This really crappy picture poorly shows that I got rid of most of the PCI slot posts and added an ABS plastic shim to the screw area to adjust its height. The top panel is done. I don't really have any decorative plans for it so all that's left to do is sand it. The PSU bracket is almost done. I just have to add the screw plate. And the amount of drilling I had to do on the bottom panel coupled with how much scroll saw work is still needed on it are threatening my sanity so I'm taking a break for dinner. Upcoming Stuff - Front faceplates - Finishing Bottom panel - Starting work on the side panels and their windows
Decided to trim the motherboard covers to fit around the Thermalright HR-05. And replaced its weak stock mounting hardware.
Just had some insomniac inspiration. The plan for the side panels has changed dramatically and I've figured out a way to make the motherboard tray, power supply bracket, and drive bracket locking system tool-free. Regardless of that I have the bottom panel to finish and I can still make some progress on the faceplates. And I might get started on the handles in the CAD work for the new Side Panel system doesn't eat up too much time.
Man, I've read all your worklog in about one hour.... Your ideas drive me crazy, you're totally insane, but I love your modding way! Go on, keep on this mod, I'll love to see the evolution of your work! Excellent!
I really love that case and the ideas behind it Do you have a drawing of that bracket? The thing is that I want to use one in my next project, but all I tried till now doesn't look as good... Regards, Philipp
I went ahead and used the CAD model to make a schematic for you. Double check the mounting hole spacings against your PSU. http://www.captainslug.com/modding/psu.gif and alternatively here's two PSU plate templates accurately sized in a .doc file that you can print out on full sheet label paper then stick to the sheet as a cutting and drilling guide. http://www.captainslug.com/modding/psu.doc
This is what woke me up in the middle of the night last night. That's how the side panels are going to be made. I can remove the panels with one 90-degree turn of that handle. Which allows the spring-loaded locking teeth to retract on a cam track.
Many months ago a member by the name of ridiculous gave me a bucket load of stuff. It was a rather random assortment of things but my favorite item out of the whole lot are these prewired LED sockets with attachable lenses. Here's three mounted to the motherboard covers. The ones going through the covers have a white decal over the lens so their light output will only affect the clear plastic part of the cover. This one attached underneath the cover will spotlight the CPU waterblock. The front panels are done and solvent curing now. I didn't take a picture because I wanted to wait until they can actually be mounted on the case frame. I was going to do the bottom panel with the scrollsaw, but decided it would be WAY easier to just do it on the knee mill at work so it will have to wait unti l monday. I have many new things planned that I will be attacking next week, including a nifty thing for the big empty area where the reservoir used to be.
Straight out of some sci-fi move. Very cool and innovative! Been fallowing this mod while I can and I can tell you, its right up there with Dutch and his year+ mod. Keep at it!
I was feeling blah Sunday night and had a hard time getting to sleep. I didn't wake up until 4pm on the 18th, at which point I threw up a good deal. Don't know why. My Mcmaster order arrived and I tried to implement my plan to use quick-release pins to lock the drive cages and motherboard tray in place on the frame. It didn't work. It didn't take me long to come up with an alternate plan, which I will have to implement once my next order arrives. I'm going to eat and then go back to sleep. In the morning I plan to get all the side panel parts cut and then take them to the machine shop to run them on the lathe.
You are a legend captain, nothing keeps you down for long, you mod is awsome, and I enjoy reading your updates. Keep on moddin'
I *** you motorized X-axis Almost done with the side panels. My Boss is continually amused with my need to make complex assemblies WITHOUT using CNC equipment. And if anyone want a pictures-only updates on this project I uploaded everything to a Flickr photo set and will keep it updated with this thread. Picture Set On Flickr
Yes my photo numbering system is really weird. I'm trying to keep them in alphabetical and numerical order at the same time.