Project: Xhume

[Xhenthius]

I found this old computer in my mom's storeroom. This is gonna be my 1st real mod. Well I did mod my other computer a couple of years ago but it was a 1 day thing so all I was able to do was cut off the top panel.

I started to take it apart before I remembered to take pics.
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2429/02102011001.jpg

You can see the custom paint my kids put on it while I was not looking.
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9929/02102011004.jpg

A shot on the mess inside.
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/9126/02102011006.jpg

Took the lower portion of the front panel by pressing on 2 tabs.
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5796/02102011011.jpg

I'm guessing the square hole in the front panel is for air intake since there's a spot where you can put a fan here.
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/1522/02102011005.jpg

I want to cover the slot for the floppy drive. Won't really be using it.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/9445/02102011012.jpg

A few shots:
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1287/02112011.jpg
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9052/02112011001.jpg
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2035/02112011002.jpg
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/3695/02122011.jpg

Hope to get some things done tomorrow or by the weekend.

[AmEv]

Interesting case.


Too bad you don't have a better camera.

[Xhenthius]

Interesting case.


Too bad you don't have a better camera.

Yeah, using my phone to take the pictures and also I turned off the flash. If the flash is on the case would turn a bit yellow like it has jaundice or something LoL.

Got something done today. Took out the rivets holding the top panel.
http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/3997/02122011002.jpg
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8266/02122011003.jpg

Hand-sanded the top panel and laid out some masking tape.
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/3742/02162011.jpg

Since I don't have a Dremel, I borrowed my friend's tensioned-wire cutter. Looks something like this:
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/4885/hotwire.png

Top panel now:
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/5319/02262011j.jpg
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/2699/02262011002.jpg

That's it for today.

[Munty]

How long did it take to make those 3 cuts? The result is very good, you must be very patient and careful!!!

[Xhenthius]

Took me a couple of hours to get them done. Was afraid I'll not be able to cut it straight. LoL

[Munty]

I would've been too, that's why I asked! Looks like you did a great job with a very steady hand though :D

[xr4man]

ok, i don't get how the tensioned wire cutter works. i would suspect that with the nicrome wire it gets hot. but hot enough to cut the metal?

please enlighten me.

[rgathright]

That is going to be one sweet looking case!

Nice work with those cuts.:up:

[Xhenthius]

ok, i don't get how the tensioned wire cutter works. i would suspect that with the nicrome wire it gets hot. but hot enough to cut the metal?

please enlighten me.

I used stainless steel wire not nicrome wire. I used a drill to make a hole then inserted the steel wire in the hole and attach it to the frame. The drawing was just a reference to how the frame looks like, don't have electricity on the one I used. Its just like using a hacksaw but instead of the hacksaw blade I used the stainless steel wire. I'll take a picture of it when I'll be cutting the acrylic for the window.


That is going to be one sweet looking case!

Nice work with those cuts.:up:

Thanks!

Update: Woke up early and was able to handsand the side panel and made a window for it.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6329/02192011004.jpg
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3125/02262011001.jpg

[xr4man]

i would have never imagined that something like that would work to cut metal. was the stainless wire rough at all or just a piece of any old stainless wire?

[Xhenthius]

i would have never imagined that something like that would work to cut metal. was the stainless wire rough at all or just a piece of any old stainless wire?

It's a rough wire. My friend said that the wire is called Acero 100.

[xr4man]

ok, that makes a whole lot more sense to me now.

[Xhenthius]

ok, that makes a whole lot more sense to me now.

Frankly I didn't know that kind of tool exists til I saw my friend at work a couple of months ago. On the other case that I modded, I had to drill several holes and use a hacksaw blade to cut a hole in the top panel. LoL Anyway, I'll be posting some updates later. :banana:

[diluzio91]

that sounds pretty neat, can you post a pic of the actual tool?

[Xhenthius]

that sounds pretty neat, can you post a pic of the actual tool?

Yes, I will. I already returned it to my friend but I will be borrowing it again when I'll be cutting the acrylic for the side panel.

Updates: I filled the floppy slot with some filler and applied some epoxy to the drive bay covers. I was thinking of putting some acrylic to that part as well but I changed my mind. Got some new idea on what to put there. http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/4245/02192011.jpg
http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/5725/02192011001.jpg

Also, was able to paint the top and side panels with primer red.
http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4789/02282011003.jpg
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8726/02282011005.jpg
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/6836/02282011004.jpg

That's it for now. :D

[Xhenthius]

Sorry if I haven't updated this worklog for a couple of weeks. Been busy trying to get a new job and its also raining non stop for a week now which made me even more lazy in getting up. LoL