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Modding Building cases from MDF

Discussion in 'Modding' started by Mr.Magnetichead, 22 Aug 2004.

  1. Mr.Magnetichead

    Mr.Magnetichead What's a Dremel?

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    Has anyone built a case from thin MDF boards before?

    If so any links to sites or threads would be great thanks. :D
     
  2. Ben '71 1200

    Ben '71 1200 What's a Dremel?

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    Make sure you're careful when you work with that stuff...

    Father tells me that they banned it in the states and in Canada :eeek:

    Whether he's right or not I don't know.
     
  3. Mr.Magnetichead

    Mr.Magnetichead What's a Dremel?

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    LOL!

    No it's not banned. MDF = medium density fibreboard.

    It's pulped woop reshaped and flattened.
     
  4. BjD

    BjD What's a Dremel?

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    I built my backup server/HTPC from 9mm MDF sheets (log in sig :thumb: ). No major problems with working with it. I used long bolts through the bottom of the case to mount the motherboard with nuts to space it all out properly, and used a 3.5" drive cage from an old case to mount the drives. Only problem you may have is with RF shielding.
     
  5. Mr.Magnetichead

    Mr.Magnetichead What's a Dremel?

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    RF shielding?
     
  6. BjD

    BjD What's a Dremel?

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    Ahh haa :D A metal case helps absorb the EM radiation produced by a PC, MDF doesnt :) The PSU probably creates the most, I kept mine mounted in its original case in my MDF case. All I noticed was a little interference on the TV when it was on. Not normally a problem, loads of people have used this stuff before :thumb:
     
  7. MrWillyWonka

    MrWillyWonka Chocolate computers galore!

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    My dad's a carpenter and he says the only thing u gotta be careful with MDF is that u dont breathe in the fumes (when cutting it), they can be fatal - so wear a mask

    Happy Modding! - Cos I got the tools, I mite make a case out of wood...

    EDIT: Make sure you paint the case, its dangerous not to
     
    Last edited: 22 Aug 2004
  8. Renko

    Renko What's a Dremel?

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    Yeh it's the glue they use when they compact all the fibre into the board that you get which is toxic.

    Make sure you at least wear some sort of mask when cutting it and if possible do it outside. The dust gets absoloutely everywhere and stays in the air for quite a while if you do it indoors. You might want to get some good tungsten carbide bits if you're doing a lot of routing. Other than that it's quite a nice material to work with.

    As far as shielding goes you might want to coat the insides with tin foil and ground it if you're having problems but you're not likely to unless you have some sort of transformer sitting right next to it.

    I suggest looking at wood work sites for ideas rather than just copying something someone else did. Why not be original?

    Hope it goes well :thumb:
     
  9. Mr.Magnetichead

    Mr.Magnetichead What's a Dremel?

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    I'll be using the insides of a left over pc case anyway so all the metal mounts will still be there.

    Yes it will be original considering the case is based on Tron.
     
  10. scrumble

    scrumble What's a Dremel?

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    MDF used to be banned in the states and Oz. The glue they used in the first few years used to form extremely sharp particles when cut,and basically it cuts your lungs to shreds. They changed it years ago, so its no longer as harmful. But like any dust wear a mask anyway,all that crap going into your lungs ain't good.

    Just make sure its at least a P2 mask,if your using disposables. P1's don't stop anything.

    I have been toying with the idea of using MDF as a replacement for the front of a case. Could make some fancy patterns in that stuff :)

    Edit: Speaking of Tron... the Tron guy goes from strength to strength
     
  11. hilmana

    hilmana What's a Dremel?

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    yo how u gonna cool it? u know that yr case will be HOT cos mdf boards act like insulators?
     
  12. meiv_4

    meiv_4 What's a Dremel?

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    when i turn my tv on my moniter gets a bunch of lines going across it.
     
  13. MrWillyWonka

    MrWillyWonka Chocolate computers galore!

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    1. The TV and Monitor aint the same thing
    2. What that gotta do with MDF? - hint: ur in the wrong thread!

    If the monitor and TV are separte things, they are probably too close to each other, so ur getting funny lines, otherwise known as, interferance
     
  14. Mr.Magnetichead

    Mr.Magnetichead What's a Dremel?

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    It's not jsut MDF. It's MDF and acrylic sheets/ There will also be fans and water cooling.
     
  15. hilmana

    hilmana What's a Dremel?

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    ooooooooo
     

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