My Goodnes looks sick:clap:
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My Goodnes looks sick:clap:
You could Fund your next machine purchase just making and selling these
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S-.../IMG_19491.jpg
to Other members on here.. I jury rigged one out of Steel rod Wrapped in tubing LOL .
But Your's look much nicer ;-) I'd buy a set
So much work has been put into this build callen.......Great Job!
I hardly see a lian li underneath all those fab work done ;)
I don't know how I missed this before. This has got to be one of the most enjoyable Logs I have read on these forums.
Amazing lathe work!
I'm in awe. Truly amazing work.. you are an artist.
Callen, everytime I catch up on your build I am just amazed how much it just keeps getting better and better. Keep those fingers safe man, we need more updates :D just kidding! but keep those digits safe.
I bow to your uber craftsmanship :worship:
The machinery certainly helps ;). Thanks, mate :)Quote:
Originally Posted by h20xide
Well i have to disagree with you there; i want this thing to be completed ASAP lol. I'm tired of using a POS PC while this one's being built!! That's probably the reason i seem so tenacious. i'm only persistent because i'm so desperate to finish! The finger actually had nothing to do with it :p:.Quote:
Originally Posted by bianco
Thank you so much for the kind words too, bianco. It really is appreciated :)
Cheers, Colossous. I'm glad you think so :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Colossous
Good enough for me :D. Thanks for checking in again, josk1. (ps i wish you were my doc!!)Quote:
Originally Posted by josk1
Always good to see you drop in, Antioch :). Thanks for the complement, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Antioch
yeah i kinda vanished off the face of XS for a while there. It's good to finally have something to show :yepp:Quote:
Originally Posted by TOM-UK
:p: cheer's, mateQuote:
Originally Posted by nlancaster
There are certainly some amazing people doing some amazing things in these threads! i'm glad you like my build, mate :). Can't wait for the finished result either!Quote:
Originally Posted by y0gi
Thanks, red. I love my tools too, i just need a good vacuum system and I'll be all set (plus a mill, pan brake, table saw, scroll saw, band saw, pipe bender... crap, i need more cash :mad:) Just joking, i'm pretty content at the moment, although i will be making a pan brake soon. Everyone needs a sheet bender :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Red-5
Thanks, bud. Glad you think so :)Quote:
Originally Posted by kwscore
:p: hey if it works; it works :D. It could't look that bad! I'd love to make some stuff for you guys, but i don't think the demand would be high enough to fund a new machine :p: if you want some just send me a pm, i'll see if i can't whip some out for ya.Quote:
Originally Posted by MagisD
I've put WAAAY more time, money and effort in than i originally planned! I'm really happy with the results though so i can't complain :D. And your right, there isn't much of the original case left; only the frame and door, and i've hacked most of the frame away too lolQuote:
Originally Posted by dro
Thanks, Armitage. There are so many great logs in this forum, I'm glad your enjoying mine :) I hope you keep stopping by :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Armitage
Cheers, gergregg. I still have a LOT to learn though! But that's the best part :)Quote:
Originally Posted by gergregg
Thanks, buckeyes :). Most of the stuff i've done has simply been my own interpretation of other people's work (namely charles_h) so i can't really take credit for being an artist. I really am trying hard to do new things though, it just seems someone always done it before :(.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeyes1995
Oh, i learned my lesson! i'll never let my fingers wander off on their own again!! Thanks for the kind words, mate, please keep stopping by :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by ohms
Just noticed you were Aussie, doing us proud. Should post this up on OCAU :up:
Yepp, Aussie all the way, mate :p:. Although i gotta say, I'm really growing really fond of all these crazy people from all around the globe. This place is such a pool of talent, it's pretty overwhelming!Quote:
Originally Posted by h20xide
As far as OCAU goes, I didn't really want to forum-jump too much, so i just posted here as it's where i got most of my ideas. i don't know if people over there would want to be pummelled by 100s of pics anyway :p:.
Pff, sif, they'd love it. OCAU has pretty much the same audience as this place (well the WC and modding part of it)Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
But yeh I have to agree with you with some of the crazy people worldwide doing amazing jobs with their pcs/worklogs, very inspiring
Well send em' this way, i'd love to get their opinion. Criticism is good...well, most of the time anyway :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by h20xide
lol..
Perfect. That's about all one can say. You're already putting that lathe to great work. I have no doubt this will be one of the best looking builds I've ever seen when done.
The only thing I'm not crazy about in this entire build so far are those sticks you have holding up the cards. Are they really necessary? Even my 5970s didn't sag that much with those monstrous waterblocks on them. If you're clever with your tubing, you may be able to resolve any sagging with that as the tubing can provide force up from the bottom to level the cards. You may also want to think about fitting two SLI connectors between them like both Sniipe and I have done as that also can help support the cards/blocks. If you don't like the all nickel kind, they now make clear ones which look just like tubing but are solid plastic tubes.
That's not to criticize, though.. just an idea. Your build truly is incredible, man. You really should look into starting your own shop for building PCs or whatever as your skills are amazing. I enjoyed just watching you build the extra work tables.
Keep up the inspiring work.. looks as if you're getting close.
Awesome complement from you, Michael! Your criticism is always welcome.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xion X2
I have my loop fully planned now and there won't be any tubing support unfortunately. But regardless of that, i'm actually really happy with how the stands turned out, even though they're not quite finished yet. Give it another update or 2 and you might even come around :p:. They will actually fit a bit of a theme once i finish turning the rest of the parts so hopefully that will help.
BTW, look into this and this (scroll down to PLASTIC-GLO) for your acrylic polishing needs. much much better than fine wet-sanding and sooooooo much quicker. The finish is perfect and there's less chance of rounding off the edges with sand paper. If i find time i'll show you what sort of finish they leave. Please don't take that advice the wrong way either; the finish on your parts is perfect too, i just thought this might help, especially with time.
Cheers, mate :up:
Its not just your build mate, you're a champ too, willing to do that for a fellow builder. You've made us Aussies proud.:up:Quote:
hey if it works; it works . It could't look that bad! I'd love to make some stuff for you guys, but i don't think the demand would be high enough to fund a new machine if you want some just send me a pm, i'll see if i can't whip some out for ya.
If it wasn't for the people here, i wouldn't be at the stage i'm at. Full stop. I'd love to give something back for all the inspiration, complements and time everyone has given me. So my offer still stands, just send me a pm, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by y0gi
I think it goes without saying your build is nothing short of amazing... I too am not a huge fan of the metal rod supporting the cards.. just a minor note.. everything else makes me drool.
I have NO knowledge of acrylic at all.. but is it possible to machine a simliar 'bar' out of acrylic? Wonder how that might look.
Yeah, I was actually thinking about what Buckeye suggested.. about using acrylic rods instead of metal. If you're intent on using them, acrylic would seem to blend in better with your theme since you have all the acrylic everywhere already.
Then again, you haven't disappointed so far so we may just need to see more. ;) You've made all the right moves to this point and are helping motivate me to get back to work, myself.
Thanks for the link to the polish. I'll have a look at it. If there's ANYTHING that can speed up this sanding process it is IMMENSELY appreciated.
Those video card bracers look fantastic.
I must ask. And I hope you don't take this rudely.
But I read a lot of logs here, and most of the time I "ooo and awwwwee". I'm asking myself what that person does for a living, ie to pay for all their work.
I read that your are a fisherman. Would you elaborate on that subject at all? If not I understand. But it's not every you read a log and the person is like "I need a new steel work bench, so I buy a welder and I build it!"( and a lathe.. and a... ; you get the point :D )
Yeah i could definitely try that :). If i still get people saying they don't really dig the stands once they're finished i'll have a shot with the arcrylic instead.Quote:
Originally Posted by Buckeyes1995
Cheers, mate :up:
Like i said to buckeye, it certainly can't hurt to try. What i'll do is finish off these ones first and give the acrylic ones a try after hearing some people's opinion of the result. I still have to take into account my own opinion too, of course :p:. I really think they'll fit once everything is finished though...find out soon hopefully?Quote:
Originally Posted by Xion X2
I also think you'll like that buffing gear too :D
I'm getting a LOT of mixed feelings about those things :p:. Cheers, bud, i'm glad you like them too :)Quote:
Originally Posted by lowfat
No offence taken, man :). Your right, i work on a fishing boat with my old man. we do pretty well but nothing spectacular. i might clear $25AUD an hour, but we do loooong hours. I basically spend all my hard earned cash on the tools i've shown you guys here. I'm lucky to have cheap rent too (on the beach front, $90 a week :D) and i go out drinking maybe once every 3 weeks as opposed to every weekend, which saves quite a bit of cash. My body loves me for it too :p:.Quote:
Originally Posted by Armitage
As for the welder, my dad bought that on the condition i learned to use it, and welded for him whenever he needed work done. We went halves in the bench though. Everything else i simply saved for and bought when i felt the time was right.
I hope that answers ya question, mate? Now start saving those pennies :up:
Wow I can not believe I missed this worklog. I was half asleep last night when I stumbled upon it and read it tell I got to page 8 and my eyes where on fire I think. All I can say is wow you have some major MacGyver skills going on there callen 1. I just wish I could have you as a next door neighbor. :yepp: Anyways great vision on your case build subscribed. :up:
Truely incredible work :clap:
I don't blame you for missing it, mate. It doesn't really stand out much, probably could have put more thought into the name (i'm just not really big on the naming thing, i think i'm the only one :confused:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Lu(ky
Anyway, it's great to have you on board :yepp:. Thanks for the kind words, Lu(ky :up:
Thank you too, Inglewood :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Inglewood78
Thanks for the answer!
Anyone else find it a huge HUGE tease to see "Last reply : callen_1" before you click on the thread and come to look and there are no pictures.
THUS
From this moment forward - Every reply from you callen must have a picture. I don't care if its a picture of the fish you catch. Your audience is upon you!
(hehehehehe :D )
+1 braces... I think. ;) Could you possibly include a non-macro'd shot of 'em with your next pics post?... like the in-case shot you took before the lathing was finished.
Hope the finger's better... man that looked kinda bad. :(
ha ha :D you would come only for my pc and lead me to play with it... then i'd loose time and money and incidentally i'd pay less attention to real patients... no good idea mate!! :ROTF:Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
by the way, i'm intending to do a new set of photos (good ones this time) soon... i'll let you know! ;)
Hello Callen,
I take a lot of pleasure to follow your blog. It is generous from your part to present how you use machines and results which you obtain. The blog asks for the work and to spend time besides the efforts used in the construction of the case.
I find that your blog is an educational guide for all those who have capacities for the manual labor, but who do not know how to proceed - it is my case! There are works into which I would never have ventured but which I go, in the future, approach with confidence on the basis of your indications. You return possible things. I want to thank you.
I do not ask you to sacrifice your skin. I prefer to you healthy. OK, you go to answer me that you too!
I wait for this moment when in your case the water is going to circulate and the plexi be illuminated. I think that there will be something ever seen previously!
Good continuation.
:p: Well i'll try my best but no promises. I can guarantee a pic next post though, so i guess that's better than nothing :shrug:Quote:
Originally Posted by Armitage
I'll stick one in the next update for ya, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Aphellyon
The finger's good too, the nail fell of though :mad:
No way, i wouldn't do that to you!! honestly :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by josk1
And please, let me know when you have the new pics up :up:
Thank you, manu. I really do hope i've helped someone somewhere, and if not, i appologize for all the pics :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by manu_D
I also hope to stay healthy in the future too, so i appreciate the concern, mate :)
Hey everyone, I did a little work today so i have a little update.
I needed a way to route the sata cables to the front of the case, but i didn't want it to look messy or out of
place, so this is what i came up with -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2039.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2041.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2042.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2043.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2044.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2045.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2048.jpg
The sata cables leave the motherboard sockets parallel/flat to the motherboard tray (you will see what i mean in
a pic further down) but they will be twisted 90 degrees so they can sit in the grooves i just cut. To allow for this
i had to rout out a bit more acrylic on the left edge -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2049.jpg
The sata cables fit very snug when the cover is on, so i wont be able to sleeve the entire cable. Instead, what
i'll do is sleeve only the parts that will be seen, and rout a little more off of the right side channels (see below).
This way the edge of the sleeve and heat shrink will sit inside the channel and hopefully give the appearance
that the whole cable is sleeved -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2051.jpg
So here's the whole thing -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2052.jpg
And here's how they fit -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2053.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2054.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2057.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2056.jpg
The following shot just shows the acrylic slots installed too, and a non-macro shot of the GPU stands for
Aphellyon -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2059.jpg
Now all i need is the right sized sata cables and i can install the SSDs
That's all for now, but I've got some more time so i'll get back to work :cord:
Thanks for checking, guys and gals,
Callen :wave:
:shocked: Man that sh*t looks sick put together, all you need now is some nice black SATA cables :D
Truly a work of art Callen, someone has blessed you and Kibbler with some serious crafting skills.
Just a couple of questions if you don't mind,
#1 Are you planning on leaving it that silver color or do you plan on powder coating or anodizing it?
#2 How heavy is the case? I can't imagine it being that heavy.
#3 Was it easy to make the video card prop up bar?
Amazing work.
Callen, you are right to stop a little, because we are tired! It is nervous :shocked:
Love how your rig is shaping out m8!
Cant wait for to see the finished product!
What a work! It is really attractive!
Inhale profoundly Callen, there is no need tu hurry.
This is very impressive and inspiring. I can see this on MDPC already lol.
So far, just about how expensive was it (not including the tools) to make this sick case?
Damn that's smart - it's better than how I pulled it off in my case - very impressive!
~Bex
Wow.... Lian Li thinks of everything! :p:
Very well done sir, as usual.
Wow! What a build...
I like very much your lathe-made case feet; why don't you "enrich" them with some o-rings on the grooves (you could use the blue UV reactive ones to match your color scheme) Or you could just leave them as they are, they're damn cool!
Ciao
I really like this mod. The GPU stand of is an awesome idea too !Quote:
Originally Posted by callen
Your attention to detail is just stunning as always. I'm also VERY jealous of your workshop. A student can only dream lol
Yes the GPU stand is awesome. I have a cut down bic pen body doing that in my case right now, your is much better Callen.
I go out of town for a few days and wow, what an update. Incredible attention to detail as always. Your workshop space looks great. I would recommend adding pegboard to the walls so that you can hang up all of your tool do-das. I did and it makes keeping up with tools a whole lot easier.
I haven't done a build yet where i haven't shed some kind of blood on it. Somehow, someway I manage to at least cut myself.
It looks like you are going to be able to do some sweet things with that lathe. I really like those case feet.
I'm going to depart from the others though and say that I'm not crazy about the GPU supports. The ones I have always made use more of the cardkeeper approach in that they support from the PCI panel screws and run the length of the card. I find this to give much cleaner lines. If made out of alu they can be very thin and yet get the job done. As much work as you've done on this case, you really could have just completely built it from scratch.
Great work, I have a couple questions myself
Where do you plan to put all the watercooling equipment? So much room is taken up by your mods. I can't even visualize where it's all going to go!
I think everyone else already asked the rest of my questions :)
Cant wait till the next update
Callen amazing work!
uhm.. I don't know what to say. I've been reading straight through and realised my mouth was wide open in the end. You stunned me with your skills. Ive never realised that what you create was possible to do with a router. Subscribed.. :P
Cheers, Ohms. AS for your questions -Quote:
Originally Posted by ohms
#1 - I have 4 options here but haven't decided what i want to do yet. I have a pretty good idea but i'll save the details for another update ;)
#2 - very heavy :p:
#3 - The prop up bar was actually pretty easy to make. Now that i know what i'm doing it wouldn't take too long at all.
Thank you, -Whiteroom- :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by -Whiteroom-
Quote:
Originally Posted by manu_D
Thanks, mate. And your right, it's best not to rush these things!Quote:
Originally Posted by manu_D
I can't wait either. There's a lot more work to do but hopefully it won't take too long! Cheers, NashazQuote:
Originally Posted by Nashaz
Honestly, i've lost track. You can probably work out the cost of the components and WC gear but as far as the case goes, it would be well in the thousands by now :(. A lot of the costs go into raw materials though, and i now have plenty spare for other projects. Sorry i can't help you more than that, mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by illectrik
Thanks, I'll be sure to check your method too, bex. Anyway, we don't all have routers to do this sort of stuff :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by RCG_Bex
Yeah it would be nice if these big case manufacturers could come up with some better cable management solutions besides a few holes and some rubber grommets!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Cheers, Wezly :)
Thank you, amagriva. I'm happy with the feet too! I'm not sure how i'll finish them off yet, but i'll work something out soon :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by amagriva
Thanks, Boulard83. I apreciate it, mate :yepp:Quote:
Originally Posted by Boulard83
I take my hat off to you students that still mod your pc's. It must be incredibly hard, what with the cost of everything these days and the little time you must have. Your welcome to join me in my shop any time :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by mattlef
I had a coat hanger hanging from the roof in my last pc :p:, I like this one much better :yepp:. Thanks, bud.Quote:
Originally Posted by nlancaster
I've actually got some of that pegboard above the old desk i used to work on, just waiting to be moved. I really have been meaning to do that :D. I also bought a bunch of those little plastic drawer sets for all my router bits, drill bits and screws, so that should help too.Quote:
Originally Posted by voigts
I'm always nicking myself on stuff too, my hands are covered in little cut, but nothing like that last one. I always manage to bump it or drop things on it too! It's like everything is attracted to that 1 finger :p: Good thing it's all healed now, minus a nail though.
Your not alone on the GPU stand subject either. I'm still debating on whether to use them. The hole in the mid-plate cover can be easily welded so there's no problem there, but to be honest, when your actually looking at them in person i think they look good in there. When they were fat they looked rubbish, but since they were slimmed down i've completely changed my mind. I'm going to wait until they're finished an then make a decision. I'll definitely be taking into account people's opinion too, especially people with your creativity and skill!
And yes, i should have started from scratch, please don't remind me :shakes: :p:
It all fit's snugly in place, you'll just have to trust me :p:. I have the res up top, the pumps and a rad down the bottom, another rad in the front and tubing everywhere :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Armitage
Hopefully not too long :). Thank, D.A.Quote:
Originally Posted by D1RtY AssASS1n
Thanks, sir :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by illidan
I was surprised at how much you could do with these routers too! It all started because i wanted to make a custom res, then i realised how many different types of bits there were and started trying new things. Never looked back since :). I'd still love a mill though, maybe one day :D And i've seen what you've been doing with your mill and lathe, VERY impressive, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Gnu
Shouldn't be long and i'll have another little update.
Thanks, guys :)
This build is very inspirational to say the least.
Inspirational stuff callen ;)
oh and How long are those 5870's ? 'cause naked pcb is shorter than with the aircooler
you are setting the bar too high!!!!!!! i seriously cant imagine a build rivaling this one in terms of handmade parts with the amount of perfection and precision that yours have
keep it up and hope your finger feels fine!
nice work, love the workshop
make sure you take care of your fingers. every single one of them count.
this is just excellent. so many inspiring ideas.
the attention to detail is incredible, and your photography shows the progress wonderfully
Cheers, S3RV0. I appreciate it mate :)Quote:
Originally Posted by S3RV0
Thanks, Oli4v. the cards are a fraction under 285mm or 11 and 1/8" long when installed in the case. They were measured from the backplate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Oli4v
Fingers feeling all better now but thanks for the concern, alphadog009 :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by alphadog009
As far as the build goes, i may hand-make a lot of stuff, but there are so many builds that make better use of the pre-mad/bought parts. I just have a lot of fun doing it :p:
Thanks for the kind words, mate :)
cheers, marxviper. and i'll be careful from now on (i learned my lesson :()Quote:
Originally Posted by marxviper
Awesome complement, rjkoneill! I'm really glad you think so :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by rjkoneill
I have another update so i'll post soon :)
Hi everyone. I did some more work so i'm ready to share a little. I hope you like :)
First I secured the covers to the acrylic slots. I've been meaning to do this for a while but always managed to find something else to do.
Drilling, countersinking and tapping is booooooaring!! I had to do it 35 times.... I'm really glad its over :D.
So after taping i marked and drilled guide holes with a 1.5mm drill bit -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2065.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2066.jpg
Each acrylic slot has to go in a certain place for a perfect fit. while each slot probably fits in another slot's position, it won't be perfectly
straight. There are 7 individual slots plus a top piece, so if i jumble them there's almost endless combinations, and i can't be bothered
installing and removing slots millions of times! This also applies to the covers i just drilled.
Anyway, getting to the point, the slots and covers needed to be numbered. The problem was the ink would keep running whenever the
part got tapping fluid on it, so i used a soldering iron and engraving tool for a more permanent solution (i should have just said that in
the first place, sorry :p:) -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2067.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2069.jpg
After that everything was drilled through, tapped, countersunk, and screwed (yeah, i screwed my pc.... so what? :rofl: ) -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2070.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2074.jpg
Tubing is going to pass horizontally through the centre of one acrylic slot (#5 to be exact). This left the acrylic held together by a very
thin edge (the edge which you see from inside the case, Pictures below should help). The first time i made the fifth slot it was too weak
and snapped along the edge, so this time i came up with a better solution.
When i had the acrylic re-cut at the laser cutters i asked them to leave small bridge-like extensions across the middle. All that was left to
do was boar out enough so the tubing could pass through but leave enough to give the slot more strength -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2075.jpg
First try (too hard) -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2076.jpg
Second try (too rough) -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2078.jpg
Third try (just right) -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2079.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2080.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2081.jpg
And a shot of everything in place -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2087.jpg
The next thing i worked on was the bottom of the feet.
I wanted the middle of the foot (on the bottom) bored out a little so when i installed the rubber it would be mostly hidden. I wont stick in
the rubber until i decide what sort of finish i want on the feet though -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2099.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2100.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2102.jpg
See, i really do work sometimes -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2105.jpg
Lastly, i did a bunch of work on the power and reset buttons.
I started by re-making the acrylic -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2108.jpg
I then re-made the shafts that held the button to the bracket. I moved from aluminum to steel, made the shafts narrower, and used 4 for
each button instead of 2. All of this greatly helps reduce movement of the button and helps hold it in place -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2111.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2115.jpg
I used a set of calipers to measure where the thread needed to stop and where the shaft needed to be cut. It was then marked with the
threading tool, which was also used to turn the end down a little and lastly make the thread -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2119.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2121.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2123.jpg
This is my thread tester. It lets me know if i need to make the thread deeper -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2125.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2129.jpg
Once the thread was right, the easiest way to part it is with a hacksaw then spin it around and face the hacked end -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2130.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2132.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2135.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2136.jpg
Now, just do that 7 more excruciating times! -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2141.jpg
With the buttons taped in place and marked, i made guide holes with a 1.5mm drill bit. It was then drilled through with a 2.5mm bit and
the buttons were tapped -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2144.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2145.jpg
Now for something a little different. I had a lot of trouble finding springs which were the right height, size and tension. So, after a bit of
research, i found out it's actually really easy to make your own; especially on a lathe -
To start, i needed a tool/jig to help keep the spring wire tension tight while winding. It would also be used to keep the coils set at a
certain distance apart (BTW i didn't come up with any of this myself, it was in the guide i found on the net). It was also at this point that i
found out how strong High Speed Steel (HSS) was!
I tried to use one of the HSS tool blanks to make the jig first. I normally grind these blanks to make new cutting tools, but they were the
right size to fit the tool post and i thought i'd give it a try -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2147.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2149.jpg
It didn't even scratch the blank and almost broke my drill bit! Crazy hard stuff to be sure!
So i moved onto some aluminum square bar next and used a grinding wheel to cut it to size then drilled out a hole -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2150.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2152.jpg
The springs i'm making didn't need too much tension. The original springs i bought and used were waaaaaay too tight and i ended up
screwing up the first set of buttons because of them :angry:. This time i wasn't going to make the same mistake and bought a few
different sized guitar strings to try which i would use as spring wire (#17 was just right)-
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2153.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2155.jpg
Here's a quick run through of what's happening in the pics below; first i found a nail which was about 3mm in diameter. I stuck the nail
and the tip of the guitar string in the lathe chuck and put the jig i made in the tool post. Starting the lathe very slowly in reverse, i let the
wire wind around the nail in a tight coil while holding the loose wire firmly in the jig. i had pre set the gears in the lathe for 1.25mm
thread cutting, so when i turned the lever to engage the lead screw the jig would move back 1.25mm every turn of the chuck. After a
few turns i disengaged the lead screw and let the coil tighten again. Lastly I cut the spring and used a grinder to grind each end flat.
Rinse and repeat -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2158.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2159.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2161.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2164.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2166.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2170.jpg
Anyway, moving on -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2173.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2174.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2178.jpg
Evened it up on some sand paper -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2181.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2183.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2187.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2191.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2193.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2195.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2201.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2196.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2203.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2206.jpg
Sorry for dragging this out for so long but i'm almost there :shakes:
The steel pieces in the following pics weren't attached together so i fixtesized it :D -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2209.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2211.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2212.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2215.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2216.jpg
I made 1 more weld to be safe -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2217.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2219.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2221.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2225.jpg
After a sand i'm left with this -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2227.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2229.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2233.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2234.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2238.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2240.jpg
Once the bracket is screwed down, the LEDs installed, and the steel covers are stuck in the correct position (they're resting on the case
in the pic below) there will be a blue ring around the edge of the cover and the power/reset symbol will illuminate (i still need to file
away some more steel though). I still don't know whether to plug the hdd led into the reset button so i can see drive activity but i'll work
that out later. Next update i'll also install a momentary switch so they actually work :D -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/S_...0/IMG_2243.jpg
That's all for now guys :up:,
Thanks for taking a look,
Callen :wave:
P.S. have an awesome weekend :surf:
Custom power buttons? You're not going the extra mile, you're going the extra light year :D
Yeah, no kidding! According to the last pic, even his new Reset button will have a Low, Medium, and High settings!
with making the threads for the nails, did you set the LATHE to do it automatically? like those auto cuts, you just do it once and it mimics youQuote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
I know the ones Ive used had that feature and it was great, could route the :banana::banana::banana::banana: out of anything and be precise as ever without having to touch the machine (except when needing to slide it back to the right)
also, why use a saw to cut them off? there is a LATHE bit for that
really impressed with the custom buttons, supurb attention to detail mate :up:
I had trouble getting my supplied power buttons to function >.<!
Btw - What kind of planning went into this ? Cad design etc?
:p: i just get funny ideas sometime. Then i try to work out if it's possible to make them with the tools i have, and have a crack at it. The buttons are probably a little over the top but it's just so fun making stuff :D (and i get points for originality:p:)Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottALot
hehe good spotting :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by MegadetHCl
Thanks, h20xide.Quote:
Originally Posted by h20xide
I think you mean lathe instead of router :p:. There's no auto cut/copy feature on this lathe unfortunately, so each one was done manually. It took quite a long time to get them just right, and by quite a long time i mean F#$%ing ages!!
Your right about the bit to cut off the piece, it's called a parting tool. The problem is, when the diameter of the piece your turning gets very small (like the little pieces i was turning above) the edge which the tool cuts is turning much slower, even if the lathe is set to max speed. Unless your lathe is super rigid, the tool gets pulled down instead of cutting into the metal. This can mess up the tool or screw up the piece your turning. It's actually pretty common practice to use a hacksaw to cut the last bit, i did the same with the feet too.
Anyway, that's time for your session today. I'll post the bill in the mail :D
Hey, Armitage. I drew the button covers in CAD if that's what you mean? The 2 pieces for each button were then cut at the laser cutters. All the acrylic and lathe work was just thought up as i went along, they're pretty simple really when you look at them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Armitage
This thread, complete thread, every single post are a masterpiece but... a REAL MASTERPIECE!!, is so :banana::banana::banana::banana:(i)ng awesome your workshop, your case and your config, is deserve it to send it to hall of fame of all threads on history of humanity.
Regards from Chile!.
God damn Callen, now thats Xtreme! Making your own power and reset buttons. For a while when I saw it in the earlier stages I thought you were putting shocks on what was to be the wheel base, and then the cross bar would attach to the bottom of the case.
All I could think was "wow, shocks for the wheels on the bottom of the case, what else will he think of!"
The buttons came out awesome looking, the blue was definitely a nice touch. It looks so sharp and the blue helps to break up all the clear plexi and give it more flavor and attitude. The use of the guitar strings to make the springs was a brilliant idea.
You should make power/reset buttons and video card stand ups and sell them :) Callen Brand!
yeah, tiny update as usual :D
good job callen, <3 this buttons
This mod is just unbelievable.
:bows:
:clap:
Main man Callen! You single handedly reinspire me to shake off the tired Vegas dust and hop back aboard the mod ship.
Still not altogether clear with where you're going with the 7 acrylic slot situation yet, but it looks crazy GORGEOUS.
The use of guitar strings for your power and reset button springs blew my face clean off.
Now if you'll excuse me while I go look for my face thank you very much.
Incidentally, if you wont be using the 10 or 14 guage strings, send it to me. I've got a couple of guitars in need of restringing :D.
Always a pleasure to read your posts and see the amazing work in the pics. Each new update always has something to amaze me in it. :shock2:
Your skills are second to none and those switches are just stunning mate. :up: I'll stop gushing now Lol.
Looking forward to seeing more. :)
Extreme precision !
and thx on the info on the cards, gonna get myself a set of those this summer too :)
Custom power buttons:eek::clap:
Great work :D
You're quite the freak, my friend.:D Hats off.:clap:
You...made your own...springs? Probably the most epic build I've ever seen.
Next thing we know, you'll be making your own Aluminum Alloys ...
Dang, I'm pretty lost as to where you're going with all of this, but loving the ride (that's not a complaint or criticism). You are doing stuff that would never even occur to most of us.
Thanks, Chile :). i lol'd at "hall of fame of all threads on history of humanity", is there really such a thing :confused::p:Quote:
Originally Posted by TOOL_CHILE
No shocks i'm afraid, Ohms. I think Darth Beavis is doing something along those lines though? I'm glad you like the buttons too, but they take waaaay too long to to sell :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by ohms
haha yeah, it was a small one wasn't it :D. Cheers, man.Quote:
Originally Posted by aka_GK
Thanks, SovietKitsch. I appreciate it, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by SovietKitsch
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
lol at blew your face off :p. I hope that image i sent you helped clear the confusion about the 7 slots.Quote:
Originally Posted by CptDreadFlint
Now get your ass back in the workshop. As your biggest fan i demand results dammit!!
No, please, gush away haha. I really appreciate the kind words, Red :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Red-5
No worries, Oli4v :). I hope i can actually use my cards this summer :mad:Quote:
Originally Posted by Oli4v
Cheers, mate :)Quote:
Originally Posted by kwscore
I am a bit of a freak, just not in a good way :shakes: :p:. Thanks, y0gi :)Quote:
Originally Posted by y0gi
Thanks, bud :up:. But there are many, MANY crazier builds in this forum! That i'm sure of :DQuote:
Originally Posted by tool_462
haha that's not a bad idea :D, maybe there's a guide on google for that? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by shazza
I get confused sometimes when people say they're lost where i'm going with this. Then i realise i never once explained what i have planned, so i don't blame you :D. You'll just have to continue relaxing on you luxury cruiser and keep on guessing muahahaha :p:
space ship.
beuatifull update.. love your work
Could be :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
Thanks, mate. Yours too :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Gnu
I'll stop bumping until i have an update now,
Cheers, guys :wave:
Wish I could come see it :) Whereabouts in SA do you live mate? You're incredible :) Good work!!!!!! This is the best build on XS in my opinion. Ever probably :)
Can't believe I missed this log.
This is truly the best build/log I have ever seen.
I'd cut my friggin legs off to have just a fraction of your skills.
Awesome ! Can't wait for more updates and to eventually see the finished product.
Subscribed :up:
Incredible work as always. I really marvel at the incredible precision of the parts you are making. They honestly look like parts that were laser/plasma CNC cut out. I have a hard time having the patience to get things that exact when it comes to places that won't even be seen once the build is complete.
I honestly haven't figured out how all of this goes together yet, but the precision is impeccable.
Any updates callen? :D
Wow, this is so nice !!! I love it when these are more than just build logs. Some people have so much talent and knowledge to make items that are more than just computers, there a reflection of someone. Cannot wait to see more. :up:
Just read from start to finish, I'm honestly at a loss for words. Absolutely everything you have done with this case looks fantastic. The tiny things like making your own thumbscrews and springs for the power/reset buttons just puts a huge smile on my face.
It's safe to say that reading these worklogs inspire many people to give DIY a go, that is a big part as to why I am a member here. There's nothing more satisfying than turning a raw material into a functional product.
Another talented Australian modder to recognise, on ya.
Hey Dreamaxx :). I'm in the one and only rAdelaide lol. The case is generally pulled to pieces so it basically looks like a pile of metal and plastic :p: for the moment anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamaxx
Thanks so much for the incredible complement too! Although i think saying it's the best build on XS ever may be taking it a tad far haha but i appreciate it none the less :up:
:ROTF: i had a good laugh at "cut my friggin legs off" :ROTF:. I think everyone has the skills, you just need the tools. Most of the stuff i've done can actually be made with a simple file and ruler though (have you seen Atila's mdpc worklog?) it just takes time and patience, something a lot of people lack.Quote:
Originally Posted by Saltire
Anyway, i'd strongly recommend investing in some aluminum sheets and trying new ideas, it's the best way to learn imho :)
Thanks for the kind words, mate!
Much appreciated, Voigts. I don't know why i bother with the parts that wont be seen, it just doesn't feel right to leave it half-assed, especially at this point :shrug:. But i can totally see where your coming from :yepp:.Quote:
Originally Posted by voigts
hopefully you'll see how it all goes together soon. I can't wait to see how your awesome project pans out too :up:
Yepp :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Lu(ky
Thanks, mate. That's not a bad way to put it either :yepp:. Makes me want to clean all my parts though, i don't want people thinking i'm some filthy, jumbled mess lolQuote:
Originally Posted by the_dope_chaud
I agree 110%, it's THE reason i joined this forum in the first place. Pure inspiration at it's finest!Quote:
Originally Posted by nipper575
Even the projects which have to be built on a budget have their own touch of magic. In fact it's usually those builds that force people to think outside of the box, and fantastic new ideas and tricks start to emerge which 100s of other people end up using!
Cheers for the kind words, nippers :).
Hey everyone, I have an update, huzzah :guitar:!
Getting straight into it i made some little door stops as Kibbler suggested. I made them removable in case i need to
make adjustments later. They're a little gritty too so i'll need to give them a cleanup too (like everything else :shakes:)
but basically they reduce the twist in the sata cables so they run parallel to the mobo when entering the channels -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2613.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2614.jpg
I also installed the momentary switches in the buttons i made (so now they actually work :D) -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2589.jpg
Using a 2mm routing bit (set to the right depth) i routed out a small channel on each side -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2590.jpg
And now the switches sit in their new holes nice and snug -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2784.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2787.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2791.jpg
My next little project was the hinges for the pannels. You'll probably notice i'm only making 3 in several of the pics;
this is because i had already made one to see if the idea would actually work -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2317.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2321.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2323.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2326.jpg
Centring in an independent 4-jaw chuck is a bit more complicated than the 3-jaw self centring -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2328.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2329.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2332.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2333.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2336.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2347.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2352.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2356.jpg
If the "swivelling" part of the hinge is to actually turn, then it mustn't press up against the case (unless it's round,
which it's not). As i had already routed off most of the corner to avoid this (see the above pic) I still had to take off
about a mm from one side (it would be much easier to explain this with an actual demo :mad:), anyway -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2359.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2363.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2367.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2370.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2374.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2376.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2378.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2381.jpg
In the pic below you can see the small amount of metal i had to remove from the edge to allow the hinges to twist
when installed (look at the lower half of the two left hinges) -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2382.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2386.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2391.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2393.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2411.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2414.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2408.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2421.jpg
Sorry, no pics of them installed yet, i made a boo-boo (error) with the back plate as you'll see below.
When i cut out the side panels i calculated the overhang i would need so i could screw the panels to the hinges. I
left an extra 2mm for the thickness of the backplate, and an extra 10mm for the thickness of the hinges.
This was all fine, the cuts came out at the right dimensions (and i almost lost the end of my finger in the process).
The problem was the hinges aren't 10mm thick like i thought, they're 12mm :mad:.
So i had 2 choices; i could either cut new side panels (not f*cken' likely after the last scenario!) or cut gaps in the
backplate so the hinges could bolt directly to the chassis and everything would be flush like it should be.
I went with the gaps.... unfortunately -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2454.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2457.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2459.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2462.jpg
That's not so bad, right? WRONG! lol.
What i didn't realise was this; 3 of the corners at the back of the case look like this -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2804.jpg
One looks like this :brick: -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2801.jpg
I had another problem with the backplate anyway, and that was fitting in the PSU bracket. I figured i'd have to get
the whole backplate re-cut at the laser/water place after the gaps i cut turned out wrong, but thought i'd give
welding the PSU bracket to the backplate a try anyway -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2465.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2469.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2471.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2476.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2477.jpg
The welding turned out ok but I gave up filing and sanding after about an hour (the weld is as strong as mild steel)
but i think if i had kept at it the final result would have been good. Anyway, here's what i was left with -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2653.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2656.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2806.jpg
Again, I won't be using this backplate. I'll have another one correctly cut at the laser/water jet cutters. I'll get
them to do the side panels too, which will save me a chunk of time.
I also made a new rad bracket to shift the rad to the front by a couple of centimetres. Originally it was right on the
edge of the chassis -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2444.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2447.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2449.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2450.jpg
Almost finished off the pumps and bracket too. Turns out that when you sand a Laing pump casing, it turns brown
:eh:, so i'll have to paint them later -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2423.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2425.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2427.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2430.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2435.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2437.jpg
After finding out my mid-plate was 2mm higher at the front of the case than the back i decided to make a new one
out of 3mm aluminum instead -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2571.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2576.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2577.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2578.jpg
It still needs a few more holes cut and a good sanding but it fits like a glove :woot:
Moving on, I whipped up some thumb screws in keeping with one of the themes -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2544.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2545.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2547.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2548.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2549.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2550.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2551.jpg
Now, because my lathe is a POS, this is what happens with the parting tool when there's only about 3mm of metal
left (it's also the reason i use the hacksaw with smaller parts. Oh, and please excuse all the grit, it's not clean yet
:D) -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2553.jpg
After facing off the crap at the end, i made 12 more of the little buggers -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2559.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2563.jpg
(yes, yes, everything needs a good clean :p)
I have also started working on a lighting solution -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2490.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2491.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2492.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2494.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2496.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2485.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2501.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2506.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2509.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2510.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2514.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2515.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2516.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2517.jpg
Please note that none of the acrylic has been sand blasted yet so hopefully the end result will look more even
around the edges. Overall i'm really happy though.
Same deal with the mid plate -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TB...0/IMG_2486.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2797.jpg
All the acrylic slots (the ones where the drive bay used to be) need lighting. The top three will have a chunk routed
out for the three SSDs to be mounted in so i couldn't run LEDs in any of the edges. The other slots have less than
2mm of room between the back edge and the rad fans, so again, i couldn't run LEDs in any of the edges.
The only place left was to rout out part of the centre (like above) and install a small strip in the middle, but i had
nowhere to run the power cables. In the end this is what i came up with, and if all goes according to the sketchy
plan in my head then it should look ok :shrug: -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2594.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2596.jpg
I drilling through just enough to mark each slot -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2597.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2603.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2606.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2608.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2609.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2814.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2816.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2817.jpg
The slots aren't screwed into place in the last two pics, which is why the jacks don't appear to line up with the
holes. Once screwed into place everything lines up much better.
I wanted the power cables for the slots to be kind of different, not just a cable running straight to the PSU. I also
needed a cable routing solution for the 24-pin. So in the following pics i basically killed 2 birds with one stone -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2616.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2620.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2622.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2624.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2626.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2634.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2636.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2638.jpg
After marking where i wanted to mount them, i made some stand-off's at the correct height -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2639.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2641.jpg
The stand-off's can't touch the aluminum in the case as they're going to be mounted to the copper strips which are
live -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2642.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2643.jpg
If required, i can remove more metal, but as it stands there is a 1mm gap around the stand-off's and there will only
be 12 volts and a tiny amperage running through them so there's litterally no chance of arcing (i need a preying
smiley :D)
Here they are installed (i still need to de-burr the holes) -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2649.jpg
For some reason at this point i decided to install the lighting in the acrylic around the mobo tray. I couldn't rout out
the centre this time so it was done around the edge with a cover -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2658.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2660.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2663.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2669.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2670.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2672.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2675.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2676.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2680.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2681.jpg
Just need to rout a channel for the power cables now (which i've actually done but don't have any pics yet :p:).
Anyway, back to those birds i was trying to murder with that stone (aka the LED power and 24-pin cable routing).
I needed to cover the copper strips so i don't zap myself and i also wanted to cover that big hole the 24-pin cables
run through on the mobo tray -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2693.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2698.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2700.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2703.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2705.jpg
After a quick file down -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2706.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2709.jpg
After all that i realised it was 10mm too short :p:. I wanted a cover on the bottom end too so i mad another one -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2710.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2711.jpg
Here's the acrylic cover for the copper strips -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2712.jpg
Two correctly sized stand-off's -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2713.jpg
Drilled, tapped and countersunk -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2714.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2716.jpg
Onto the cable routing. I made up this little guy -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2731.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2734.jpg
If you came up to me a day ago and asked me if it was possible to rout out a piece like that, i'd have laughed so
hard i'd probably have thrown up. I honestly didn't think it would be possible to rout out a piece of 10mm acrylic to
the point it's walls were less than 1mm thick (0.7mm to be exact) by hand. I basically just did it to prove you
couldn't :p:. So to say i was amazed it didn't disintegrate on contact wit the router would be an understatement!
And it only took 10 minutes to fully rout! Crazy $h!t, to be sure :D
Well, that's enough rambling, time to put it to use -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2740.jpg
Before it was properly installed though i gave the mobo tray and it's components a 1 over with the mouse -
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2742.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2746.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2747.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2751.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2753.jpg
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2754.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2756.jpg
The cover sits about 1/2 a mm above the screws -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2764.jpg
I have to finish off some other parts before i can complete the rest of it, unfortunately.
And last, but not least, i added the led's to the door (i don't have power running to it yet though). I used a similar
process as i did with the mobo tray lighting, except, now that i think about it, i should have done it the same way
(litterally, as i was writing this i was like "wait, why the hell didn't i do it the same way" :slapass:). This time i made
it mich harder on myself and routed out a 2.5mm deep x 6mm wide channel in the centre of the edges. I then routed
out a step which was 1mm deep around the edge of that. Anyway, this pic will explain -
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2766.jpg
You can see i nicked off one of the corners, luckily it will be all covered up -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2773.jpg
Here's how it works when the cover's on -
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2777.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2778.jpg
And lastly, this is just showing the edge cover installed and the top cover installed -
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_4fioqPTlKLw/TC...0/IMG_2783.jpg
Well that only took about 5 hours to sort through photos and write up :(.
God knows how long it'll be before i do enough work for another update but at least this one should hold ya for a
while :D.
Adiós Amigo's, and thanks for dropping by :)
Callen :wave:
Well done sir!
Glad you aren't hurt again.
I like that "told you so" routing for your cable manager; very impressive.
dude, have you ever thought of making a living out these skill of yours???!!!
i really can't wait to see where you're goin' :D
Yet again - top notch work dude :up:
amazing works & great skill callen!
I am really looking forward to seeing all this beautiful work together in one case! Awesome :clap:
Thanks, Wezly. I'm glad i didn't hurt myself either lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wezly
I doubt there are any decent jobs out there which would use any sort of skill i have? If you could list a couple of examples i'd be really interested to know (i'm looking for a new line of work/study). The only job i can think of is a toolmaker, and the only toolmaker i know is a little...odd... to say the least :p: and doesn't make all that much money (he pretty much relies on his other half's income)Quote:
Originally Posted by josk1
Cheers, colossus :). I appreciate it, mate :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Colossous
Thanks for having a look, ed_den. And thanks for the kind words too :)Quote:
Originally Posted by ed_den
Cheers, bud. i just hope it all fits :confused:. Knowing my luck, i'll finish the last piece and nothing will line up any more! :bsod::cussing:Quote:
Originally Posted by .raw
well when I said that, I meant something like charles doing murdermods!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by callen_1
from what i've heard so far the people that haven't been hit to much by the economic crisis are the one working in the luxury fields...
and if your built ain't luxury i don't know what would be!?
it's kind of a joke first, but really, remember my desk?? well it's been 3 months now that i'm using it in my office. there hasn't been a day without compliment. and many people asked me how to get one of these!!
expose your work when it's done, in the right place to the right people, you never know...
All I'm going to say after taking a CNC class where we programmed a mill and a lathe is that you sir, are a master. Most of the time we used sub routines to cut threads, but here you cut them by hand on a regular lathe. I'm honestly impressed with just your thumb screws and stand offs. I'll look back through the thread to see everything else.
Just finished reading your latest update. Fantastic work as always mate. :yepp: Love the 2 copper bars for running power. It seems such a simple solution and really looking forward to seeing how that turns out. :) In fact just looking forward to your next update.
:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:
dude I love it :up:
That is one massive update and one massive pool of drool on my desk. But hey.. you need to keep those fingers away. Every second update your fingers are in some kind of danger.... thinking about it, I bet you could impress me with half the fingers aswell.
By the looks of it, he'd be able to do more with thumb and index than most people do with both their hands.
Now he's making his own thumb screws ... and hinges. I think the hinges are my favorite part so far!
I don'y blame people for complementing you all the time, it's pretty fricken awesome :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by josk1
If i managed to pull off a fraction of what charles has accomplished i'd be a very happy chappy! But i have no knowledge about marketing, and that doesn't even matter if nobody wants the parts i make.
I guess your right though; "expose your work when it's done, in the right place to the right people, you never know..."
Whether i'm good with my hands or not, CNC is definitely the future. I really want to do a course sometime soon, because it looks really interesting. Did you enjoy it??Quote:
Originally Posted by Polizei
Thanks, Red. I'm happy with how they turned out. I'll be extra happy if i don't manage to electrocute myself too :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by Red-5
Good to hear, mate :up:. It's really appreciated :)Quote:
Originally Posted by nigelke
I know, i know lol, but without a proper milling machine it's impossible not to put my digits in danger :mad:! I just hope i stay lucky until i finish this build :p:Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Gnu
haha, doubtful but appreciated :D. Thanks, Alexandr0s :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandr0s
Well the stock screws look crappy, and the only after-market ones i found didn't fit lian li cases! I do like the hinges though, they came out better than expected :yepp:. I love it when that happens :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by shazza
Thanks, Shazza :)
I wished I had this Godsend talent and skill...
This thread make me cry like a baby.
SIMPLY AMAZING!!!