Finished case mod......almost!

[Code]

Well I made the battery box and needed to finish the fan panel and side cover to finish the lay out I wanted. Not too bad for my fist attempt with sheet metal and surprisingly I did not get cut. It still needs some tweeking but I'm very happy with the overall results. The side panel covering the drive bays is supposed to have cutouts but I'm still trying to figure the best way to do it as the sheet metal distorts easily when cutting. For now 3 thumb screws make for quick removal. This new set up provides plenty of hiding space and a very clean look which was my goal. Airflow is still very good if not better than before. Pics below.

 

[BluBirD78]

Man that's awesome Code, didn't know you had talent like this!!

I know what your next project is going to be, uhh well mine of course, LOL, great job man!!

 

[WaLLy]

Now that I definitely like!! Looks much, much cleaner now!

Are you planning to add any light and what not? Though, I should ask, all that hiding and you're putting the panel back? Should look into getting a clear epoxy side panel now

 

[Code]

yea I plan on swapping the fans on the panel I made for red led fans. I also plan on working the side panel a bit with clear or red tint lexan panel. Cutting it is the hard part.

 

[AVC]

What are you cutting it with that is distorting it? If you use a nibbler it shouldn't distort it?

And what is the "battery box" for?

 

[The Moment]

I wish I had this kind of time and resources. I don't think I'll ever be able to get that.

 

[BriAn79]

Yeah Code this is pretty nice. Like blu said I didn't know you had this kind of talent either, looks pretty damn good though. I think a clear plexiglas side panel or something similar would also look really good. Oh and can't forget about some unique slick lighting!

 

[Code]

AVC- The battery/PSU box isolates it from the rest of the case and helps with airflow.

I am working on a clear side panel but it will take a while as my panel has some tricky cuts needed. I will also be using a cold cathode light inside and possibly some graphics on the panels I put in. They look a bit empty. In a few days I should make some progress. Thanks for the positive feedback!

 

[AVC]

Ah! PSU. I thought you were integrating some kind of UPS, lol.

Still havent told me what you are using for the cuts

 

[Code]

I used a bi metal hole saw to cut the circles for the fans and metal snips for the other stuff. Not too bad for a first timer.

 

[AVC]

Ah ok.

When using a holesaw, put a piece of scrap timber under the sheet metal to prevent bending the metal. Not letting the job get too hot also helps.

You can get a device called a nibbler. It's sort of like a pair of pliers but takes a little bite out of the sheet. it can be slow going, but way neater than using tin snips, which can bend the sheet like buggery. Nibblers aren't very expensive either.