Front Door Display?

[MitaPi]

So I have a Nzxt Lexa Computer Case and I am wanting to cut out a rose design on the front door of the case and put acrylic behind it (maybe a dark purple UV?) and then put either blue or UV Leds behind the door. If you have seen the lexa... you can see that this isnt a lets go right at it and hope it turns out good type of deal. So I would really appreciate some truly great advice. Such as what tools to use, how to do it correctly so I dont make mistakes, precautions, etc etc etc. Thanks for your time!

Happy Modding,
MitaPi

[Cevinzol]

I would use a jeweler's saw.
Its like a coping saw only with a much finer blade

[MitaPi]

How bout this? Would this work to cut out a rose on the front of my case? Which isnt metal by the way... its just plastic with like a very very thin piece of either metal or metalic plastic film stuff or something. We'll just say plastic.

http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=10

[Silenced_Coyote]

This knife you linked us to is for acrylic cutting. Not only that, but since you are proposing to cut a rose shape, it will be way to complex for this kind of knife. I don't think that you will be able to score a rose and just pop it out of the front panel.

[MitaPi]

okay, I am a total retard! WHAT AM I THINKING?? Why go through all this trouble? Why not either do one of two things or maybe even both? Okay! Idea No. 2 here I come!

Maybe I should cut a rose out on the mobo side of the case and some how incorporate the project name (Black Rose) next to it. BUT! Make a UV acrylic Mobo tray (lighted with UV LED's or something) so you dont see an ugly piece of metal? My other idea that I could do (or instead of) is etch a rose onto the window of the case? Which would be pretty easy I think if I just do some research on etching plastic and stuff. So I could probably do both of those things at half the work of just doing the front door (which I could maybe etch too if I am doing well with etching?).

[Cevinzol]

MitaPi,
I hate to be an old crank but could you shorten you're sig?
According to the rules of the road (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14) its only supposed to be 8 lines max... and yours is 17.
Why don't you start a work log for each project and have 2 lines with links to the work logs.

To be honest, seeing a parts list in a sig file is not exciting.

[MitaPi]

Well my sig Isn't to show off what I have and/or what I am getting. It's more there for me than anything else. But I was thinking about changing it because it IS pretty long.

Argh, I guess it is time to stop being so lazy and fix it huh?. ^_^

Fixed:
HOLY COW! That is so much better that even I like it! :D

So can anyone point me in the right direction on how to cut out a more complex shape than say... a square? Also I would like to not ruin that nice glossy piano black paint on my case.

Here is a picture to give you an idea of what I am wanting to do. It most likely wont be anything like this but it will be similar. It will be more of a tribal rose than anything else.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/MitaPi/0f_1_b.jpg

[Silenced_Coyote]

That looks pretty Tribal to me.

Oh, and my input about making an acrylic mobo tray. Instead of seeing the metal, you will see all the circuitry on the back of the mobo. So your rose will be tribal/technological. Maybe circuitry is the wrong word. You would have a Printed Circuit design showing through the acrylic mobo tray.

[MitaPi]

Which isnt a bad thing at all if you ask me! :P It wouldnt be just plain old clear acrylic though. I havent picked out what color I want to use yet but it will be a UV reactive color. Also I think I discovered the perfect way to get good UV lighting on the mobo. I think what I am going to do is drill some holes around the acrylic mobo tray (depending on how thick the acrylic is of course) and then put the LED's into the holes. Which would, I think, light the entire mobo as evenly as possible.

I decided to leave the window alone and just do the mobo side of the case. I am still thinking about the front of the case.... I might get a tattoo for it if they dont cost to much to have done. In any case all I am worrying about for right now is the mobo "window". I am still not sure on how to draw and cut out something so complicated as that? SO.... if someone could direct me in the right.. err... direction that would be great.

On a side note to the tribal rose window. I am thinking about putting like black rubber edging or window molding or something to give it a more clean and professional look.

Again, if someone/anyone can push me in the right direction towards how to cut out a window that would be great. I guess if anything I can just try typing in google and seeing what kind of guides they have. Thanks again everyone!

Happy Modding!
MitaPi

[Silenced_Coyote]

Just an opinion I want to give. I think the molding would really look bad in any window. I for one don't like it. Anyways, it would look bad especially in the sharp edges in the tribal part of the design. Also, I think it will look clean/professional already. Just look at everyone else who cut their own windows here in the forums. They look really awesome without the molding!

[MitaPi]

You have good points. I'll leave the molding off. Cost me less too ^_^

[meticoeus]

Have you considered wrapping the tray in EL wire? That should the *most* even spread of light. You could even cut a groove around the outside for it to rest in. I haven't seen anyone try this so if you do let us know how this works.

If for some reason this is a bad idea, someone please let me know as I currently plan to do something similar.

[MitaPi]

I have heard that EL wire doesnt last. As in the color and glow fades over time. That groove idea for the wire was a pretty good idea though! It would work pretty good as far as I have read about the product.. but you would have to replace it over time and time again.