Wood Carved Computer Case

I am new to case modding but thought I would give it a go. Instead of using real wood, I am using MDF which you can usually buy from your hardware store.
I also want to thank Thermaltake for sponsoring me with a awesome PSU (power supply unit)
Day 1
I am using the metal frame of an old case I have, and plan to fix the MDF to the frame (haven't quite worked out the details of that yet).
I am planning on carving the MDF based on one of my designs that has a Celtic Knot influence. I use the software AutoCAD to draw the design, then print out A4 sheets and stick them together so I have a 1:1 scale of the design that I can use as a template.

Step 1: Wood Carved Computer Case - Day 2

Day 2:
More carving the front panel today.

Comments

[antdada]

OMG!! This is OUTSTANDING! My 10 yr old son was walking by and seen this and said "Wow! That is Awesome!". You done great work!

[daman2971985]

Great work! Really loved this project, to the point that it has inspired me to (attempt to) carve the MDF panels on a piece of furniture I’m building…. (which I bet doesn’t work out as well as your PC, but oh well! lol)

Was there any websites, etc you got inspiration for your carving designs? I’m really struggling to come up with design ideas for what to carve out, and could do with a few examples to get ideas from!

[aespie-whitburn]

Thanks, glad you like it. In terms of inspiration, I was inspired by celtic knotwork and worked that theme into my design. Just look for things that inspire you and work from there. I used google images to look up celtic knotwork and found it a great source of reference ideas.

[Wo0kiE]

this reeks of sheer awesomeness...
very nicely done

[CatTrampoline]

Wow! Awesome!
I rellay like that it straddles the wood/leather look. It is just gorgeous.

[dexter0811]

This is artfully ingenious. Great.

[slaitch]

Just a wild suggestion on my part, feel free to ignore it, but I think yellow or amber LEDs for the power and hard drive activity would look better than red. Maybe even those candle flicker LEDs.

[agriffin3]

I agree with you Slaitch, Ember or Yellow would look nice in this case.

[recycle plastic]

This is great. did you happen to notice any difference in the heat flow on the inside after you were finished. Also were you using all stock parts or did you overclock anything. What I am getting at is that I love woodwork but I also overclock just about everything so I wonder if this would hinder that at all. Anyway it looks great! Thanks for sharing

[taha_mys]

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Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving is among the world famous crafts. Different types of furniture and gift items are made out of walnut wood which is the most common type of wood used to make carved furniture in Kashmir.

All items are Hand Made right from fabrication, carving and final finish.
contact me [e-mail]
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[MaXoR]

I am a 15+ year computer "nerd" as most would say, I also work as a repair tech for my local computer store... makes it sound really small but we gross over 180,000 a month in sales.

Either way, this is BEAUTIFUL.... stunning really.... I'm totally taken back at the craftsmanship in here, and the detail in your work. You're obviously an artist in your own right.

This has inspired me, I will be starting my own build on one of these. I'm not even close to the craftsman you obviously are but mine will not just be a wooden box either.

Thank you for building this beautiful case, it's really nice to see that 300 fans, and mesh sides aren't the ONLY thing you can do with a PC case!!

[aespie-whitburn]

Thanks for the compliment, I'm glad you like my case. Look forward to seeing what you come up with so make sure you put it up on here when done.

[ben_k]

Looks great! I've been following the build on TBCS since you started.

[aespie-whitburn]

Thanks, glad you like it. Do you have a mod or scratch build on TBCS I can look at?

[ben_k]

Yes, I have a few. I posted one here as well:

Scratch built HTPC:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21741
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Birch-and-Mahogany-Home-Theater-PC/

PowerMac G5 to ATX conversion:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26108

Mini iMac - I finished it, but it isn't running due to broken USB ports on motherboard:

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26252

[kretzlord]

ooh, throw some nixie tubes on there for the perfect steampunk case mod. Absolutely wonderful woodwork btw

[mr.frob]

elegant

[lafnbear]

Amazing, outstanding work! One comment, and I totally mean this complimentarily (if that's even a word...), not critically: without any indication of wood grain, I think the result looks more like tooled leather than carved wood; still amazing!

Question: what's MDF like to carve? I would think it would be easier without grain, especially for such intricate curves, etc.; but, any drawbacks?

[aespie-whitburn]

Thanks, yes, I suppose it does look a bit like leather. MDF is quite nice to carve, like you said, because it doesn't have grain to contend with. The main drawbacks are it doesn't stain well with normal wood stains, it can get quite fuzzy in spots that are to hard to sand and that the dust is toxic so always wear a mask and goggles. Apart from that I love carving it.

[dimtick]

nice project. way beyond my patience level.
good job!

[aespie-whitburn]

thanks, I found if I only did a small bit every day and not push myself, the project was manageable/tollerable.

[CrLz]

Beautiful work!