[build log] Elements of Fortune, scratch build

Hello everybody of XtremeSystems !

Let me introduce myself First. My name is Tom and I’m new to these forums. I’m almost 18 years old and I’m casemodding for 2 years now.
I joined these forums because some people (especially “nigelke”) said I had to post my project on the XS forums. He said people there liked extreme stuff and as I am making a … well extreme casemod, I thought by myself I could post my log here as well.


Well let’s see … What have I done before?
In april 2006 I started to look at those magnificent pieces of art, so called Casemods. I’m creative and handy, so I started to make my own. The first one never finished, because I was not happy with the result I had to make another one, a better one.

First of all: sorry for my English, I’m trying to do my best writing English ;)

This is what happened after a year of modding:
My project “HELGHAN” was finished in November 2007. Based upon the Killzone2 game for PS3. With this casemod I won the Benelux Casemod League and I got a lot of cool prices.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/DSC04832.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/DSC04822.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...8-IMG_2372.jpg

After this, I was sure to begin a new project. A very big, extreme project :D
Normally, I started with this project before “Helghan”. But I was not experienced enough in the beginning.

Now I think I am, so I’m proud to present my new casemod / caseconstruction: Elements of Fortune

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...E/reclame2.jpg

The ideas of making this case are from the wheel of fortune slot machine, standing in casino’s all over the world. I want to rebuild it, based on pictures and my own sketches.
This case will be about 2 metres high and probably it will take place in a local hardware/modding store when it is finished. I hope to go to some LANparties as well.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...c3511cde9c.jpg

I got loads of pictures of sketching with hand and with sketchup. The first designs in sketchup looked like this:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...etchup12.1.jpg

A while later, I made a better model:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...NE/render2.jpg

As you can see, this case will be huge. It will not only contain computer hardware, but also a lot of casino-like stuff and sweet eye-candy.

I will start at the beginning of the mod, and that’s the base/ bottom
After that the level on top of the bottom and so on … In total, there are approx. 5 layers.

Bottom:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...NE/studs33.jpg

Layer1
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...NE/render3.jpg

During the progress of modding, some things may change of course.
Because I already did some work on the project, I will summarize it.
So first the bottom, I’m going to make it with wood (MDF), 12/18mm thickness.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05072.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...DSC05066-1.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05092.jpg

To make it strong, I added another 18mm sheet of wood (white)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05076.jpg

And to move the case for a small distance, I added some wheels

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05111.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05125.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05134.jpg

Then I already began on the second layer, as I like doing several things at once.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05138.jpg

A side panel:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05138.jpg

To make it a (little) bit lighter, I made some holes inside the side panel.
Don’t worry, you won’t see a thing of the woodworks when the project is finished ;)
I you look closely, you will see that I made some cuts inside the wood, but they are only sawed half way in the sheet of wood. I will use these cuts to attach my motherboard panel, false bottom panel …

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05149.jpg

Here you see what I mean with “false bottom”
Beneath this bottom, there will be a plexi reservoir, filled with water and cogs (gears) to make eye-candy. There is no meaning for the reservoir for the other hand, just eye-candy… but you will see more later about that :)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05156.jpg

Here you can see the motherboard panel:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05160.jpg

And how it fits together, the “false bottom” is standing vertical, as the sidepanel is laying down the table ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05165.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05179.jpg
(not the final motherboard, just to give an impression)

The other side panel, and front panel with a large window.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05240.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05224.jpg

Hard drives will be attached in a special casing, and that casing will be placed here:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05241.jpg

As you can see … another false inside wall that will hide power (12v) and Sata cables coming from the hard drives.

The rear panel. The small window is supposed to get the wires to the monitor and keyboard and USB peripherals ;) The big window will be a window for some artwork I will try to make.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05293.jpg

Like here you can see the Motherboard I/O panel, and behind the motherboard tray there is still some place to make something special. This is what I want to make in polyester. (or plastics)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...E/DSC05517.jpg
(in 3D, and I also want to make the cogs (gears) to spin around :p )

Okay, you remember the bottom sketch? You have seen a lots of white rafters?/shingles? and struts

Now, there is a lot of work to make the struts, each one is made out of 4 aluminum struts, and 2 blue plexi. Those are glued together and after that they will be enlightened with LEDs.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05342.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05354.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05363.jpg

And the acrylic / plexi ones too

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05429.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05373.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06151.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06159.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06160.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06224.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06185.jpg
Ready to glue ...
This moment (12th of may) they are still being glued, it takes a lot of time… but I already got some ready.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06328.jpg

To check if they give good light, I tried something.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06346.jpg

Together with the struts, I also made the with acrylic rafters.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05438.jpg

After sawing with a circular saw, I have to sand each rafter by hand… but it’s worth sanding it ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05441.jpg

Technique of sawing is like this:
Marking the plexi on 6mm.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06356.jpg

Using a detailed circular saw

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06348.jpg

Tadaa ! :D now the sanding … ugh xD

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06357.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06332.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06331.jpg

There still needs to be holes in the struts, then they will fit correctly like this.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06339.jpg

Let’s head back to do some woodworking. Every classic slot machine got a payout container with the chips in it you have won during gambling.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05617.jpg

I sand and file the etches, so you don’t hurt yourself :D

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05620.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05623.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05622.jpg

The container won’t be empty of course, I made chips myself. Here are some pictures how I did it.

I made chips out of a orange-acrylic sheet.

 
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05690.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05689.jpg

After that I made a mold out of aluminum.
Because the holes and details are so small, I had to make holes with small nails.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05709.jpg

Result:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05714.jpg
I took a white bus of paint and sprayed some chips by placing them inside the mold.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05735.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05739.jpg

They are certainly not perfect, but because I don’t want to spend a lot of money on them, I am happy with the result ;) (I’m still a student so the money doesn’t grow on my back :D)

Behind the chips, the air intake will take place.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...airintake2.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05762.jpg

I had to bend it, using my hands – a hammer and some grips.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05789.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05812.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05874.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05882.jpg

It still needs to be polished and painted, but because I don’t have the tools to do that on a good way… I will wait a while.

So I started on the hard disk drive casings. 3 hard drives will be attached inside a acrylic / aluminum casing.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...TUNE/hdd23.jpg

Sawing the acrylic:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05938.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05957.jpg

To bend the acrylic, I made a mold out of wood (maybe I should say “lumber”, I don’t really know ;) excuse me for that)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC05971.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06003.jpg

You also see a gap. The hard drives get a cold breeze because the acrylic is not totally closed ;)
3 HDD casings, with 3.5inch hard drives

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06012.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06029.jpg

LOADS of work on the hard drives… I’m not going to post all of that because I don’t think it is very intresting :p

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06055.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...DSC06133-1.jpg

2 more to make … but I’m out of aluminum, and I don’t have good transport to get it for the moment ;)

In the beginning of this project log, I said that there will be an acrylic reservoir. Inside that reservoir will be spinning cogs (gears) and water/fluid
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06205.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06255.jpg

You can see where the reservoir will be in the following 2 pictures

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06238.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...1/DSC06284.jpg

To calculate the cogs and … I searched Wikipedia.org for more info – and yes I FOUND INFO :p

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06299.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06301.jpg

Yes, this is wood, only to test if the cogs will do their job.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06309.jpg

Until here … next update is coming!
Feel free to ask, comment or criticize ! :up:

that's it... i quit...

damn... that's impressive!

This was my first reaction:eek::eek2:

Amazing work:up:

:eek2: nothing more to add...

Obscene...........
PRON

quit it, you damn ........... damn..........
( drool)..............

WOW is all i can say lol

Holy cow...you are only 18. That is so impressive, I want to just make a desk with the computer built in, this is way beyond anything I could fathom. Keep it up!!!

Subscribed!!! Sweet Build!

Incredible skills and resources! Absolutely amazing! :clap:

holy crap! :shocked:


subscribed!!!

waw ! thank you all very much for the kind comments ;) ;)
I'm calculating the volts and amps for my LEDs now ... that's a bit of a slow work for me, because I don't know a lot about electronics :D

V/R = I ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohm's_law

Keep up the good work, really interested in seeing the final product.

:eek2: amazing quality.. keep it up:up:

Fantastic, jaw-dropping stuff here. Definitely will keep an eye on this thread.

Wow, just wow! Absolutely amazing stuff. Keeping an eye out for this one.

really nice stuff.

yet again someone on XS comes up with something so totally extreme it blows me away.

the Xtreme machine never stops........
:D

That is intense, looks like you'll fit right in.

HO LEE CHIT man!! That is insane. :clap::clap::clap:

Very impressive and nice details, glad to see you have the knack and the eye for something completely different. :clap:

and i thought that the WALL-E case was awesome...this is gonna be whole nother level

man, this is VERY interesting. im getting alot of build ideas from this. NICE!

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/745...autiful.th.jpg

Oh my god! :eek::eek::eek: what the h*ll on earth with that architecture?:up::up::up:

Awesome.:eek:

You have convinced me of one thing though, I need a better workshop with more tools.

Thank you all for the positive comments !!!
Update time!

I stopped with showing you the cogs that will be placed in the bottom reservoir.
I didn’t work on the cogs, but I made some changes for the reservoir.

I build something that looks like a wooden “wall”. In this wall, I can plug in the Lights that will be placed for enlighten the reservoir.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06359.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06361.jpg

As you can see, I also use a CCFL, this is used for the big light.
I have attached aluminum foil to the sides. So the light will reflect.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06405.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06418.jpg

LEDs

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06406.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06419.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06411.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06414.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06415.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06496.jpg

Now, I have to order new LEDs because I don’t have any more LEDs now.
Moving on to the next work then.
The sanding and filing of the struts.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06398.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06407.jpg

Lots of work, because I need to sand them one by one.
I don’t have the machines like a CNC milling machine, this is all hand-work.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06375.jpg

YarGh ! They still need some polish and lights :p

Because I was sanding, I also finished these:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06384.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06399.jpg

Then I went to the local hardware shop

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06573.jpg

Because the sun was shining, I could start with the painting ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06555.jpg

Sanding and cleaning

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06545.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06546.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06564.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06562.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06530.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06556.jpg

The bottom block got 3 layers of primer, So I could start with painting the high gloss black paint. I’m not used to do this, but I think it worked out very well ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06575.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06577.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06578.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06579.jpg

THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST LAYER OF BLACK PAINT
The result will be better after another 2 layers.

Here is a movie I made during the work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK2RhKQGs1A

Thanks again for reading and watching :up:
Grtz
Tomcatt

All I can say is wow, if you ever show this case off in public I would love to come over to Belgium sometime (my sister in law lives in Brussels).

You have a bright future in front of you, this really is stunning work.

Wow, Picaso has nothing on this.

It definatly will pay out when the 777 hits :D

Great job, really detailed:up:

subscribed

Thank you very very much !!!

Today I have painted the other side panels, bottom panel and motherboard panel.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06583.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06585.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06582.jpg

And because of the good weather, I could give them a black layer after some hours.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06599.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06601.jpg

1ste black layer though ;)

The bottom block got sanded, cleaned and painted again. This is what the final result will look like.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06587.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06593.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06594.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06596.jpg
Grtz
Tom

subscribed.

I must say, you got some talent dude :up: I agree with kinghong. I quit too! never case modding again. For what, i'll never be satisfied with any of my builds/mods after seeing this!

The paint looks fantastic, great shine. I'm curious to see how the reservoir will be with all of the lights in. Do you think the LEDs you have are bright enough, maybe it was just the image. Keep up the fantastic work, can't wait to see it all come together.

Thats gonna be one hell of tha case.

I'm so proud of you. You should receive Xtreme Systems Award 2009.:clap::up:

Cool, I'm glad to see other people have wood skills to :)

well, this is really amazing!


a little advice:you may put a touchscreen on that great machine so that the controlling would be even cooler

wow realy nice paint:eek:

can't stop drooling

any new updates? Eagerly awaiting some new pics.

thx for intrest :D
but I have exams now, and still calculating how I can spin the gears in the bottom reservoir
Think there will be a big update on the end of june ;)

Great. Good luck on your exams. I'm sure you'll get the gears squared away. Be checking back often. :)

It's beautiful :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

...
and still calculating how I can spin the gears in the bottom reservoir
...

---

Hamsters.

hello back everybody :welcome:

I had exames ... I still have actually xD but here is some progress of the log.
Mostly sketchup content, but also some work on the frame.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...NE/17juni3.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...NE/17juni2.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...UNE/17juni.jpg

I also made a animation from the project. (youtube) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVvntly7hL8

and I started to make the whole frame. Once I have the frame, I can calculate the costs of acrylic and cables -

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06752.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06758.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06762.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06759.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06760.jpg

And I also tested some cogs
These are not the final though ! the final cogs will be made out of acrylic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j33x1uUBw10

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06626.jpg

grtz :D

This looks sick!

your fortunate that you have that much resources of tools available to do this epic job

Hey if you post this on bit-tech.net forums too, I think you can easily win the case mod contest they have every month.

Nice, looking great. Quick question, you may have described it earlier but what kind of wood are you using? Keep it up. Can't wait to see more.

Wow! I saw this on bit-tech, I believe, but don't have an account on there so I'm glad I can tell you now how impressive your undertaking is. It's obvious you are very creative and meticulous in your work. This build is truly inspiring! And, of course, as everyone else has said already...:eek2:

great man :D
You see everyone loves you :p

and just one thing
:eek2::eek2::bounces:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Got_Vtec?

WOW is all i can say lol

---

enough said :o this is some speechless work!

thank you very much

The reason I don't post a lot on bit-tech is ... I don't feel like they are intrested in the project ... dunno just got the feelin'
And I was already nominated for the mod of the month on bittech ... but even I can't vote for some sketches and pictures of my tools xD stupid bit-tech ARGH ! :D

once again, I'm happy you like my work... I'm doing my best like always :D
here is some progress

Ow, I almost forgot … the wood I’m using is MDF … it’s not real wood, but like recycled wood ^^ they use it a lot in kitchens or modern furniture.

Because I’m out of materials for the cogs and lights, and a lot of people don’t know what I’m making. … I’m going to make an example of the total case.
I will begin on the frame (fully MDF wood)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06769.jpg

+The top

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06771.jpg

There won’t be a bottom, because I think I like the fact that you can see the ‘mechanics and cogs from the wheels’.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06772.jpg

In every side panel there will be 4 FANs. So that makes 8 FANs on both the panels.
+ The FANs on the radiator … that will be 2x 6 (+8) = 20 FANs
I hope to get noctua fans on a lower voltage (Noctua U.L.N.)

This is … don’t know how to explain in good English :p lol
But It is for the finishing of the dust-filters (intake FANs)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06775.jpg

Then I finished the intake holes

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06777.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06780.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06793.jpg

Before:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albumafw...2/DSC06795.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06796.jpg

2 finished panels

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06799.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06785.jpg

These are the dust-filters I got from a store

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06790.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06781.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06783.jpg

But I don’t really like the shape of the grill … hmm
Then I broke them

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06779.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06792.jpg

It’s a cleaner smoother result now, I think
But I’m going to make it better in the future

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06778.jpg

Now back to the frame
Because I’m going to make that first now !!

The making of the windows
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06804.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06803.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06806.jpg

The total picture for this subject of the total case

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06807.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06808.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06809.jpg

Thx for reading/watching

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

Thx for reading/watching

---

Thank you for posting :)

I thought it may have been something like MDF, it had that composite board look to it. Everything is looking good, can't wait to see more. Keep up the hard work.

subscribed! this is sick! you have some skills my friend

Curious, how much is the estimated end cost for just materials.

WOW this sure is a piece of art :)

Great, great work and skill here and now you woke up that bug in me to continue a mod I have left in the middle. Not that I can get close to that but hell it is fun anyway.

thank you all very much :P
And yes .. for me it is also more a piece of art, than a computer :)

I tried to make an overview of the costs.
This moment, I have spent about €160 on materials (excl working tools), materials like, clear plexi / wood MDF / aluminum sheet / glue / screws / bolts / paint
I started working on Elements of Fortune in december 08, so the costs/month are approximately € 22

I hope to get some sponsors that see potential in this project
Until now, I have 1 sponsor - a computerstore here in my village (Autosoft)
He will have the privilege to show this case in his computer store :)

Maybe I'll update this evening or in the following days ;)
Greetings

Update time !

I already started to begin on the layer where the 3 wheels will be spinning.
The back panel is almost the same as the other one.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06815.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06820.jpg

And of course also a “gap?” where the acrylic will fit in.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06819.jpg

The side panels are a little different (with different angles and so … :) )

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06822.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06824.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06830.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06833.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06834.jpg

The front side panel will be shiny. I hope to get this effect with using acrylic that will be painted high gloss on the back. So It almost look like glass.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06874.jpg

After sawing the acrylic

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06872.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06871.jpg

Because I needed some space in between the hardware layer, and the gambling wheels… I made another small layer.
this is what I mean:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06835.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06837.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06841.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06845.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06864.jpg

Again, this basic frame is almost ready

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06875.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06855.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06856.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06857.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06858.jpg

One of the most important measurements :D

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x.../DSC068621.jpg

Good! the ground is not totally even … so It may be a little bit leaning.

The highest layer is the layer of the wheel of fortune.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06882.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06888.jpg

And I will use a very thin sheet of MDF to make the top
Hehe :p – the sun is shining btw Very warm ! xD

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06885.jpg

LoL – I hope I don’t have to use these on a day

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06883.jpg

^^
The project will be very tall. About 2.5 meters high.
The weight or height doesn’t matter to me actually …
The whole case can be dissembled in 6 pieces, so I can transport it to another location without problems ;)

I also will use aluminum or another kind of metal to make the frame stronger ;)

Tomcatt

very good, I like how everything came out perfectly leveled :up:

Wow, this thing is going to be huge, but awesome. I can't wait to see more. I'm presuming the acrylic looks very frosty because the protectic plastic layer is still on it? Keep it up.

Bloody amazing man, keep the pics coming!

thanks all!!!

Alright listen up y’all ! :D

Plans are changed, well the plans in my memories actually
I planned to make something very special in the upper side (with the wheel of fortune) of the case. But now I found something cooler!
I hope I can figure out how to make it though ^^

Just like my last completed casemod HELGHAN, I had a mysterious question what would take place in the front of the case. It wasn’t a LCD, or watercooling stuff, but a HELGHAST head made out of clay.

This time I also have 2 mysterious questions in this case.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...DSC06897-1.jpg

The second questionmark will appear in the future :)

…
Tomorrow, I will order the parts of the electricity, and after that I will see what I’m going to do. Probably finishing the bottom.

For the progress of the case… I couldn’t work on the frame because we are redecorating the bathroom and toilet in our home. I’ve got lots of work, but I’ll try to give you all an update on the case ;)

cheers
Tomcatt

I really like how this build is coming along!!

http://cherrythian.com/images/borat.jpg

You know what it wouldn't surprise me if in the top part where you have the question mark you managed to fit in some sort of vegas style show complete with Tom Jones, his band and some scantily clad women with feathers.

This is one of the most elaborate and astounding mods I have ever seen. Great work so far and I can't wait to see the finished article.

Meh.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AC3421

Meh.

---

lolz :D


and i now whats on the questionmark :rofl:

Its a picture of my mom :ROTF::ROTF:

That is one big case!!! Looks cool so far though. Cant wait to see finally product.

you sir..... ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL !!!! :clap:

Man! you're born to do this! :up:

lol - cool one - the fun you're having building it is best expressed by the photo of yours (is it you?) :D

hehe yup it's me :p

The wooden plate was hard to keep bending for a minute (so the camera could take a picture)
it was a hard photo to make, it didn't work for several times and mum was laughing me out :D

^^

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

hehe yup it's me :p

The wooden plate was hard to keep bending for a minute (so the camera could take a picture)
it was a hard photo to make, it didn't work for several times and mum was laughing me out :D

^^

---

haha yeah :rofl:

So this isn't exactly a LAN Party case . . .

It's been over a month since the last post. How is the build coming? Any timeline on when you think you will be able to complete this awesome task?!

Waaw xD it’s a long time ago since I posted an update !
Well, XS is not the only one … I have been busy for school and other stuff … so I didn’t have a lot of time to mod.

But – here I am back again, with lots of pictures and info

It’s time for a huge UPDATE !!! Elements of Fortune !!!

In the beginning of august, I bought some new tools for a good price.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07456.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07455.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07449.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07450.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07451.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07452.jpg

There goes my money :P blahblah, I’m happy ! At least I got some good quality tools now ;)

I also made some orders in China for LEDs and electronics, and I got some very nice stuff from MDPC-x.
And because pictures say more than 1000 words : tadaa

The package from China
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07589.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07591.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07595.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07597.jpg
PSUs

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07596.jpg
Little motors

And for these things, I also made a “cabinet” ? Well I mean a thing to store things :P

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07582.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07614.jpg

Kinda WaW huh !? :P This cabinet will be empty once I finished this mod ;)

And then another package from Germany…

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07258.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07264.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07260.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07263.jpg

Now this is quality stuff :o !! amazing

I will sleeve this 1200W PSU from BeQuiet and all the other cables that will be visible inside the project.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07357.jpg


-- aye – now all eyes back to the case

We continue from here:
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06897.jpg

Still remember it? Here we go
I continued with the bottom side of the case, the part where the hardware will fit in.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06952.jpg

Before that, I had no idea what colors I would be using. But when buying the sleeving and LEDs, I made a decision.

Colors will be: Black, white, orange and aluminum
The hardware components will be black/ orange / the cable-sleeving as well. :)

So I needed to find a color for the background … White !
To make a good white (and not gray looking background) I bought some white acrylic. Behind that white acrylic, I will use small White LEDs to give it a cool look.

Placing of the LEDs
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06953.jpg

Started to soldering
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06955.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06961.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06958.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06962.jpg

It’s still a dark look, so let’s begin with making the acrylic.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07359.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07361.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07368.jpg

It looks great when because it has a good contrast with the hardware ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07365.jpg

I’m not really satisfied with the result, So I will also make LEDs in the bottom.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07653.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07652.jpg
Don’t mind the rusty look, it will be painted :D

Without acrylic
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07659.jpg

With
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07660.jpg

Still looks a bit dark on the right side… that is because the background is black. I tested the difference with a white sheet of paper. Much better ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07664.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07667.jpg

But I’m not going to use paper … aluminum is a better quality material. And I will paint it white in the future.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07685.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07687.jpg

I used small bolts most of the places. Because they would dim the small LEDs.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07693.jpg

The other ones I gave a smooth finish :P
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07740.jpg

Meanwhile I also worked on the struts beneath the hardware layer.
Remember these?

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC06965.jpg

They will be blue – started with soldering

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07623.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07615.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07626.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07630.jpg

Still needs a lot of work, but this is the goal:

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07629.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07639.jpg

The UV LEDs on top are fitted on the bottom plate. Ready and steady ^^

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07643.jpg

UV power ! Perfect angle for that eye-candy reservoir. (It doesn’t shine everywhere, only where needed)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07642.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07646.jpg

The eye-candy reservoir needs to look cool and shiny. After a while I decided not the use aluminum foil but a sheet of aluminum. This will be polished ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07682.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07683.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07684.jpg

---
So I started working again with the white acrylic.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07733.jpg

If you take a good look, you will see that I made place for the power supply unit.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07726.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07727.jpg

Whoooo that’s a close one! But it works ;) :)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07730.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07741.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07742.jpg

After filing and sanding …Looks good huh?

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07744.jpg

Aye, another bend

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07745.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07747.jpg

Yuppie, I made it ! :P me looking very happy because working with the acrylic is a tough job. But I’m starting to learning it ^^

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07754.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07757.jpg

But here we go again :P a small problem …

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07760.jpg

The power supply cable is a little bit bigger because it is a 1200W PSU…
ARGH !!!

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...2/DSC07761.jpg

I mailed to BeQuiet for finding a nice solution… If there isn’t a solution, I’ll make one myself :D
- make a 90° angle in the cable
- or make a gap in the frame so the cable would fit
- maybe something else I could do ? hmm

Well – more coming soon ;)
I think I continue working on the hard drive casings, and continue with the white acrylic.


cheers
Tom

i think there are 90 degree power cables, i've seem some weird cases that use them for placing the psu on the front. Other option is to make a custom powercable, possibly with thicker wire and sleeving. nice mod, really cool!

yeah Junim,
90º power cables are easy to find and would solve this.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Produ...arge/49800.jpg