Never modded -- Need a difficulty rating.

[SlyMaelstrom]

I've never modded a case before... in fact, next week I'm building my first computer, so I'm very new to this. Down the road though, I think I may want to do a modification to my case. While I'm sure it's nothing for an experienced modder, how difficult do you think this would be for a new modder with little metal working experience.

Attached is a layout of the cut I want to make. The removed metal will then be turned into a plexiglass window. Sorry about the sloppiness layout, I did the lines very quickly in MS Paint. Also, on top of how difficult it would be... what do you think these cuts would give for visibility. I know most of the front portion will be covered by drive bays and the back top will be the PSU... you think I'd still get a decent look inside the case with it though or are these cuts not worth it?

[mtl_hed]

Never modded before? Have you used a Dremel on other similar materials?

If not, practice on some scrap(like an old crappy beige case) before you cut up your new one.

And that hole your cutting leaves very little for structural support for the fan. It would flex very easily.

[Messiah Khan]

Quite cool window design. The only problem is that it would mainly show the drivebays and psu, not the motherboard which is what you ideally want to be showing. As for cutting it out, I don't think it would be too hard as long as you plan it out before hand and take your time. I would certainly not do it with a dremel. a Jig saw would be much better. If you have a steady hand you might be able to get it done in a few cuts, if not you can cut inside the line and file it down to shape. Remember to cover where you are going to cut with masking tape so as not to scratch the panel. Good luck.

[SlyMaelstrom]

Never modded before? Have you used a Dremel on other similar materials?

If not, practice on some scrap(like an old crappy beige case) before you cut up your new one.

And that hole your cutting leaves very little for structural support for the fan. It would flex very easily.Well... doesn't the replacement plexiglass provide support? I think it should. I will of course remove the fan during the cutting process. I actually don't see the case until this weekend... I'll first have to see how much those cuts will show me on the inside, so this might not even happen.

[flavoraid]

I suggest making two windows to leave some intergirty to the side panel (break the window into 2 leaving a gap of metal of support the big fan)

[mtl_hed]

I suggest making two windows to leave some intergirty to the side panel (break the window into 2 leaving a gap of metal of support the big fan)


Thats what I would go for too.

The plexi will add stability. If your really worried about it, just by Lexan at a decent thickness.

[flavoraid]

2 semetrical windows shows craftsmenship too :o

[SlyMaelstrom]

2 semetrical windows shows craftsmenship too :o

Agreed, but symmetry might not be an option here. I'll have to go for whatever gives the best view of the interior. When I get a look at the case this Friday, I'll redraw the lines in Photoshop... I may even draw up what it would look like with the Plexiglass in.

I've worked with metal before in art classes before. I've used a jig saw on metal, but never a dremel. My brother however has a dremel and I'd have no problem picking up the technique, I just wasn't sure of the installation of plexiglass. Do you use screw/pin holes to keep it in place or do you bevel the glass to get it flush to the metal and use some sort of crazy glue on the beveled edges?

[Messiah Khan]

Agreed, but symmetry might not be an option here. I'll have to go for whatever gives the best view of the interior. When I get a look at the case this Friday, I'll redraw the lines in Photoshop... I may even draw up what it would look like with the Plexiglass in.

I've worked with metal before in art classes before. I've used a jig saw on metal, but never a dremel. My brother however has a dremel and I'd have no problem picking up the technique, I just wasn't sure of the installation of plexiglass. Do you use screw/pin holes to keep it in place or do you bevel the glass to get it flush to the metal and use some sort of crazy glue on the beveled edges?


Again, I would recommend using a jigsaw to cut out the window, not a dremel. The only situtation I would use a dremel is if I had lots of intricate parts to do. As for fastening the window, there are a few options. One option is to get rubber edgin that clips into place along the metal, and also clips the window into place sort of ][ shaped if that makes sense. Another option is to place the plexi behind(or infront) of the metal panel and rivet it in place. If done correctly this second method can produce some very pleasing (And IMO best) results.

[Navig]

This is a good starter mod, and should be no problem if you've got metal working experience. Again, tho, practice on a piece of crap material first.

Make sure to mask thoroughly and carefully!

Dremel is okay and doable, just have a lot of patience, a lot of fiber glass reinforced cutoffs, and cut about 1/8 in inside of your line. Then lots of metal file work and sandpaper. And WEAR eye protection.

Jigsaw is fast and smooth and very effective.

You could consider using a jigsaw for the long straight cuts, and a dremel for the cornering.

A scrollsaw would probably be your best tool, if you have one.


To mount the plastic, H molding is extremely difficult to wrangle, as mentioned by messiah khan. I'd also recommend a flush mount with some C edge molding or even half-C molding to finish the metal edges. C edge molding and half-C can be found for wicked cheap at your local auto store.

To hold the plastic in place, you can actually use double stick mounting tape if you don't want mounting holes.

If you want mounting holes, just use screws n nuts or rivets. For easiest working, other tools you may wish to consider a center punch, cobalt metal drill bits, plastic drill bits, rivet pop gun.

Also, I wouldn't use plexiglass, I'd use 1/8in or thicker polycarbonate. Much sturdier and less likely to fracture.

platics faq. (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=387265)


navig

[SlyMaelstrom]

Ok, all good info, thanks. I'll do more research on those moldings you all suggested. Thanks for your help. I'll make a post when I actually do this so you can all see how it comes out, it may be months from now, though. Thanks again.

Oh, and by the way... new signature. Hope the centered text looks ok on all browsers as well as the extended ASCII characters.