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Scratch Build - In Progress ⭐ Zv2 Desk

Discussion in 'Project Logs' started by Zondorf, 5 Aug 2019.

  1. Zondorf

    Zondorf What's a Dremel?

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    So I built a Custom Desk for myself a couple of years ago.


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    It worked somewhat well but wasn't easy to work on, change components and ran slightly higher temps than a regular gaming chassis but hey it looks cool, right?

    Anyways I decided it was time to build something new and push the build further than the last one.

    After a couple of hours planning and drawing on autocad 3D I came up with this design.


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    Rendered.


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    I'm undecided on the color scheme that I will end up running but I rendered in those colors since I liked the look of it.


    I decided to build the bin (major component compartment) out of alloy as I have never really worked with it before and thought it will make for an interesting challenge.


    First thing was to cut the bin on the plasma.
    I decided on using 2mm General Grade Aluminium.


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    Then finished the bending and test fitted the first 360 Rad to ensure everything lines up correctly.


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    After cutting and bending I noticed that 2mm was probably a bit too thin and 3mm would've likely been a far better choice.

    Then I added some more components after cutting and bending the separator plate.


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    Then it was time to start the main standing structure which is to be built out of 50x1.6mm MS Square Tubing


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    Attached the bin to the legs to check the height and ensure there will be sufficient strength in the main structure.


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    I had to add some strengthening beams underside the bin as the Alloy is a LOT softer than I anticipated.


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    Next was to manufacture the false floors for both sides of the bins, the purpose of which is for cable management.

    I added the cut outs for the standard fan connectors as to hide all fan cables.


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    No fan cable in sight.


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    Next up is to weld the bin and main structure up completely and then move on to component mounting, I still need to get my hands on a old PC case which I can strip for a donor case for the IO plate and Motherboard tray.


    More to follow
     
  2. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Who?
    Great stuff. Also, there's this guide. I've always just dropped a dead board in and traced the hole pattern and stuff. An old mobo tray will look odd in your desk too.
     
  3. Zondorf

    Zondorf What's a Dremel?

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    Thanks I will look into this, since I already have a false floor in it can double as the motherboard tray.
     
  4. Zondorf

    Zondorf What's a Dremel?

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    Quick update, I got my hands on a IO panel from an old Server case



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    Then I drilled and tapped the tray for the motherboard standoffs



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    I proceeded to cut out the cable entries in the tray and cut the IO panel section out and mounted everything



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    I'm not completely satisfied with the cable entry cut outs but will fix them up nicely once I get some consumables for the dremel.
     
  5. Zondorf

    Zondorf What's a Dremel?

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    Update, I started work on the other end of the bin where I will be locating the HDD's, so I made a simplistic plate to mount the drives to and then the plate will be attached to the management tray.



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    Initial plan was to have the plate exposed as is but I decided against it as I wasn't pleased with the outcome.

    So I decided to make a vented cover for the drives and added a small homage to my favorite game series.



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    Bent, welded and fitted.



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    Up next was to make the rear cut outs for the PSU Ventilation, and entries for power and network.



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    That basically concludes the manufacturing on the metal work.



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    Next up is to strip it all down for powder coating, once it's back from powdercoating work on the wood top will start.
     
  6. Cheapskate

    Cheapskate Insane? or just stupid?

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    Niiice. :D
     
  7. Zondorf

    Zondorf What's a Dremel?

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    Powdercoating is back and I can't be happier with the finish. Took some explaining as to what I wanted in terms of colour and finish but it was definitely worth it.

    Just have to point out that the grey looks very white on the photos but still a fair indication of what it looks like as it's similar to "Audi grey".


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    I managed to get my hands on the required sized pine sheet.


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    Marked out and ready for cutting.


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    Quick test fit to ensure all dimensions are correct.


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    Then came notching of the front corners.


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    Another test fit.


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    Lots of sanding.


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    Holes for the Power and Reset buttons.


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    Ordered the 6mm Glass top and routed the notch but didn't take any pics but snapped some pics with the glass in.


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    I plan on getting the glass slightly tinted (like 10% which will add a nice effect and some strength).


    After adding the glass I decided to add hinges to the desk top and possibly add air shocks (purchased but unsure if I will use them).


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    Sorry for the shoddy pics, by no means any good at photography.


    Up next is further sanding and staining the wood, then I need to add protective coating to add a hardened layer onto the soft pine to make it more durable.
     
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