Scratch Build – In Progress Project: Filmiarvuti (update: July 4th - finished!)

My scratch build wooden HTPC case is almost completed. It just needs some final touches.

The front wall with all the necessary holes cut and drilled:




The original DVD tray cover looked like a foreign object:


Much better:


How do you like my nuts (sry, couldn't help myself ):


Actually, they're meant for securing expansion cards (an idea of a friend of mine):


The holes for the cables running from the back to the inside also done:




Yes, I know they need some filing.

I had a little accident while placing the parts into my car and the top one got broken:


Fortunately, it's nothing a little bit of glue won't fix.

And here are all the parts with the first coat of drying oil:




Now they need to dry for 24 hours before the second coat can be applied.

 

Looking good. Need more info on your "drying oil". What is it?

 

He mentioned this in an earlier post:

Not sure what the "drying oil" is, but I guess it's a type of oil that is used for giving wood its finish? I could be totally wrong so please tell me if I am

Btw, can you tell me what this means or what it is? It's something that hangs in my grandmothers house, but I never asked my dad what it means (since he can speak and write estonian):





Can't wait to see your finshed project btw

 

Thanks, guys.

aevitas is absolutely correct about drying oil. It's one of the three main components of classic varnish (the others being resin and thinner) and there are many different types of it. I believe I'm using linseed oil which was heated twice and then thinned with turpentine. It doesn't cover the wood as varnish does but soaks into it, leaving a shiny but not glossy finish that isn't so noticeable. The term itself was suggested to me by a dictionary.

What kind of an Estonian would I be, if I couldn't? It's a (quite good-looking) copy of the Estonian Declaration of Independence. The official English translation of it can be read here.

 

Thanks for that. I've used a drying oil called Tung Oil in the past with good results but I'm primarily a lacquer man these days.

Looking forward to the big finale.

 

I think it's similar to Teak Oil,and has to be applied regularly to keep the lustre of the wood.

 

as am i

 

Yes, the shine will fade over time, but I'm okay with that.

The second coat of drying oil has now been applied:


The parts have to dry yet another 24 four hours before I can polish them with a linen cloth and start the assembly.

But it seems, that I'll have to return to the workshop, because I'm having second thoughts about the DVD-reader button. Maybe it should be made out of wood aswell? What do you guys think?

 

Ahoy hoy! A lot of time has passed since the last update. Only one way to make it all up. You guessed it, with a big update.
After the drying oil had dried, I could start the assembly.

But before that, I had to disassemble the PSU to remove the paint from its backside:




Started the assembly with screwing the motherboard standoffs onto the bottom piece:




Next, the motherboard itself went on:


The PSU and the back wall are held together with 3 screws:


In addition to the back wall, the remote receiver was connected:




The expansion cards also found their place:






Decided to secure the case button and USB cable, using double-sided tape:




The DVD reader and hard disk fit perfectly:


As you've probably realized it by now, Filmiarvuti is finally completed. But unfortunately I don't have proper final pictures yet.

And so I'm forced to end my update with this:

 

Pretty crammed in there, but nicely taking shape!

 

Very nice. I like the wooden button and the oak veneer. Well done. I'm looking forward to seeing this one done.

 

Structure looks awesome mate.

 

Thanks, guys. Believe me, in reality, it's an even tighter fit.
BTW, I'm using GeeXboX 1.2.1 as an operative system. To my mind, it's perfect for projects similar to this.

 

Nicely packed it there mate!

 

looks awesome mate gw!

 

Thanks, I really appreciate your positive comments.

 

are you routing a usb cable from inside the case to the outside to fit the usb ports on back?
If so, arent there any usb headers to fit instead on motherboard?

Other than that love it.
Wood case are something i have a soft spot for.

only other thing, isnt 3.2GB for HD space a Little small for a HTPC?

 

Yes, I'm afraid I am.

No, the motherboard is so old, it only has 2 rear USB ports and that's all. I couldn't find any USB headers on it.

It might seem so, but in reality it isn't. At least for my needs. The HDD only houses the operating system. Films, music and pictures are on a CD/DVD, USB memory stick or accessed via home network. That's why I have the WLAN card installed.

Thanks, mate.
You and me both.

 

I admit, it took some time, but I've finally managed to take the final pictures.

And here they are:






















To end this final update, I'm going to post my favourite picture:

 

I like it.