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Scratch Build – In Progress Helianthus - Unplanned Delay via Tractor Trailer-22May

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by voigts, 19 Feb 2012.

  1. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

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    Helianthus (Latin for sunflower)

    [​IMG]

    So begins another project. I am building this case for my teenage daughter. Having seen the last few of my case builds, she has suggested that I build her a new case. This is going to be another aluminum framed/wooden shell case, as I have a passion for wood as any of you who have followed my previous builds know. I again am going to use an aluminum frame as this just works out to be the best way to give easy access and strength for the base of the case.

    Unlike my other build logs, I am not going to give renders and Sketchup screenshots of the entire design from the start, even though as always I've modeled the entire build. Instead, I am going to show things as they progress. This should give a bit of variety to the log.

    Progress links:
    Putting Panels Together - 22Feb

    Captive Nuts and Routing Trim - 27Feb

    More Trim Routing - 06Mar

    Trim Cutting and Mounting - 11Mar

    Unplanned Delay via Tractor Trailer- 22May2012

    Panels

    I've been working on this case already for a month or so. I've got most of the aluminum panels cut out. The experience working on Quintessence has drastically sped up the process at working with aluminum. I also purchased a 36" metal brake which has made bending pieces incredibly fast.

    Here are the front and top panels:

    [​IMG]

    The bottom and the midplate panels:

    [​IMG]

    PCI panel:

    I've started cutting the PCI panel out. This piece will be attached to the rear panel and MB tray. Its tedious work but I am determined to get this panel right. I used an old PCI backpanel from a case as a template, along with measurements from a good Sketchup model that was done based directly on the ATX specs. I found that it worked best to first trace the panel onto the sheet and then place blue painters tape over the areas not yet cut so that the lines don't get smudged out when cutting with the jig saw. For some reason I've found this easier to do with a jig saw and file than with my scrollsaw.

    [​IMG]

    Trim Pieces

    These are the two sets of top and front edge trim pieces cut to shape. I attached them to each other after cutting each out and then sanded them on a wide belt sander at work to get the shapes matched.

    [​IMG]

    Smaller Bending Brake

    As I mentioned, I purchased a commercial 36" wide bending brake, which is fantastic at making straight "L" type bends. The problem however is that there is no way to make box bends, or to make with "U" or zig zag bends. Coming across several ideas online, I set about making something. The brake I made will do 3/4" bends, and works very well to my pleasant surprise. With the help of a friend at work to do the welding, I spent maybe $40 to make this.

    [​IMG]

    Initially I've made two different length hold down brackets for the brake. I can make different length brackets to use to make box bends..

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I bent a scrap piece of 16 gauge aluminum to show how it works.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I'm considering modifying it a bit to be able to make 1/2" bends, but am undecided at this point as to whether or not I am going to do so as it would require me to cut into the 3/4" base, and I am concerned about compromising the strength of the brake frame. Even if I don't change the brake, this thing will give me a lot more flexibility in the pieces I can make.

    Thanks for stopping by.
     
    Last edited: 23 Mar 2012
  2. Furball Zen

    Furball Zen Shut up and Mod

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    Ok fine, im in. Nice brake too.
     
  3. bulldogjeff

    bulldogjeff The modding head is firmly back on.

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    Oh yeah, it's a Voigts build. Got my chair and a coffee, I'm watching.
     
  4. KidMod-Southpaw

    KidMod-Southpaw Super Spamming Saiyan

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    Yes! More Voigts action! Can't wait for more! :thumb:
     
  5. quizz_kid

    quizz_kid Squid

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    Another Voigts! I´m excited!!!
     
  6. Vetalar

    Vetalar *learning english*

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    as i plan to widely use wood in my projects (not only PC modding) I'm carefully watching!
    *coffee+brandy*
    *watching with notepad and pencil in hands*
     
  7. peteski

    peteski long live the pc

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    looking good mate im in :rock: :rock: :rock:
     
  8. Angel OD

    Angel OD Pump Killer

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    uh! That's almost the start of every fairytale! Can't wait to see where you go with this one Voigts! :thumb:
     
  9. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

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    Thanks folks. Its reassuring to know that several of you out there are caffeinating and intoxicating yourselves over my mod. Gives me great satisfaction... :hehe:

    I'm getting some work done today and should be posting a few more pics later today or tomorrow.
     
  10. peteski

    peteski long live the pc

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    cant wait :rock: :rock: :rock:
     
  11. AnG3L

    AnG3L Ultimate Modder

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    Subbed, 5 stars and I am ready to enjoy that journey!!!!! :) Mod on bro!!!! :)
     
  12. craig - toyoracer

    craig - toyoracer Minimodder

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    Me too. Nice brake, simple and effective. :)
     
  13. [ZiiP] NaloaC

    [ZiiP] NaloaC Multimodder

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    Nice and clean parts so far and a nice brake by the way :)

    Will be following.
     
  14. Burnout21

    Burnout21 Mmmm biscuits

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    popcorn watchy time, next update please!!!
     
  15. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    I was already drunk and caffeinated when I stumbled on your new project. You could have killed me!:D
    Awesome brake. -Yet another good use for Stanley door hinges.:lol:
     
  16. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

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    Now I know the secret of your creativity Cheaps...

    Door hinges wouldn't have worked well for the brake at all as the hinges need to be centered on the L brackets so that the pivot is tight. I used steel 1/2" tubing welded in with solid steel rod. Door hinges are kind of off centered. You would have to bend the mounts which would be hard to do.
     
  17. kinghong1970

    kinghong1970 Just a Clumsy Ape

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    oooh... another voigts... what wood are you using this time?
     
  18. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

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    Still with oak, although this time it is because I could only get 8/4 lumber for the trim in oak. A buddy at work band sawed, planed, and drum sanded them down to 1 1/2" for me. He also cut down a piece of 6/4 for me to 1" thick that I intend to use on the front piece.
     
  19. KoSoVaR^

    KoSoVaR^ Professional Sleever & Modder

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    this will be very interesting :D!
     
  20. Monsieur R.

    Monsieur R. In cornichons I trust.

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    Awesome ! A new Voigts' worklog ! :thumb::rock:
    Daddy's home :clap:
     

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