First mod [school project] - advice please?

[Elenril]

WORKLOG NOW EXISTANT: http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=94892#post94892

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, and this is my first post, so if I make any mistakes in posting anything here, please tell me.

I have an idea for a case mod, but being new to modding, I have no idea about how any of this works, so I was hoping I could get suggestions, advice and helpful hints or ideas from people.

Anyway, onto the actual idea. For my Design and Technology school project, I've decided I would like to do a case mod. I'm completely new to this sort of thing, but I've been researching as much as possible. I've found that most cases available are aimed at the male market - and being a female, I felt that I'd like to produce a case that's more feminine (but obviously not too girly!). My teacher is also very big on crazy, out there ideas, so I tried to get as out there as possible in my design while still trying to be practical.

So my current idea is to do a case mod based on a garden, or something floral and elegant. I have a Thermaltake Soprano as my case, and on the window I was hoping to have a metal and etched or painted design, and the top of the case would be garden sort of thing. This is a sketch that I did in class for it:

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1944/treedesign1kt8.jpg

My idea for the garden would be for it to be made out of plastic parts from game models (I've seen it being called 'kitbashing' around here), and the main feature would be a gem tree in the middle. On top of the case there are USB ports and stuff, so I thought I could make that into a sort of rock feature, with the tree overhanging it... There would be rocks and long grass around that. The LEDs marked would be red, and they'd shine light towards the tree/USB ports. The entire garden would be built ontop of a plastic tray with slightly raised edges, which I'd fix to the top of the case.

The window design is pretty straightforward - the tree thing would be made out of metal, with a chrome finish. I was thinking of etching or painting the florally designs onto the window. I'm going to stick a red cold cathode light inside the case as well.

That's basically my idea... Suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated, because this is my very first case mod and I don't really know how to go about starting it :)

- Elenril

EDIT:: I also had an idea for the front panel of the case. As I'm sure you know, the Soprano has a wavy plastic front panel. I was thinking of making this more decorative by putting a similar metal chrome design on the panel that fits the contour of the curves. But I was also thinking of cutting out the inside of the metal (so it's kind of more like an outline rather than a solid chunk, if you get what I mean), and maybe putting clear plastic behind the cut out bits, and red lights behind that, so the inside of the metal design would shine red. Does that make sense? Does anyone know if that's possible, and how I'd be able to accomplish that?

[chaksq]

First off, and importantly, welcome to the forums. Always good to have new users.

It seems like you have a very good case design. I like the garden/nature theme. I also like how you are mixing it in with modern ideas as well by using chrome for the tree, ect.

Etching is the common way to put graphics on a window. I haven't seen anyone paint over a window. I would personally like to see you paint it, as that is a unique idea. I also think if you are a decent artist (Which you apear to be from your drawings) that painting might be easier for a new modder. Etching can be difficult from what I hear and there is greater potential to ruin a few pieced of plexiglass. I would suggest doing you painting on the inside of the window. That way the finish will be better protected.

I like the garden on top of the case as well. I believe model railroaders make a lot of gardens, and plants, ect in their dioramas. (I dabbled in model railroading myself a few years ago). You might look up their techniques for making realistic looking plants and grass.

Edit: I just though of a cool idea to add to the garden on top. Make a fake garden pond. Seems like some open space in the front or your garden design, you could cut a hole and add a small piece of plexi and do some other thing to make it look like a ponb. Also if you ever wanted to add water cooling to the system you could replace the plexi part of the pond with a clear water cooling reservoir. That would look even more realistic.

[.Maleficus.]

Welcome to the forums!

That's a very cool design. The floral concept is something that isn't too common among PC mods, so this should be very unique. Do you have a color scheme in mind? Do you have any prior experience with tools and such? You'll probably want a jigsaw and/or Dremel for cutting metal and plexi, and small tools for the other stuff. You'll find out what you need fast when you need it.

Good luck with your project, and definitely post a worklog!

[dfigravity]

Well I'm relatively new here myself, but welcome to TBCS!! And let me say that this is a fantastic idea!!!!! Here (http://www.thestorefinder.com/rr/rr_lib_landscape.html) is a site that shows how to do basic landscaping for model trains...but I thought it had a few things you mihgt be interested in...artificial grass, rock outcroppings etc. If I remember correctly, Bucko is an avid train builder...mybe he has some experiance with this. Good luck to you, I'll definitly be watching this one!! +rep for sheer creativity! :banana:

[Elenril]

Thanks a lot for your replies and advice!

chaksq - I've done some research on etching, and it seems that everyone uses tools for their etching. I've heard of chemical etching, and it seems simpler. Is it possible to use chemical etching with plexiglass? Also, can you recommend any paints that would be most suitable? And thanks for the idea of a pond, I'll definitely try to incorporate one.

.Maleficus. - For a colour scheme I was thinking of using red for the lights, because it's more girly than blue (which it seems everyone uses), and similar to pink. I don't know if it would go with the garden, which would be green, but I think if the gems on the tree were red, and I had red flowers, it might be okay. I have no experience with tools, except for basic ones like saws and drills when I did woodwork in my earlier years of high school, but I don't know anything about metalwork. However, my DT teacher said that he'd help me with the cutting and bending and whatever of the metal. As far as I'm aware we have most of the tools at school, which is where I'm going to be doing most of the work.

dfigravity - Thanks for the link! It's very helpful. Would I be able to PM Bucko with questions, or is there some sort of other procedure or etiquette on this site? (Please excuse my noobish questions, I know some forums have different rules.)

[moojoe]

question about your D/T class.
is your major Design/Tech? and if so, is it short for Theatre Design/tech?
reason I'm asking this is cause im going to school for Theatre D/T, but we always just shorten it to D/T or Design Tech, and thus wondering if your another D/T person at another school.
random, but still, I'm a curious person.

[Elenril]

question about your D/T class.
is your major Design/Tech? and if so, is it short for Theatre Design/tech?
reason I'm asking this is cause im going to school for Theatre D/T, but we always just shorten it to D/T or Design Tech, and thus wondering if your another D/T person at another school.
random, but still, I'm a curious person.

Well I'm from Australia, so I've never heard of Theatre Design Tech. In Australia, or at least NSW, I'm not sure about other states, Design and Technology is always shortened to DT.

And I don't really understand what a major is. I'm sure we have an Australian equivalent. I've heard it used, but never actually got its actual meaning.

[dfigravity]

Thanks a lot for your replies and advice!

Would I be able to PM Bucko with questions, or is there some sort of other procedure or etiquette on this site? (Please excuse my noobish questions, I know some forums have different rules.)

Yea...I'm sure he wouldn't mind...just don't say anything like "teh sux" cause he will try to eat your soul :D

[moojoe]

ah, ok.
in the U.S., within the higher education (college/university) level, Design Tech is the name normally given to the technical side of Theatre and the Performing arts, such as Lighting design, set design, costumes, that kind of stuff.
and a major is short for Academic Major, which is like, when you go to a university, you study a concentration in say...biology or computer science. that concentration in the study is called a major.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_major

[Elenril]

ah, ok.
in the U.S., within the higher education (college/university) level, Design Tech is the name normally given to the technical side of Theatre and the Performing arts, such as Lighting design, set design, costumes, that kind of stuff.
and a major is short for Academic Major, which is like, when you go to a university, you study a concentration in say...biology or computer science. that concentration in the study is called a major.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_major

Oh right! Yeah, we have majors in Australia, in uni (I'm in high school so for some reason it didn't occur to me). In high school, Design and Technology is just what it says... Design.. and Technology. It's pretty much free choice of what we want to do, which is what makes it such an awesome subject. For example, this particular assignment we were given was to design and produce an interior design product, so all my classmates are doing chairs, tables, lamps and stuff, but I'm a geek so I felt like doing a computer =P And next year, in my final year of high school, we get to design ANYTHING we want.

[Bucko]

Welcome to the forum!
I'll try not to eat your soul, after Aussies are great and need their souls.
I also know what DT is, as I did it at High School (Penrith High). It's a fun subject!

I wouldn't say I'm an avid train builder. I work on the Railway here in Newcastle and I build Lego Trains.
I do have a little experience with Rail Modeling from my youth. What in particular were you after?

[DaveW]

This looks pretty cool! This looks like a great project and your plan shows you have a definite aim in mind (which is more than can be said for the rest of these suckers! Yeah, you know who you are, you lazy gits!).

Anyway, welcome to TBCS, we're all more than willing to help you through making this idea a reality. Can't wait to see what you can do!

-Dave

[Bucko]

Yeah, you know who you are, you lazy gits!



Hey! I resemble that remark!
Don't make me have to eat your sole! (I believe Scotsmen don't have a soul, so it's the closest I can get...)

[DaveW]

Why have soul when you can have Spirit!

(Both kinds!)

-Dave

[sirkillalot617]

Finaly got my internet back up and running I did a pc mod for my d and t GCSE project so If you want to know anything feel free to ask I got a B by the way.

[Elenril]

Welcome to the forum!
I do have a little experience with Rail Modeling from my youth. What in particular were you after?

I just thought of a couple of things.

1. Where would I be able to get bushes, rocks, etc, the types they use in modelling? Can you recommend any shops in Sydney (I prefer not to buy online, and picking up is a lot quicker than waiting for postage)?

2. Is there a way to make long grass? In most of the models I've seen, the grass is always very short.

3. Would I have to paint anything? What paint would you recommend?

4. Would a plastic base be suitable, or should I use something else?

That's all for now... If you could help me out, that'd be great =]

[Bucko]

HobbyCo is the shop you need (197 Pitt St Mall, almost directly opposite Centrepoint Tower). They sell bushes there in the Model Rail section, along with hedges, trees and short grass.
The reason you only see the short grass is it comes like a powder that is glued on.
Most stuff comes pre painted. If you need to pint, HobbyCo also sells various Tamiya paints in small aerosols in almost any colour you'll need.

With patience, long grass can be achieved with nylon fishing line. Try and buy a non-flouro green. some painting can help achieve the colours too.
However, before you do that, talk to the guys in the Model Railroad section. They may have better ideas or products.

[Elenril]

Thanks very much, Bucko!

Thanks for the replies as well, DaveW and sirkillalot617.

Does anyone know anything about chrome plating - would I be able to do it myself, or would I have to get a professional to do it, and if so, where?

[Bucko]

Chrome Spray paint you could do youself, but it doesn't look anywhere near as good as proper Chrome Plating, which you will not be able to do (it requires various metal dipping in different solutions and is very specialised).
As for where to getting it done, I'm not sure, but DEUS EX MACHINA Custom Motorcycles may be able to point you in the right direction. they are at 98-104 Parramatta Rd Camperdown. (02) 9557 6866.
Or try a custom Harley Shop. Dunno where they are because I hate Harley's with a passion, so I don't look.

[simon275]

Oh right! Yeah, we have majors in Australia, in uni (I'm in high school so for some reason it didn't occur to me). In high school, Design and Technology is just what it says... Design.. and Technology. It's pretty much free choice of what we want to do, which is what makes it such an awesome subject. For example, this particular assignment we were given was to design and produce an interior design product, so all my classmates are doing chairs, tables, lamps and stuff, but I'm a geek so I felt like doing a computer =P And next year, in my final year of high school, we get to design ANYTHING we want.

Ah ha another Aussie. Yeah some of my friends did D&T one of them built a TV unit the other built a small wooden model boat with a fish tank in it. I graduated high school last year mate. Just do it to the best of your abilities. :up:

You beat me to it Bucko with the whole hobby co thing. Yeah Hobby Co is good for that kinda stuff.

http://www.hobbyco.com.au/

They have a couple of other locations to. Rhodes next to the IKEA and Macarthur Square But you are better off going to the city as they have a better range.

http://www.hobbyco.com.au/miscellaneous/location.php?

[Aero]

Well, I guess I found where all the Aussie's have been hanging out as of late.

Ok, well now about your mod. Looks like you have a very nice start. Just wondering, how long do you have to complete this project? I did a mod for school once, and brilliantly didn't start it untill about 2 days before it was due :P. My mod was a PC in a tool box, check my sig if ya want to see it, it was Project Huskey. Anywho, about your case, specifically then window. I like the drawing very much. It would look amazing in chrome. But chroce can cost a pretty penny. I would say try to look at some of the places Bucko recommended. Depending on what it will cost, you may want to consider using polished aluminium instead. Its easier to cut than steel (which I believe is the only material that can be chromed, although that is something to ask the shop you are looking at, ie) what metals can they chrome), and its much cheaper to get shiny. You can easily (and cheaply) get aluminium to a perfect shine with a buffing wheel and polish.

Now thats all assumeing you get that cut out. What kind of tools do you have? Thats one detailed design. I would say if you don't have experience cutting metal that you either have someone else cut it, or simplify the design. IE) you chances of messing up on one big detailed piece is much higher, than if you have say, 3 smaller pieces. So if you mess up on one part, you don't have restart eveything, just that one piece. Just an idea ;)

But looks very nice. Definatly create a worklog and keep us updated. Everyone here is very good with helping with just about anything. Ask questions and we will do you best to help. Good luck with you project and most of all, WELCOME TO TBCS:banana:

[Bucko]

Stainless steel can also be polished to a mirror like finish.

[Elenril]

Aero - The project is due on May 22nd, so that gives me about 3 or 4 weeks. I'm cutting it fine, I know, but I only discovered case modding a couple of weeks ago, and it was the holidays so I couldn't really do anything. But I think if I do the metal stuff at school every lunchtime and before school, and the garden at home, I might be able to get it finished on time. It's worth a try, anyway. Your Husky mod looks awesome, btw.

I asked my DT teacher what he could do to help me with the cutting of metal, because I have absolutely no experience with it. We don't have a metalwork room or anything at my school, because we're a girl's school and the closest thing we have to metalwork is chemistry. He's a new teacher so I don't know how good he is at cutting metal and stuff, but I assume he must be good enough, because he's a teacher. He said that he has a jeweller's saw, and he may have a Dremel at home. When I go back to school tomorrow I'll ask him about the tools and using aluminium and all that. Thanks for the suggestions.

Your modding guides were one of the first things I read when I found this forum, and they were immensely helpful. Just wanted to say well done and thanks for writing them!

[dyingstar]

Hey Elenril,

I saw this product on this website and I thought of your mod.

http://www.wroughtiron-deals.com/udx361_cast_iron_painted_rose_bracket.jpg

Apparently, it's a cast iron shelf bracket. If you're interested in this, you can find it at this (http://www.wroughtiron-deals.com/CastBrackets.html) link. They also have a bunch of other plant themed brackets similar to this one. Anyways, cool mod idea you've got here. Definitely curious to see how this one turns out.

[Eclecticos]

I think real plants would be alot cooler think about it you'd have a growing PC :D

[Elenril]

I think real plants would be alot cooler think about it you'd have a growing PC :D

haha that was my original idea, but then i'd have to water them.

'hey, can i have some water? i just need to water my PC.'

[Eclecticos]

Well all youd have to do is seal it up real good. And if it's the computer you use well when you get a drink of water feed your plant. .

[Elenril]

true. but... the inconvenience! and the plants would probably die anyway, they always seem to do that when they're in my care :(

i might do a growing case for my next mod though. right now it'd just be easier to do a fake garden and make it look pretty.

Thanks, dyingstar! Unfortunately, the products there are outside of my budget... way too high... i assume they're in US dollars, and add to that shipping and handling... i might try making a corner thing like that myself though, thanks for the idea.

[chaksq]

I like the idea of a living computer, maybe that could be a later mod when you have the time to mess around. That idea interests me, if you want I could make some designs/ideas for a living computer I would be very interested in helping with that project.

At any rate have you started working on the case yet?

[Elenril]

I like the idea of a living computer, maybe that could be a later mod when you have the time to mess around. That idea interests me, if you want I could make some designs/ideas for a living computer I would be very interested in helping with that project.

At any rate have you started working on the case yet?

sure, go for it. i'd love to see your designs for it.

to be honest, i haven't had much time to actually buy my materials. i plan to head into the city on thursday (the day when i have the least classes, and some spare time) to buy everything i need, and i'll post a worklog on thursday night or friday.

i'm about to have a fit, my DT teacher is going away on leave, and he's the only one who can teach me how to do metalwork...

[xRyokenx]

I know it's been a while on this mod, but how's everything coming along? I'm curious to see how this looks when it's finished.

[simon275]

I know it's been a while on this mod, but how's everything coming along? I'm curious to see how this looks when it's finished.


Check the worklog mate

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7915&page=4

[xRyokenx]

Oh, durr, lol. Shows how observant I am when I'm tired, lol.