I have got my Mini-ITX computer to the stage where it needs the front completing, and the control switches circuit needs putting together and soldering. This is how i've got it so far... http://www.richarddawson.co.uk/blog/archives/26 I need some suggestions and advice for what could be used for various parts: The front switches will be mounted slightly behind the new front aluminium panel. I'm looking for something I can stick on the switches, that will be pressed. (once stuck to the switches, they will be protruding through the aluminium panel) The front is to be a wood frame, for 3 sides (left, bottom & right) with the aluminium panel folded over. (this is so it has the depth to contain the VFD and the switches) The front face of the case has 4 integrated motherboard stand-off type points in each corner, and it is these that the new front has to fix to. I need some screws that can go through the aluminium panel and the wood frame, and into the stand-off points, thus fixing the new front to the case. I've asked my dad, as he's an engineer/CAD designer by trade. He said that it's a non-standard thread that is used (even though i know that it is standard for computers to use this thread) so he doubts I could just buy some long screws to use. I mentioned that seperate brass stand-off points can be screwed into the integrated ones on the case. It's ended up with this solution that me and my dad have come up with. the brass stand-off points are re-tapped out to a thread that he has got. these are then put in the integrated stand-off points. a steel rod is then cut , with a thread to fit the brass stand-off points put on one end. I would get some thumbscrews that would suit the front of the case. the thread is cut off these, just leaving the head. the head has a hole drilled in it to fix onto the rod. Any other suggestions of how to fix the front to the case (needs to be possibly removed in future without damaging the case)? I'll have to get some small (40mm) fans for the sides, as the new front won't have the vents that the original cheap ABS moulded plastic thing had. anyone suggest some fans to get? I suspect I'll need them, as the motherboard only has heatsinks on it and no fans. The case only has 2 40mm fans at the back, and the one in the psu. they all blow out, and I will be soon blocking the original intake. side fans draw in over the processor etc, and the other fans take the air to the back.
There are plenty of options to make a protruding "knob", acrylics can be sanded in a jiffy if you put it in a drill press. The screws are 6/32 inch... Why not make it a project log btw??
I've had the idea of using some stick-on rubber feet for the buttons, although I'd rather have some gloss buttons. anyone know where I can get some long screws from? my dad said to me (once I told him 6-32) thats an American type.
I've found some screws online... are these suitable? http://www.modelfixings.co.uk/unc_cap_screws.htm
