stuff to come so I can complete this, should be here from 4pm to 5pm so should be able to complete it today & get the final photos up tomorrow evening providing there are no more problems :D.

[Waynio]

The phobya RGB strips are garbage :D I found out why 1 of the 60cm strips were working temperamentally & it had broke around the solder points, the other worked ok but on the cable side, 2 of the 30cm ones inside the fan holders worked but the 3rd didn't & couldn't figure out why so I've had enough of these garbage RGB strips from phobya & have ripped them out & thrown them aside never to be used or sold as they aren't good enough to sell IMO, can't believe how much time I've wasted with them, I only originally wanted subtle lighting anyway so I must have lost the plot a bit going fully & brightly lit up :D.

I have another idea that I should have done in the first place for lighting the stick bars on the fan holders, heaps cheaper & not a pile of clutter & awkward sized boxes to stash. Opal frosted acrylic, it lights up really well with a good single bright LED plugged into it so with the now empty 5mm gaps on each end of the fan holders I will place some of that inside & bung a normal LED inside each one & do some experimenting with some of my own lighting ideas (back to true modding yay :D), just wish I went this way originally, would have saved time & money.

So yeah completed photos not just yet sadly or is it sadly, means there is some good modding to come :D.

[Waynio]

Got an order in for frosted opal acrylic & chrome vinyl for experimenting & possible sweet solution to my lighting problem :D.

---------------

End of weekend quiet update without pictures :D.

Not been a wasted weekend really, covered the hard drive labels with copper foil tape, took the blue msi logos off the mobo, took the brand names & labels off the gpu & soundcard & scraped the green uv paint off the edge of the soundcard & then run a black marker over it :D.

So everything is done & waiting for me to get a lighting solution sorted now & then I believe I can call it completed :) I did start taking some pictures of the bottom section but the battery ran out so couldn't finish & get them on the pc, probably for best anyway, would be nice to make the next update the final photo shoots :).

[Waynio]

A few night photos & these were taken before I tried the new lighting I just finished doing the wire work on them, it's not for definite but I wired 4 led's to loosely sit on both sides of the holders which should provide a nice little boost of light for the stick bars so depends on if I like them or not if they stay final or not, for the main section I decided to just use 1 of the 30cm white led strips which I might lay some tinting film over if it's too bright so should have completed photos up real soon as it's just a matter of getting a mini flood of great finished photos which might take a couple of days to capture it as best as I can :D.

I found after taking the led strips & diffusing paper from the holders the 5mm gaps on both sides allowed a tiny bit of light from the fans & the plastic chrome looked nice but is hard to photograph perfect, taking good pictures of lighting is difficult to capture it as good as how the eye sees it but wow I think I've got far better at night shots :D.

I applied copper foil tape to where the hdd labels were, bought a big 300mm x 1000mm sheet, they look a lot better than what they did :).

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1198.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1199.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1200.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1201.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1202.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1203.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1204.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1205.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1206.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1207.jpg

Now I'll get onto installing all these freshly wired lights & then get onto doing the final photos :up:.

[Fuganater]

:up: I like it.

[AmEv]

I SO want to see this case in person!

[Waynio]

:up: I like it.
Thanks Fuganater :):up:.


I SO want to see this case in person!
:D Thanks AmEv :up:.

Got to work on a photo finish outside, flipping english weather it started raining so had to rush it into the garage :D I have a load of black cloth though from when I did the photo-shoot on air cube so got a board of chipboard & threw the black cloth on it & pegged it up lifting & turning as I went but I started too late in the day as it started getting dark plus I totally forgot about the white foam mounting tape I resorted to using for the rgb strip on the cable side so another photo-shoot is definitely needed with that ugly white foam tape removed :D so this is the first photo-shoot of 2 or 3, probably 3 because of me not removing the white tape & 1 of the photo-shoots will be night shots.

On with the show :D.

This is final photo-shoot 1 of 2 or 3.

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1208.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1209.jpg

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http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1251.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1252.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1253.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1254.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1255.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1256.jpg

http://i433.photobucket.com/albums/qq59/waynio_2008/Project%20Stealthlow/ProjectStealthlow1257.jpg

This good? :D:banana:.

[blueonblack]

This is one thing I love about this hobby.

I personally don't care for the overall design of this case. To be honest I didn't when I first saw it in the planning stages, but modding is all about making something your own and I wasn't about to talk down someone else's art.

Having said that, it doesn't in any way detract from the incredible workmanship demonstrated here. It's just absolutely beautiful work, obviously a labor of love, and the fit and finish are categorically awesome. You've taken a vision I saw during the design stage and made it a reality, and you've come a LONG way since Frankencase and Air Cube V1.

Positively inspiring finish, my friend. If the project I just started comes out as well as this I will be thrilled. You set the bar.


:banana: