First Build Not Sure of a Name Yet

[Gaate]

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/Un33titled.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/Untitled.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_22-36-33_950.jpg

EDIT: If a mod wants to change the Title to The Computer Cage, that would be awesome :)

Also, im not quite done, if the thread could be left here for now, in a few days im probobly going to update with some changes, for not thought i dont konw if im going to paint.

So this is going to be my first build, it is summer and i desided what the heck.
I have done a few small mods before but not really a ton. This should be fun.

I will try to update every time a make a contribution to it.


Here are the "plans" so pretty much a 2 minute sketch i did before walking out the door to home depot.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURES THAT ARE IN MY OP OPEN THE LINKS, THEY ARE OLD. LOOK AT BOTTOM FOR MY UPDATE POSTS.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-03_22-35-47_921.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/NewPlans.jpg

I started out by buying some metal corner pieces from home depot, and a rivet gun, tin snips, and rivets. So far i have made the top and bottom pieces of the case skeleton. They are not connected by the metal corner rods going verticle, they are just proped, that is also why they are leaning.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-03_22-22-35_667.jpg

Im going to go into a deaper detail and figure out more of what i want soon then ill buy some sheet metal.

So, going to get my dad to drive me out to home depot tomorrow and will get some sheet metal, i threw this picture together just to better illustrate my plan, these are just some junk parts i had lying around.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-04_23-11-06_655.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-04_23-11-24_281.jpg

Update, i trashed an old computer case, drilled out all the rivetes and tin snipped the mother board tray out. Also took out the On/Off Switch and reset button, which i may use.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-05_13-29-12_729.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-05_13-28-20_494.jpg

Ok, tried out all those programs, they are very complicated and i dont think im going to throw in the time to learn them right now, for now i just drew it out in better detail, im going to change the pictures now.

Riveted the PSU holder together, going to make the back panel have a minimalistic design and only cut holes for the power chord switch and a fan. Also shaved down the metal sides that i have cut and hammered them flat. Seriously need to get some sheet metal.

Ok, large Update, i couldnt get on last night to put this one here. I have gotten the sheet metal, cut out all of the pieces and riveted the bottom on, along with putting up the two back sides. Its starting to shape out, i also purchased all of the materials i think i will need.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-05_23-56-06_110.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-05_23-59-51_951.jpg

Ok, apon request i have started to post my updates as aditional posts, here is the link to the last post i updated in
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=332778&postcount=25

More pictures, other side done, back propped up.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=332789&postcount=26

Updated, finished the top, more info in the post.
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=332800&postcount=28

UPDATE
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=332884&postcount=36

A few questions I have:
1) is there any place to get cheep sheet metal, or something that is like sheet metal?
2)Any advice welcome.
3)What program is used to draw up all these 3d models of cases, google sketchup is all i know of.
4) What can i use as feet to the computer? Im really not sure about this, i know sites like mpctech sell them, but i dont want to spend 20 dollars on feet to the computer. I may just use some screws or something off of another computer.
5)WHere do people go to find machines like computer operated cutters?

Things to Change for The Computer Cage V2:
1) Thicker sheet metal, probobly 1/8.
2)More Carefull mesurements (obviously.) Especialy for sheet metal on sides, so rivets can be easily put.
3) Making 2 vopies of the side panels containing the double fan cage. So i can put the metal mesh in the first, then rivet the second too it avoiding the places there you can see through the sheet metal where the wire goes in.
4) Find a better Way to cut sheet metal ( the way i used, a jigsaw) cut it awefully jaged and ugly looking.
5) Order some actuall U channel, instead of using cheap stuff i found at home depot because i was to lazy.
6)Silver Rivets, instead of ugly white ones.
7) The way i did the back panel has to be completely redone.
8) Build my own Mobo Tray that fits better.
9) put a double layer in as the base of the case ( sheet metal.) so its not as unstable.
10) Find something to put on the sides of the sheet metal BEFORE it is riveted into the skeleton so it is more stable/ strait.
11) Make sure all right angles, actually are right angles.


PLEASE POST ANY IDEAS!

[TheGreatSatan]

Lowes or Home Depot. Are you in the US?

[Gaate]

Ya, on the home depot website it says that they sell a piece of 26 by 24 aluminum sheet for 10 dollars, but in store i only saw it for 25, which is a lot. I am going to call and find out about this, then work on the bottom of the case, i think it will be smartest to start at the bottom and work up.

[mDust]

Welcome to TBCS.

I like your external caged fans, that's pretty cool.

I would think that many hardware stores would have sheets of thin metal. It really does depend on where you live. Materials are readily available in some areas and not at all in others.

Any other questions, don't be afraid to ask. This site is incredibly helpful.

[Gaate]

I have a question, what program does everyone use to draw up these 3d models of cases, i know of google architect but is ther something better?

Downloaded 3d Max, going to check that out. Got it free lol yay student discount.

[BS Mods]

Pretty much the easiest and free is Google Sketchup and also Kerkythea.

you can do A LOT with just those.

[Gaate]

Pretty much the easiest and free is Google Sketchup and also Kerkythea.

you can do A LOT with just those.

Ok, thanks. I am installing 3d Max now, ill check out kerkythea too. I dont really like google sketchup very much so i probobly wont end up using it. But thaanks for the answer.

Update, i trashed an old computer case, drilled out all the rivetes and tin snipped the mother board tray out. Also took out the On/Off Switch and reset button, which i may use.

[Fuganater]

Ok, thanks. I am installing 3d Max now, ill check out kerkythea too. I dont really like google sketchup very much so i probobly wont end up using it. But thaanks for the answer.

Update, i trashed an old computer case, drilled out all the rivetes and tin snipped the mother board tray out. Also took out the On/Off Switch and reset button, which i may use.

I'm working on a tutorial on how to use Sketchup and Kerkythea. I'll try to do it tonight or tomorrow.

[mDust]

3DS Max is a very, very powerful program if you learn how to use it. If you can get Autodesk software for free, try Inventor or AutoCAD as well. Those two are geared more towards mechanical design rather than modeling and animation. With 3DS Max it's a little bit harder to get precise placement in some situations and there is no accurate way to throw dimensions on parts without plugins. Those are two of my biggest gripes while using the software for unintended purposes.

If you do use 3DS Max, let me know if you need help.

[Gaate]

3DS Max is a very, very powerful program if you learn how to use it. If you can get Autodesk software for free, try Inventor or AutoCAD as well. Those two are geared more towards mechanical design rather than modeling and animation. With 3DS Max it's a little bit harder to get precise placement in some situations and there is no accurate way to throw dimensions on parts without plugins. Those are two of my biggest gripes while using the software for unintended purposes.

If you do use 3DS Max, let me know if you need help.

Ya, I will prbobly learn how to use one of these programs later this summer. But for now i am more focused on just making a case, what i usually do to introduce myself to something now, computer building, modding, programming. Is i just try to pound out a product, which is not nessisarily great, but something. THen remake it much better with everything i learned.

Also, updated the op with some chopped up case parts.

EDIT: Ok, i know its not something for a first time case maker, and i know im only 15 years old. But I was still wondering. How do you guys get all these componies to sponcer you? That would be pretty much amazingly awesome. Anyone got some tips ( i know i need to get better at this first.)

[xr4man]

here's a little bit of info. http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26146&highlight=sponsor

i can't help much more than that other to say that i know the info is around here somewhere. you'll just have to search a bit.

[mDust]

Present them with well laid out plans and ask for their help with your project. Make sure they know you'll be posting a work log here and/or elsewhere that credits them. The more successful they think you'll be the more likely they'll contribute something. If you have past projects you've completed, send links to those as well.
Approach a ton of companies as most will likely not be willing to contribute.
Most importantly, be 100% grateful if you get anything and thank everyone involved.

[Gaate]

Present them with well laid out plans and ask for their help with your project. Make sure they know you'll be posting a work log here and/or elsewhere that credits them. The more successful they think you'll be the more likely they'll contribute something. If you have past projects you've completed, send links to those as well.
Approach a ton of companies as most will likely not be willing to contribute.
Most importantly, be 100% grateful if you get anything and thank everyone involved.

I wrote a letter to MNPCTech, i love their youtube videos, and hes a smaller buisness so i figured i would have a better chance. I will probobly email other people soon, i dont expect anything but w/e. THanks for the quick answer.

[Fuganater]

I wrote a letter to MNPCTech, i love their youtube videos, and hes a smaller buisness so i figured i would have a better chance. I will probobly email other people soon, i dont expect anything but w/e. THanks for the quick answer.

I've emailed probably 2-3 dozen companies and I only got 3 so far to bite and start talking to me. It depends on your writing, how interesting the mod is and the most important thing... whats in it for the sponsor.

[mDust]

I wrote a letter to MNPCTech, i love their youtube videos, and hes a smaller buisness so i figured i would have a better chance. I will probobly email other people soon, i dont expect anything but w/e. THanks for the quick answer.

MNPCTech may be relatively small, but they're well known. I'm sure they get dozens of such requests each week.
Another thought, don't email generic form letters. Tailor the message, if even just a bit, to each recipient. The more effort you put in, the better.

[Gaate]

MNPCTech may be relatively small, but they're well known. I'm sure they get dozens of such requests each week.
Another thought, don't email generic form letters. Tailor the message, if even just a bit, to each recipient. The more effort you put in, the better.

Ya, I wrote a personal letter to them. I dont think im going to put to much effort into writing to big componies because this is my first mod/build and its not going to be that amazing lol. I may in the future write to a bunch of people.

[Gaate]

Ok, i got another one, where do people find all of these machines, like computer automated cutters. Their way out of my price range to buy or make and i would have no idea where to go to use one.

[mDust]

Ok, i got another one, where do people find all of these machines, like computer automated cutters. Their way out of my price range to buy or make and i would have no idea where to go to use one.

Even the shoddiest of CNC machines are out of most peoples' budget. Google 'custom cnc services' + your city...if there are none, try large cities nearby.

[diluzio91]

another neat way is to look for autobody repair shops that specialize in repairs of classic cars. they have sooo many cool toys.

[Gaate]

another neat way is to look for autobody repair shops that specialize in repairs of classic cars. they have sooo many cool toys.
Lol, i think i may try to do this and make some new friends. I the only place i found is pretty expensive for every cut. So i may have to do this.

Also, i just updated the OP, got the sheet metal, cut it, and put the bottom on along with the sides. Its starting to look something like a case :P

[mDust]

A few questions I have:
1) is there any place to get cheep sheet metal, or something that is like sheet metal?
2)Any advice welcome.
3)What program is used to draw up all these 3d models of cases, google sketchup is all i know of.
4) What can i use as feet to the computer? Im really not sure about this, i know sites like mpctech sell them, but i dont want to spend 20 dollars on feet to the computer. I may just use some screws or something off of another computer.
5)WHere do people go to find machines like computer operated cutters?
1)Sheet metal: http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=239&step=2
Acrylic sheet: http://www.estreetplastics.com/
2) Next time you're at the hardware store, pick up a cheap metal file and clean up the tin snip cuts. It can save you from cutting yourself, snagging wires or hoses, and looks a lot cleaner. They are only a few dollars and at the same time invaluable.
3) Sketchup or Inventor would be your best bet.
4) Anything you want. Craft some out of aluminum or acrylic. My current case has felt floor protectors that you put on the bottom of furniture that sits on wood or stone floors. They aren't visible and they molded nicely around the wire shelf my computer sat on so it couldn't be knocked over. Do whatever works for you.
5) Many people that do it know someone or otherwise have connections. Some just find a place that does it and pay the price to get it done. Others say 'screw those other two guys' and build their own CNC machine! Then they give mDust and others free cuts!:whistler: I think most people do the latter. :D

[Gaate]

1)Sheet metal: http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?id=239&step=2
Acrylic sheet: http://www.estreetplastics.com/
2) Next time you're at the hardware store, pick up a cheap metal file and clean up the tin snip cuts. It can save you from cutting yourself, snagging wires or hoses, and looks a lot cleaner. They are only a few dollars and at the same time invaluable.
3) Sketchup or Inventor would be your best bet.
4) Anything you want. Craft some out of aluminum or acrylic. My current case has felt floor protectors that you put on the bottom of furniture that sits on wood or stone floors. They aren't visible and they molded nicely around the wire shelf my computer sat on so it couldn't be knocked over. Do whatever works for you.
5) Many people that do it know someone or otherwise have connections. Some just find a place that does it and pay the price to get it done. Others say 'screw those other two guys' and build their own CNC machine! Then they give mDust and others free cuts!:whistler: I think most people do the latter. :D

THanks for the help, iv actually already solved the first two, i should take them down, but nevertheless.

I just finished one of the sides and a fan cage for it, it looks amazing lol. ill put up pictures in a second.

[Fuganater]

Just my opinion... but its really hard for me to track your progress when you keep updating the OP. If you do an update, make a direct link to it in your OP.

Just a suggestion.

[xr4man]

i was thinking the same thing.

it's easier to follow if you just add a new post rather than updating the first post.

[Gaate]

Ok, in responce to what everyone else is saying, here is the latest pictures.

I also mounted the power supply hanger thingy, which worked out very ok.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_10-47-53_532.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_10-50-27_575.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_10-51-47_401.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_10-52-09_345.jpg

[Gaate]

More Pictures, finished the other side, the back is just propped up.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/11.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/22.jpg

Next i will work on the top, cut it out (its the last side i have not cut out yet.) and put in the plexiglass windows.

[xr4man]

looks like you're well on your way to a pretty neat mod/scratch build.

the concept looks great and i think it'll be pretty cool.

my only suggestion or critique would be to pay more attention to the detail work and getting everything perfectly straight and bent straight. i only say this because you are trying to get some sponsors and although i'm definitely no expert or even novice on getting sponsors, i would think they would want to see some well finished work.

i also know that you said this was going to be basically a first draft and you would go back and redo it better in the future, but i think if you really put some time into the detail work, it may help you more for getting sponsors.

[Gaate]

looks like you're well on your way to a pretty neat mod/scratch build.

the concept looks great and i think it'll be pretty cool.

my only suggestion or critique would be to pay more attention to the detail work and getting everything perfectly straight and bent straight. i only say this because you are trying to get some sponsors and although i'm definitely no expert or even novice on getting sponsors, i would think they would want to see some well finished work.

i also know that you said this was going to be basically a first draft and you would go back and redo it better in the future, but i think if you really put some time into the detail work, it may help you more for getting sponsors.

Ya, what your saying is 100 percent true. This is a first draft, and really what im trying to do is finish it quickly and get something that functions, i have been writing down all the things that would make this better and later in a week or so i will go out and buy new materials and do this over with much more care and exact...ness.....


Also, more pictures :P, finished the top, unfortunetly the plexiglass cracked when i cut it, but it still looks good. What i did was put the PSU holder in the top of the case, its a wierd thing to do i know, but i think it will turn out being kinda cool and original. Also, i am going to cover the top of the sheet metal that is rigid with something.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_13-38-40_572-Copy2.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_13-38-29_25-Copy2.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-06_13-38-12_204.jpg

[Gaate]

Everything is really coming together, and i think its a bad sign that im updating my thread more then people are commenting on it lol.

I riveted on the sides, along with the motherboard tray, switched the hard drive holder im using to something that fits a lot better. I am going to change my original plans a bit, im going to put the plexiglass window on top and then i am going to make it so you can open it outward, to give the case more accessability. All i need to do now is the front panel, along with cleaning some things up. :P almost done. Also, as a side note, the sheet metal i used is not very sturdy, and on my next build i will definetly find something a little thicker.

Since nothing has really changed in apearence i have no pictures.

[xr4man]

i was going to mention that you might want to use some thicker sheet metal next time, but i didn't want to put too many "negative" comments in at one time and come across like an ass or something.

[diluzio91]

an easier way to deal with plexi is to snap it, rather than cut it. Google that. For the sheet metal, thicker might work better, but maybe try to take a file to those edges to clear up the jaggies.

[Fuganater]

Ya go with 1/8" or something a little bit thicker..

[Gaate]

i was going to mention that you might want to use some thicker sheet metal next time, but i didn't want to put too many "negative" comments in at one time and come across like an ass or something.

no, dont worry. Anything that you can offer will help.

Also, i put up the back plate on.

[mDust]

Everything is really coming together, and i think its a bad sign that im updating my thread more then people are commenting on it lol.

Haha. As of this post you have around 400 views. Tons of people don't comment, but they're watching all the same.

As for finishing the edges of your materials, a file will work for the metal and possibly the acrylic, but there is an edge scraper (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=acrylic%20edge%20scraper&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1140l5758l0l22l22l1l4l4l0l264l2882l1.11.5l1 7&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=945&bih=499&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi) made just for plastic sheet. It works really well.

[Gaate]

Haha. As of this post you have around 400 views. Tons of people don't comment, but they're watching all the same.

As for finishing the edges of your materials, a file will work for the metal and possibly the acrylic, but there is an edge scraper (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=acrylic%20edge%20scraper&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1140l5758l0l22l22l1l4l4l0l264l2882l1.11.5l1 7&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=945&bih=499&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi) made just for plastic sheet. It works really well.

Lol, thanks. What i think i am going to do is buy some U Channel and put it around all of the edges that show in the end product. Also im going to make the case accessable from the top window, it will come up with a hinge along with the fan cages, they will open with hinges also.

Currently i am Cutting out the front piece and making the fan cases for it. Not much left before it will be a case :P, then i just need to clean it up... a LOT!

[Gaate]

Ok, finally got another update, the reason this one took a while is because i cleaned up the case a TON! i put about 25 more rivets in it to get everything down clean. I took off the two sides and the front, cut them because they didnt fit exacrtly right, and re riveted them. Also i finished the front. Everything is coming together, for a little there it was just so sketchy i didnt know if it was beyond repair, but i think it will end up being a nice final product once i put on the Uchannel, door hinges, and paint.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_17-06-09_872-Copy.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_17-06-27_829.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_17-05-54_571-Copy.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_17-05-40_498-Copy.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_17-05-13_495-Copy.jpg
The only other thing i am going to do is try to find a way to keep the metal together where the mesh gets tucked in for the fan cages.

[Gaate]

AWESOME! I currently have my new case with all my hardware in it and am using it now :P, I put a bunch more rivets in it, made it way more stable, put on some very thick metal strips on the bottom to give it more weight/stability. Put the u channel everythree, put on the plexiglass top. Put on the hinches to the plexiglass so that it can open, Riveted pieces of metal to the places where the cage fans are sliding in to the metal so that you cannot see into them and the sheet metal behind the case fan is more stable.

Ill upload pictures in a bit, i really like how it turned out.

In about a week i will take everything out and make any adjustments i have found, also i will put in the CD player mount, CD player, and make the fighter pilot switch work, for now thought i was just ready to see some results and take a break for a little, worked on the case for about probobly 20 hours this week.

Also next week i will do a paint job on it.

[mDust]

U-channel will help dress it up a bit. Looks pretty good for your first scratch build ever.

Were you planning on bare metal or were you going to paint it?

[Gaate]

U-channel will help dress it up a bit. Looks pretty good for your first scratch build ever.

Were you planning on bare metal or were you going to paint it?

Not sure, but i think a nice frosted black on all the sheet metal would look good.
Not bad honestly :P

Here is the current Picture.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/thchamp3/2011-07-07_22-36-33_950.jpg

[xr4man]

i'm diggin' it for the sheer "industrial"/form follows function look.

great job for you first scratch build. i'll be waiting to see the next incarnation. i'd say that you should expect for it to take a hole lot more than 20 hours for the next version.

[Gaate]

i'm diggin' it for the sheer "industrial"/form follows function look.

great job for you first scratch build. i'll be waiting to see the next incarnation. i'd say that you should expect for it to take a hole lot more than 20 hours for the next version.

Lol, absolutely, and thanks. Ya, it probobly took a little more then 20 hours all together. But next time i will be a lot more exact, use better materials, and put in everything that i have learned. I am happy with it too, not bad for a 15 year olds first scratch build. :)