Motherboard PCB Bracelet

This bracelet is for the geeks of the leet'est and also for looking funky.

you have some of the jewelry
and the bag/backpack
not forgetting the wallet,
and now the bracelet!

Tools needed:

~Drill -Drill bits
~Hacksaw -or similar
~File -I used a hand saw file
~Pliers -cutting and small long-nosed
~Dust mask!

Supplies:

~1 Computer motherboard
~Wire -telephone wire and thick copper wire (size of the earth wire for house wiring)

You must forgive me for not having a proper picture of the motherboard, I had already hacked it up while waiting for my batteries to charge.

Step 1 Measure Your Wrist

You will need to measure your wrist (or the wrist of the person who it's for) so you can know how many PCB pieces to cut.

I am using a metal tape measure, but a sewers tape measure would be easier to use.

Comments

[MRedu]

Cool! I have an idea someone could try using this. Maybe a PCB watch? You could even use an old school digital display, what do you think?

[kiva22]

nice, it would go well with my necklace! http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-cool-circuit-necklace/

[flame boyyyy]

dude that motherboard had good outputs even sata and you cut it up!!!! that pisses me off

[facilitator476]

it was either burnt out or he bought a better board. He wouldn't be able to sell it anyway, there are few people who want to buy second-hand motherboards and even fewer who would know how to replace one

[the_burrito_master]

same here.

[itobor2525]

This should allay your Pb poisioning fears: I made a bracelet like this; I sprayed the underside of the segments w/clear varnish/lacquer (buy a can at the local hdwe store or Lowe's). Afterwards I attacged a thin layer of white felt (it came pre-glued but) I added a few drops of stupor glue to the pieces. I think I'll spray the top sides as well when I make another. I do like the molex power cord concept; although I might alternate the wires for a different effect.
Great idea for repurposing; kudos.

[Plagueology]

I do not understand why people are flipping out. Burnt out computer parts are trash and you could get a laptop or tower with better specs than what's shown here for 20 bucks off of craigslist lol. Besides, it isn't like he is forcing you to use a motherboard or telling you to make this with reckless abandon or to make it at all. You can craft it with parts void of lead or just not make the damn bracelet. There are major online retailers that sell almost identical bracelets, and if theirs had lead problems I am sure they would have a little bit of a legal issue.

Cool instructable, overall. Just use some common sense and don't go cutting up the family computer, kids. Criminy!

[Glenn Burrow]

I think if I were to do this, I would encase them in varnish or resin or whatever may float your boat. Thus eliminating the painful pricks from solder points or contamination from the many carcinogens present in computer components. Oh, and it also makes it look nicer and more uniform...I happen to be a bit less concerned with the latter.

[Plagueology]

This is actually a really good idea, this needs to be footnoted in the instructable I think.

[kdice19]

Whoa, what major online retailers sell these? I've been looking forever, and you make them sound like they're extremely commonplace. Please link!

[Plagueology]

I am pretty sure thinkgeek.com had/has some things like this. And I am positive there are sellers on eCrater and etsy that already make these if you would not want to go through the trouble of procuring and cutting the parts. I personally do not have something exactly like this, but from my first computer, I kept the CPU and made it into a necklace.

So I guess what I am trying to say is there may not be exact bracelets like this being sold - but there is a ton of (safe) computer part related jewelry everywhere. :)

[silentarts]

I would like to purchase one of this...

If anyone is making them, how much would you sell this for?

[spel3o]

Thanks so much for the Instructable :) Great way to show of geekiness. I have collected circuit boards from old broken electronics for years, this is a great use for them,

[flame boyyyy]

i cant beleive you CUT THIS UP!!!!!!!!!!!

[knexsuperbuilderfreak]

it was most likely burnt out

[flame boyyyy]

ur gonna get a a disease and your hands will fall off from the lead .....then u cant cut up any more motherboards

[ll.13]

Ah, Haha. cute.

[loueloui]

I don't really think this is a good idea. The components in a typical PC motherboard are loaded with lead and other chemicals. This is not something you want pressed against your skin for long periods of time.

Also, while a Printed Circuit Board can contain PCBs they are not the same as polychlorinated biphenyl, which is a very hazardous chemical.

[superMacaroni]

As long as it's pretty looking, it's fine.

[wats-a-username]

the lead will be fine as long as u dont go making out with it or sumthin basically don't be stupid with this thing and you'll be fine.

[malamutekid]

or it may just leech into your skin as lead often does

[Nicola Tesla]

cover the bottom with duck tape!

[wiredfordestruction]

 make it with ram cards and embed a watch in a processer

[Patented]

Hey, thanks for this great idea!I want to make it for a long time and I finnaly did it! Here it is...

[Cris123]

so cool !! Thanks for sharing this idea.

See any jewelry sale 30-80% such as Charms, Earrings, Rings, Wedding & Anniversary, etc. here:    www.ezyjewelry.com

See Bracelets sale 30-80% here: www.ezyjewelry.com/Bracelets-sale-02304050.html

[shirleyzhang]

(removed by author or community request)

[Patented]

What do you want to tell me exactly?

[mettaurlover]

apparently, that you could get the boards for very cheap now...

[iBurn]

Yep...you could buy some nice circuit boards the DESTROY THEM!!!!

[mettaurlover]

yep! but i was just clarifying it.

[daffyd_morris]

you mention washing them after cutting. if you cut them while submerged in water, the dust particles wont go floating around, and will stay in the water.

[spiderobert]

 good Idea! (sticks Dremel in sink) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

[psivonen]

Some solder contains lead... Earrings maybe but not bracelets?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_poisoning

Printed circuit board contains also Epoxy resin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoxy_resin#Health_risks

Use only RoHS rated circuit boards if you must do this kind on jewellery...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RoHS

[QueenQuill]

 Great project!  I've been thinking about making jewelry and other projects out of old computer parts, and your bracelet is definitely inspiring!  

Some people with their comments regarding dangerous material in computer parts are definitely something to consider.  I've made jewelry with such things that require being covered with other material to make them safe.  I suggest using a resin or two-part epoxy or a polyester casting resin.  Most craft stores carry these products.  

Also, regarding solder that contains lead - yes most solder does contain lead.  When using solder for things that are going to come in contact with humans or animals, be sure to use solder labeled "lead-free" "non-toxic," or "jewelry-grade" solder.  You can usually buy this kind of solder from stained glass supply stores, and some art supply stores.  

Keep up the great work, and keep making awesome jewelry!

[korbin321]

dude thats relly bad for your health those silcon chips have harmful chemical in them and its exposed to a major vein.!

[kachup]

that's what I thought too, its risky at the least.

[Dysphoria]

Why not solder the underside? If you solder correctly, it wouldn't feel uncomfortable. :)

[talkjak]

I really like this I have done some similar work As for drilling the holes it helps to place the drill more accurately and keep it from sliding it you use a well heated Bead Reamer to melt at starter hole. In some places of the component you can melt the hole right through, in others you will still have to drill. A little sealant on the piece and you are ready to go again. Thank you again for your ideas.

[theXmaker]

Well... As for the problems with the health.. i suggest that u put some kind of a tape (glue) on the surface touching ur hand.. or covering it with a tin plastic cover!!.. it may become better!:) and BTW as u all used to say that solder is too dangerous.. i USED TO -EAT- Soder!!!!!

[corn fluffleberry]

hotglue a chain of these to backpack straps