Celtic Knot Inspired

[Espie79]

Day 13:
Not a lot done today, but I have finished carving the front panel and cut out the hole for the USB ports.

[Espie79]

Day 14:
Today I printed out the pattern for the other side panel, then traced over the design with a carving knife - took about 1.5 hours. I also drilled out areas on the case for cutting out ventilation holes with the jigsaw. The jigsaw blade broke so I will have to wait until I can get to the hardware store before I can finish off the cutouts.

I also test fitted all the panels, there is a slight overlap on the right hand side but isn't too bad. Not sure if I will do anything about it or not yet, I thought I could just file the overlap down.
First photo is a bit blurry

[Espie79]

Day 15:
I have done a fair bit today. I cut out the vent holes, and filed them into shape - not before going to the hardware store to get some more jigsaw blades.
I also finished carving the panel. I also stained it. I feel pretty pooped at the moment so not sure how much more, if anymore, work I will do today.

[SXRguyinMA]

you sir have some amazing carving skills! +rep

[msmrx57]

What he said. Looking good so far.

[Espie79]

you sir have some amazing carving skills! +rep

thanks, I really appreciate the compliments

[Espie79]

Day 16:
Today I realised two problems with the mod. The top panel fan is in the way of the DVD drive. I can either have one or the other as they take up the same space. I decided to go with the DVD drive as priority and just have a grill over under the fan cutout. I also realised that I drilled the hole for the DVD drive in the wrong spot. I thought I had the dimensions right but obviously not. I simply puttied the hole, and will take more care for the next hole.
Otherwise everything else is working out well. I made a cutout in the metal frame of the case behind the front panel to allow room for the USB and power and reset switches. Not the greatest cutout job, I could clean it up a little but you don't ever see it.
I also went ahead and stained the front panel, even though I haven't drilled the holes for the switches.
I epoxied the DVD drive door to a piece of MDF in the front panel.

Also thanks again to Thermaltake for the PSU which is on the way. I'm glad they agreed to sponsor me as I have other kit I have bought from them that I really like.

[Fuganater]

You might have to drill into the DVD casing for new mounting holes. Thats what I had to do when I stealthed mine in Project: Rage.

[Espie79]

You might have to drill into the DVD casing for new mounting holes. Thats what I had to do when I stealthed mine in Project: Rage.

Yep, you're absolutely correct. I noticed that too when I put the drive in. I think it is because the drive usually sits more forward of the frame, but now is flush with the frame therefore the mounting holes are obscured. Thanks for the heads up though.

[Espie79]

Day 17:
Not a great deal done today as I am waiting for my PSU from Thermaltake before I can do the electricals. I cut out a fan grill and fixed it to the top panel. As there is no room for a fan, the grill pretty much just works as passive cooling by letting heat out - hot air rises.
I also put the switches on the front panel. As the switches came with no information for wiring, it will be a guessing game to work out how to wire them up...might need some help from knowledgeable case modders.