Project AquaLight - updated [23-2-2007] FINISHED!!!

I say either polish it, or brush it for real. The completely unfinished metal looks kind of out of place, especially with those polished grommets. Looking great, though.

 

My vote: polish

 

Nice, did not see that coming!

Keep up the good and hard work ssR

Petter

 

Yeah man, polish it! We need to see some bling. Haven't seen enough of it lately!

 

i'll have to go against and say brushed. if you look back at the colour you're using to paint the case, a brushed alu finish would compliment the paint a lot better than a polished finish. you do need to live with this stuff, and while bling is good, sometimes it needs to be used with restraint. in the end though, it's your choice...

im sure it will look awesome whatever you do though

 

I'm going to agree with tkdwarrior, i think a brushed finish would look better with the metallic finish of your sample colors rather than chrome.

 

thanks for the feedback guys
yeah ill probably go with the brushed look, i think the contrast of brushed aluminium with chromed grommets will look really nice. and besides the alloy i made this cover from doesnt look too good when polished. for this purpose it is better to use the 6061 alloy.

sorry ReFredzRate, this time there will be no bling bling

 

Nice clean work. Look great..

 

27/9 update

modsquad: thanks man . your black narcissus took a huge part in inspiring me to make this mod

now for today's update. as i said i decided to go with the brushed look. the work is about 80% done but you already can see the difference. i wetsanded the alu with 180 grid paper in the same direction.


the contrast between the original alu (on the top) and the brushed area at the bottom


before


and after


some closeups





the brushing really highlight the grommets


and a shot of the entire frame.

 

Gorgeous. See? What'd I tell you? Now it makes me sad that brushing the whole frame would be just waaaay too much work. No biggie, though, since I don't think most of it will be visible the way you're designing the side panels. I can't wait to see the finished product, my friend.

 

thanks

the entire frame will be painted and most of the areas will be covered with plexi, so yes, not much of the bare metal will be seen

 

Hello, just love your cuts. How do you cut them ?? Dremel ?
Looks very good

 

yes all the cuts were done with dremel, then rough sanded with die grinder and then came the fine trimming with files. you can see my methods in details in the previous updates, now i just tend to skip the process part, unless im using some new method i havent shown in the project

 

Wow that is some prosesional job.

 

thanks hehe. no need to doublepost though

 

a small status update on my project. i recently made 2 orders from specialtech and frozencpu websites. the specialtech package arrived yesturday and ill collect it tomorrow:

AC Ryan Connectx™ T-Style Kit Deluxe - UVBlue
AC Ryan MORF™ PlusPack1 - More Connectx - UVBlue
Meshx 120mm Fanguard - Silver x 6
Meshx 80mm Fanguard - Silver x 2

the other order from frozencpu was placed today and it will contain the following:

Slim C-Strip Rubber Fan/Window Molding - Black
Blue Illuminated Bulgin Vandal Switch - Ring Illumination
Blue UV SATA II 18" Cable w/ Latch - Right Angle to Straght [GC18AUBM12]
Vantec Blue Cable Sleeving Kit
AC Ryan Roundcable2-FX™ ATA133 2 Device Cable - 30cm (12") - UV BLUE

 

very nice,very pro. you deserve a pat on the back

 

I have to say thanks-right-back..
Just an idea.. C-strip
would add a FIN-touch to your already clean cover plate..
I love this stuff. It makes a bad cut look good and a good cut look perfect..
This is a Way-Cool project..RoCk ON..

 

thanks guys

modsquad: i would but in my specific case the total thickness of the cover alu plate and the plexi is already a problem to fit in the case. adding a c-strip on the alu cover would only make it thicker in that specific are, so as much as i would like to do it, unfortunately i cant

my order from specialtech arrived today. here are the pics.









i was kinda disappointed with AC RYAN mesh grills, their airflow is pretty low compared to mnpctech, other than that they are ok.

frozencpu sent me an email saying that my other order is on its way, so i expect it to be here in a week or 2.

other than that i went to the plexi workshop yesturday and ordered all the plexi ill need for this project. should arrive by the next week, so i can finally get some progress on this