1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Scratch Build – In Progress Project Quintessence - 29Jun-She's Live- CPU Magazine!

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by voigts, 2 Mar 2010.

  1. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    Quintessence: (from Dictionary.com)

    1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance.
    2. the most perfect embodiment of something.
    3. (in ancient and medieval philosophy) the fifth essence or element, ether, supposed to be the constituent matter of the heavenly bodies, the others being air, fire, earth, and water.

    I hope this build will end up being a good incorporation of antique styling, elegance, function, and performance.

    Featured in the August issue of CPU Magazine

    FINAL PICS ON PAGE 15

    [​IMG]


    Most Current Renderings:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    ------------------​

    List of Updates:

    The Build Begins - Cutting out panels and bending aluminum for base – 26May2010

    Transferring Spacing for Cutouts on PCI Panel and Mounting Holes in MB tray - 31May10

    Panel Work - 16Jun10

    Putting Parts Together, PSU & HDDs Mounts - 22Jun10

    Motherboard Mounted, PSU Wiring Insert, Decide to Remake MB Tray and PSU Panels -03July10

    Redone MB tray, PSU tray, top panel, and center spacer -03Aug10

    Base Pieces Assembled, Center Airflow Divider in Place, GPU Fans Mount in Place- 22Aug10


    Starting Front and Top Scrollwork - 20Oct10

    Front and Top Scrollwork Cut Out - 10Dec10

    Front Panel Contour - 21Dec10

    Front Panel Scrollwork Sanding Done - 02Jan11

    Top Panel Scrollwork Sanding Done - 19Jan11

    Edge Moulding - 23Jan11

    Bottom Radiator Mount - 26Jan11

    Top and Front Panels Cut and Mounted - 01Feb11

    Top Panel Front Sanded Flush and Base Cut and Mounted - 03Feb11

    Edges of Top Panel Routed & Various Adjustments - 05Feb11

    Power and Reset Buttons, Radiator Drain, Res Plans - 12Feb11

    Bottom Radiator Leaktested, Mount Remade, and Airflow Piece Done - 15Feb11

    Reservoir Made/Mounted and USB Port Mounted - 22Feb11

    Res Cleaned up and Polished - 24Feb11

    Bot Fan Assembly, Rear Grille, New Parts - 22Mar11

    Side Panels Scrollwork Cutout - 04Apr11

    Side Panels Mounted - 10Apr11

    Steam Bending, Fillport, Wiring Cover, Fan Controller - 23Apr11

    The Painting Begins - 30Apr11

    Putting in Parts, Lighting, Watercooling, etc. Part 1 - 11May11

    Putting in Parts, Lighting, Watercooling, etc. Part 2 - 21May11

    Forming Tubing, Flushing, Filling - 03Jun11

    FINAL PICS ON PAGE 15


    ------------------​


    I haven't started building anything as of yet, but have been again spending time in Sketchup modeling what should become my next build. I'm in no hurry with this build, and have been gathering better tools and materials over the last few months. On this build, I plan on using an aluminum frame with a wooden shell. This should allow easier access to the case internals as I plan on having the side and top wooden panels merely stick on via magnets, rather than have the frame made out of wood. I haven't decided on what wood to use yet, but now that I know I have a local source for hardwoods and hardwood plywoods, I plan on using something like Cherry or maybe Walnut that isn't very grainy. My objective here is to design a case that is as small as possible yet incorporates 6x120mm rad cooling. I will be using a Micro ATX MB. Although the renders show black behind the front panel, I will probably put an opaque sheet of acrylic behind it with lighting so that the front fretwork will be lit up. Underneath the top piece will be mesh. I also want the case to be laid out in a way however that allows for access to the components without unnecessary complication.

    The case dimensions are: 15” (381mm) deep x 11 1/4” (286mm) wide x 15 5/16” (388mm) high.

    For the first time, I've started working with Kerkythea on rendering to give good clear pics of what I have designed in Sketchup. I would like to get feedback/criticism/ideas on this design. Let me know what you do/don't like about it and why. Any constructive help on the renderings themselves is also welcomed as these are my first attempts. Thanks.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Thanks for taking a look.
     
    Last edited: 29 Jun 2011
  2. Bob Squad

    Bob Squad What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    31 Oct 2002
    Posts:
    23
    Likes Received:
    0
    That scrollwork looks to be a challenge. Can't wait to see the results!
     
  3. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

    Joined:
    13 May 2007
    Posts:
    12,411
    Likes Received:
    1,968
    Sweeeeet!
    Will you be adding any bas relief to the scrollwork?
     
  4. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    Just to make sure exactly what you are referring to, can you elaborate a bit or point me in the direction you are thinking? I am planning on using plywood for the top and sides to keep weight down, so I probably will not be looking at an kind of relief to the surface.

    Once issue I am trying to figure out is what I am going to go with for the sides and top as I modeled 1/4" thick, but I'm really not sure if 1/4" plywood will hold the detail of scrollwork I am after.
     
  5. Alexandros

    Alexandros What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    10 Jan 2010
    Posts:
    57
    Likes Received:
    2
    Wow, this looks amazing, just as your Zenith radio build!
     
  6. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

    Joined:
    13 May 2007
    Posts:
    12,411
    Likes Received:
    1,968
    plywood=That would be a 'no' then.:D

    I didn't catch the slight curve on the face earlier. The whole faceplate is a fantastic arrangement.
     
  7. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    thanks. I've spent a lot of time messing with and modeling to get that front face down. The front piece is going to be a time consuming deal. I really like the combination of the fretwork with the curved face, but I honestly will have to figure out how to get the front curved the way I want it. I'll cut the fretwork from the flat backside.
     
  8. ringo

    ringo What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    14 Jun 2008
    Posts:
    322
    Likes Received:
    10
    Amazing Sketch, I'm interssted on the first pictures of the fabrication, and how you will make the different parts. Especially the fine out cuts in the wood.
     
  9. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    It probably will be a while before I start cutting on stuff. I've got a couple of other projects I've got to finish before I jump head first into this one.

    Where in lower bavaria do you live? I got to take a tour of Castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in April 2008. The countryside is absolutely beautiful.
     
  10. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    Time for an update. Although I have not made a single cut or bend for this project yet, I have been steadily ordering and getting tools and materials. I haven't bought all of this at once, but have been getting things a little at a time over the past 5 months or so. Its something when you can spend hundreds of dollars before even starting a project. I am trying to avoid the situation where you start on something and then keep having delays because you don't have what you need during the project. I also am getting some things that I have needed for some time (finally!) and am stocking up on some things that should last me through several builds.

    As shown in this picture, I have already bought: five 12” x 12” x 1/4” sheets of cast acrylic -$45; two 10” carbide hollow ground saw blades for aluminum and acrylic- $45; a new Craftsman router with switchable bases- $120; a new Dremel 300 with a bunch of sanding drums and bits- $45 + $30ish; a punch set $5; carbide router bit set- $35; clamp on bench vise $5; 18” metal bending brake that will do up to 16 gauge- $30; two metal sawhorses- $20 (not in pic); sandpaper; drill screw bits; files; and other various bits and pieces.

    [​IMG]

    I also have bought: a Lian-Li micro ATX MB tray to use as a template- $35; an old micro ATX MB just to use for test fitting- $10; 75' of 1/8” & 50' of 1/4” thick black sleeving- $20; 2' of 1/8”, 4” each of 1/4” and 3/8”, and 2' of 1/2” 3:1 adhesive lined black heatshrink- $23; used MCR320 rad- $30; used MCR320 stackable rad- $30; eight Gentle Typhoon 1450rpm fans- $120; two Bitspower black 45 rotary elbows- $20; Western Digital Black 750gb HD- $55 ARs; 2x2gb OCZ DDR3 12800- $35 ARs; various connectors such as black 3 pin male and female plugs, PCI-E plugs, etc.

    [​IMG]

    I also picked up this little $8 jewel called a Helping Hands for soldering. I am so sick of trying to hold wires with pliers and stuff when trying to solder.

    [​IMG]

    I also paid $50 for the 48” light tent that I used to take these pictures in.

    These haven't come in yet, but I also just ordered a 12” 24 pin ATX extension cable so that I don't have to re-sleeve the actual PSU ATX cable- $10; an 8 pin MB power cable extension cable- $5; an original Molex brand ATX/PCI-E pin remover- $25; one each black female ATX and 8 pin power plugs- $2; and since I can't decide yet if I am going to stick with water or try air, a slightly used Scythe Setsugen for only $27.50 (I figure I can always sell it and get my money back if I do decide to go back with water).

    So not including the router (since it a larger ticket tool that also will be used for other things), I have spent $765 + I'm not sure how much on sandpaper, wipe on polyurethane, connectors, etc. I also invested in a new-to-me really nice table saw that I practically stole from Craigslist in Dec. for only $150, and a new-to-me contractor grade cast iron scroll saw from a friend at work for only $100 also in Dec.

    I hadn't realize how much I've spent over the last five months or so. Ouch! The sheet metal and hardwood will be cheap in comparison. If I go with water, I'll still have barbs to buy, some tubing, and one more rad, or if I go with air, I'll need a good CPU heatsink. Then finally down the road a new MB and CPU will be in order. Since it will take some time to build another case, I'm not going to buy the CPU and MB until later in the year. There is no point in buying them now and having them just sit while something newer comes out in 6 months.

    The one consolation in all of this that I tell my wife (and she agrees) is that my modding hobby is still a lot cheaper than restoring old cars, bass boats, fishing, hunting, jet skis, Harleys, etc. Plus now I've got some much nicer tools to make her a few things that she's been wanting. :)

    Thanks for taking a look.
     
  11. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

    Joined:
    13 May 2007
    Posts:
    12,411
    Likes Received:
    1,968
    :lol: Yes, It's MUCH cheaper! -'specially if your hobby only gets 9 miles to the gallon.:hehe:
     
  12. slipperyskip

    slipperyskip Member

    Joined:
    26 Oct 2003
    Posts:
    1,141
    Likes Received:
    94
    Looks like big fun!
     
  13. Jipa

    Jipa Avoiding the "I guess.." since 2004

    Joined:
    5 Feb 2004
    Posts:
    6,367
    Likes Received:
    127
    Dang I want a bending brake like that! The cheapest I could find over here costs 120 € ($170 ?) and that's just wayyy too much for my needs. Lovely looking piles of tools and hardware there.
     
  14. HandMadeAndroid

    HandMadeAndroid That's handy.

    Joined:
    18 Feb 2005
    Posts:
    741
    Likes Received:
    10
    looking forward to seeing this one :)
     
  15. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    9 miles to the gallon? What is your hobby? A Sherman tank?

    I think it will be. This one is going to take me a while to get to and finish.

    Its not something meant for heavy duty commercial use, but for what I will use it for, I think this brake will work just fine. 120 € is crazy. I'd be making my own before I pay that.


    I'm still tinkering with the look of the front and possibly the side moldings as I'm not quite happy with them. Its going to be a while however before i really get to jump wholesale into this as I have to go out of town for the last 2 weeks of April, and have still a project at home waiting for it to warm up a bit for me to finish first.
     
  16. stonedsurd

    stonedsurd Is a cackling Yuletide Belgian

    Joined:
    11 Mar 2009
    Posts:
    7,856
    Likes Received:
    417
    I love planned builds. And your woodwork is always stunning. Sub'd for sure :D
     
  17. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    I have been endlessly messing around with the look for the front and side moldings. Ever have something just nag at you? Well, the front and side moldings have been nagging at me. I just keep looking at the case and know it needs something. What do you folks think about this alteration?

    [​IMG]
     
  18. Spotswood

    Spotswood Custom PC case builder

    Joined:
    30 Jul 2007
    Posts:
    242
    Likes Received:
    36
    Try adding a simple flat board as a base, possibly loosely following the curves of the front?
     
    Last edited: 23 Mar 2010
  19. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

    Joined:
    13 May 2007
    Posts:
    12,411
    Likes Received:
    1,968
    I liked the original curved moldings. I think what was throwing them off was the horns that formed on the top front of the case. If you had rounded those off, it would have worked better. I also liked the original round inset. It added some contrast, and was what pointed out to me that the face was curved. I do however like the pattern you added to the front circle. A power switch would look sweet right in the middle.
     
  20. voigts

    voigts What's a Dremel?

    Joined:
    26 Apr 2006
    Posts:
    828
    Likes Received:
    61
    Thanks for the feedback.

    I was just looking for something different from the straight radio look which always has that base board, therefore so far I've stayed away from that idea, but I'll model it and see what my design consultants think (wife, daughter, and her friend :eyebrow:).

    I may take another look at the curved moldings. The "horns" really were more a result of having trouble modeling that corner differently in Sketchup due to the multi-faced curves. In reality it could be rounded a bit more, but not much more without distorting the shape of the top.

    I am sold however on the change in the front round inset. I like the flush area instead with the molding on the surface. I looked through hundreds of images and beat my brain for a week trying to figure out something that to me would look right there. I finally drew that center molding shape Monday morning from an idea of a victorian pattern that I came across. My design consultants tell me that they like it better too (reference above post :eyebrow:).

    I started messing around last night with Indigo renderer and so far really like the results I'm getting better than Kerkythea. I'm a newb at rendering so I'm just beginning to figure it out.
     

Share This Page