2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

This is going to be fun to watch. Eagerly anticipating what your fertile mind comes up with.

Thanks Gene. . . . "Fertile Mind????"…  . . . I think mine may have left a long time ago

40 minutes ago, Dadio said:

I will be watching the wood working part, don't understand the electronic part.

The woodworking part is actually the big/fun part of this build.

The computer part of the build is/was the easy part, the components have been chosen/acquired and all that is left to do is modify the motherboard mounting plate, and the backplate from a 2007 Compaq computer that I disassembled today for those parts.

It was a Micro-ATX case, so the parts will need a bit of trimming to fit the Silver box. Once I trim them, I can then figure out how much I have to build up the Silver box to fit the computer chassis. The parts that I chose will be one of the easiest builds I've ever done. The M.2 SSD drive plugs into the motherboard like a memory stick. There are only 3 cables from the power supply required which really simplifies things. 

Now to put what's left of my mind to work on the fun part of the project.

Tomorrow . . .it's getting kind of late...

If I was trimming those parts, probably come up a few MB's short.

Herb

@John Morris

Thanks for reminding me about that last case build!!!

 

John, sped up this build by reminding me of the last case I started building, so it's settled I'll be using the top half that I made out of Oak for a case that was for another build that I didn't finish due to motherboard problems. I originally wanted to use a low profile case, but couldn't find a decent used case that would accept a standard type motherboard. The one's I did find were for Dell, and HP computers that used a proprietary type of motherboard that are a reverse layout from industry standard.  

I checked the prices for low profile cases, and found them to be way out of my price range once you add a small form factor power supply.  

 

So that's why I'm using the industry standard Micro-ATX case from the Compaq. It will allow me to use a standard type power supply, and full size expansion cards if the need arises. But first I need to trim the motherboard tray, and backplate to fit into the top section of the Silver box.

 

In the first photo, I'll be cutting just to the right of the raised bead to the right side of the power supply opening.

 

 

This photo shows how I cut, and then reattached the end using lead free plumbing solder.

As you can see the end is now next to the bead next to the power supply opening.

 

 

Next comes the motherboard tray.

The first photo is before removing the extra material.

 

 

This photo shows how much was removed, along with my high-tech cutting method.

 

 

This photo shows the test fit into the top section of the Silver box.

 

 

This photo shows the recycled Oak top section from the old case build set into position.

 

 

This is the rear view before notching the Silver box to clear the backplate openings.

 

 

This view shows the rear after notching for the backplate openings.

 

 

I've got a little work to do with fitting the top to the Silver box.

I'll also be using some small beveled glass panels in the front of the upper section. They were also intended for the old case build.

The Power Switch/LED, HD/LED, USB ports, etc. that I'll be using are from the Compaq case, and will be fit into the front panel below the beveled glass windows that will allow peering into the case when the top is closed. I'll also be fitting a larger beveled glass pane below the lid from the Silver box. That's about it for today, more tomorrow! 

Lookin Good!!!!

The modifying and repurposing part I can follow.  All those numbers, letters and ic's this and ram that.  Have no clue. 

 

When you are done and turn it on will the lights in the neighborhood dim?

14 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

The modifying and repurposing part I can follow.  All those numbers, letters and ic's this and ram that.  Have no clue. 

 

When you are done and turn it on will the lights in the neighborhood dim?

The woodworking/repurposing part of this build are the main part of this project.

I've seen other wooden case computer builds in the past, and thought they were way cool! 

I'm working with limited tools in this build, with the only electric tools being my Milwaukee hand drill, a Tool Shop SCMS, and my soldering station. All of the rest of the work is being done with hand tools.

 

As to the computer part of the build think going into Best Buy and looking at the $1000+ price range computers.

This build will fit in somewhere between a high end workstation, and a mid range gaming computer.

 

I'm sure if the lights dim the neighbors will blame me!!! 

Edited December 6, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

3 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

I'm sure if the lights dim the neighbors will blame me!!!

why stop there???

It's tomorrow, so here's what I got done today.

 

This photo shows the front where I have to make a filler piece for.

 

 

This photo is the filler piece I made up.

 

 

This photo shows the filler piece installed.

 

 

This is the case front window. It is pieces salvaged from a broken chandelier.

 

 

It will fit into the opening which I have to do a little more fitting work around.

 

 

I've also got another piece that will fill in under the corner posts, but it is still in the glue up stage. 

That's all for today folks, so until tomorrow.....

 

 

Did a little more playing on the living room floor shop today.

Today I tackled making the lip for the top piece of beveled glass to fit into.

The lip was made by combining 1/4" X 1/2" Oak, and 1/2" X 3/4" Oak strips.

First I installed the 1/4" X 1/2" Oak strips with the top edge even with the top of the box.

Then I installed the 1/2" X 3/4" Oak strips butted to the bottom edge of the 1/4" X 1/2" strips.

 

This photo shows the box top without the lip for the glass.

 

 

This photo shows the glue up process. The rear lip is already finished, with the 1/4" X 1/2" strip being clamped.

The 1/2" X 3/4" strip will be installed below the 1/4" X  1/2" strip after the glue sets.

Then the 1/4" X 1/2" side strips will be installed, then the 1/2" X 3/4" below them.

 

 

This photo shows the lip completed.

 

 

And here is the beveled glass just set into position.

 

 

I need to make a Menards, or Lowes run. I ran low on the 1/4" X 1/2" strip stock.

I'm also going to see if I can find some 1/4" Quarter Round for trimming in the glass panels.

 

I also discovered that I'll be able to reuse my big copper finned CPU cooler, it turns out that the socket AM2+ coolers will fit the socket AM4 motherboards as well. Using the copper finned cooler will give the appearance of an " Old Time Radio" tuner. 

 

So until tomorrow...

I didn't get a whole lot done today, it wasn't a big job, just very time consuming. 

I really didn't expect this to take almost all day to accomplish. 

But what's a PC without front panel USB access ports? 

I swiped the USB/MIC/EARPHONE panel from another computer case, this panel will be much easier to adapt to this PC build.

But being this is a custom case build, I couldn't just leave it as a black plastic panel. 

 

So here's a photo of the black plastic panel housing before I dressed it up.

I removed the innards from the panel to make it easier to handle.

 

 

This is the front panel after I covered most of the black plastic.

 

 

As you can see there is now a spot that would have been for a 1394 (Firewire) port that is covered. 

The panel is as it came out of the case it had no 1394 port, but a perforated area that could hold one.

Well having that perforated area showing just wouldn't do.

So I covered most of the front with 3/4" Oak iron on edge banding. 

The housing is 1" X 4", so using the 3/4" edge banding allowed me to leave the port labeling showing.

The part that took so long was cutting the oval hole for the MIC/EARPHONE jack ports.

I cut it as best I could with a paper punch, then ironed the edge banding to the housing after using masking tape to position it to my liking. I used a damp paper towel between the iron, and edge banding. 

I then rolled up a piece of 180 grit sandpaper, and sanded the Oak to match the depressed oval in the housing.

The USB port holes were cut in with an Exacto knife from the back side, then also sanded to final size.

What you see in the last photo was attempt No. 2, the first attempt ended with me cutting the oval hole oversize, and slightly off location.

 

Like I said, not a big job, just very time consuming.

 

That's all for today, so until tomorrow. 

 

 

It's all in the details!

4 minutes ago, lew said:

It's all in the details!

You sure got that right Lew. 

As I was looking through my goodie boxes of parts I've been finding things I long ago forgot I have.

I found some of the old glass jewel indicator lamp bezels, that I'll use for housing the Power, and HD LED's. 

I also found one of the older style power switches that will be much easier to mount than the micro switch from the Compaq. 

I'll have to see if I can find, or make a knob/button that will fit the 1/8" square shaft it has. 

15 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

As I was looking through my goodie boxes of parts I've been finding things I long ago forgot I have.

I have similar problem.  Lots of stuff in drawers all laid out nice and neat.  Problem, a lot of drawers with stuff.  LOL

 

Just a few pics.

1 hour ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

I have similar problem.  Lots of stuff in drawers all laid out nice and neat.  Problem, a lot of drawers with stuff.

I wish I had the drawer problem, all of my stuff is in boxes here, there, and everywhere,

nothing neat about any of it! 

Could you tell me where you got the drawer pulls in your second photo? 

Edited December 9, 20187 yr by Larry Buskirk

1 hour ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Could you tell me where you got the drawer pulls in your second photo? 

Home Depot, think a 2 pack was $4.  I did have to hit a few though, they only kept so many in stock.

 Good idea on the removable trays, can see where that would be handy.

21 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

You sure got that right Lew. 

As I was looking through my goodie boxes of parts I've been finding things I long ago forgot I have.

I found some of the old glass jewel indicator lamp bezels, that I'll use for housing the Power, and HD LED's. 

I also found one of the older style power switches that will be much easier to mount than the micro switch from the Compaq. 

I'll have to see if I can find, or make a knob/button that will fit the 1/8" square shaft it has. 

 

22 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

As you can see there is now a spot that would have been for a 1394 (Firewire) port that is covered. 

The panel is as it came out of the case it had no 1394 port, but a perforated area that could hold one.

Well having that perforated area showing just wouldn't do.

So I covered most of the front with 3/4" Oak iron on edge banding. 

The housing is 1" X 4", so using the 3/4" edge banding allowed me to leave the port labeling showing.

The part that took so long was cutting the oval hole for the MIC/EARPHONE jack ports.

I cut it as best I could with a paper punch, then ironed the edge banding to the housing after using masking tape to position it to my liking. I used a damp paper towel between the iron, and edge banding. 

I then rolled up a piece of 180 grit sandpaper, and sanded the Oak to match the depressed oval in the housing.

The USB port holes were cut in with an Exacto knife from the back side, then also sanded to final size.

What you see in the last photo was attempt No. 2, the first attempt ended with me cutting the oval hole oversize, and slightly off location.

Well "Doc", I gotta' trust you on this one.

 

Larry, looking good, especially for building it on a living room floor with three tools!

42 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Larry, looking good, especially for building it on a living room floor with three tools!

Thanks John, I'm having a ball doing this no matter where I've got to work. 

I'm using a few hand tools along with the three power tools. I've been doing the cutting with the SCMS outside in the driveway. 

 

Tomorrow I'll be going next door to paint the motherboard tray, backplate, and hard drive mounting bracket in the neighbors boiler room. It's the only place I can think of that's warm enough, and the store is closed Mondays so I won't stink them out. 

 

As to todays progress I managed to get the front panel cut into the upper case half, along with drilling the holes for the glass indicator jewel bezels. I cut the panel hole by drilling four holes, and then cutting between the holes with a coping saw. I then sanded the opening to final size. I've still got some finish sanding to do, along with drilling a hole for the power switch. I still need to find, or make a button or knob for the switch so I know what size to drill the hole.

 

Here's a photo of todays progress. I've got a pilot hole for the switch drilled left of the larger jewel indicator bezel.

 

 

I still need to make a Menards, or Lowes run for more 1/4" X 1/2" Oak strip, and to see if I can find some 1/4" Oak quarter round for mounting the glass panels. I can't remember which store carries the strips I need. Luckily the stores are only about 1/4 mile apart.

 

So until tomorrow. 

@Grandpadave52,

This Is my reverse ungineered version of  "Back From The Future"