Wooden Computer Case

Wooden Computer Case - I've used an old hand me down computer case for too long, so I wanted to make something personal and functional. I tried to use fairly accessible tools, and some basic power tools. I'd love to have techshop nearby, but I have to be practical.

Step 1: Conception

Design stage.

Step 2: Materials

Materials:
.75" thick veneered plywood - I like the stoutness of the 3/4" and the ability to screw I into it perpendicularly.
1.5" long deck screws - just something I had an abundance of.
.25" thick plastic board - tough to describe and no clue where it was acquired.
2 button switches - from radio shack, red for power, black for reset.
2 hinges - European style gives the exterior a cleaner look, and they support the door in an open position.
1 roll weather stripping - black , .5" wide, .125" thick, just so the door seals, and the airflow goes from front to back over the cpu equipment.

Step 3: Tools

Drill, with Phillips and counter sink bits, jigsaw with wood blade, tape measure, square, pencil, and safety equipment.

Step 4: Measurement

Most precise step. Make detailed measurements of the rear panel and transfer them to the rear panel of the box, and please make an allowance depending how the box is constructed. I repeat, take your time with this component. Next portion is for the power supply, and is just a basic rectangle.

Step 5: Assembly

Honestly, you are just making a box. I've added some corner details from my build, so you can get an idea of how thing join.

Step 6: Staining and Computer Install

This not a computer and wood finishing instructible. If you need more info, ask and I can make another post.

Step 7: Contest

I hoped to add this to the woodworking contest, but the option is not available :{(

Step 8:

Comments

[pddonovan2011]

I think this is absolutely perfect, something to be proud of, let me give you fresh eyes! When Bad People look to steal a computer, they look for the ugly box, trust me, I have been ripped off, twice, and both times the Computer disappeared! Now it is all about Surveillance Cameras, Alarms and my Computer is built into a piece of furniture where it disappears when shut off. Place your creation in a book shelf and create a fake speaker grille on the outside, repeat another box that appears exactly like the first. Home Made Speakers are worthless on the black market, they almost never disappear!

[pixel5]

amazing tutorial! definatley persuaded me to build one! however one question, did you have any problems with over heating in any way? one thing I am wondering is if turned on for too long it might cause damagw

[Slatu]

A concern of mine too during conception. I placed the power supply with its dual fans farthest away from the intakes. Near the cpu, I placed a stout exhaust fan. So with the intake placement, there should be a consistent air flow from lower left, to upper right. Also, the weather stripping should minimize the intrusion. Finally, the large hinged lid lets me easily remove the build up of dust and cat hair.

[pixel5]

yeah that works! a hint of mine would be to install an arduino powered thermometer to check the temperature and maybe even make some emergency cooling fans

[Slatu]

I enjoy a desktop, and having a case like this allows me to upgrade when I wish. When one goes laptop, I feel one might as well own a tablet. As for cooling and intelligent control, I'll let the motherboard keep control of it.

[pixel5]

Also, maybe it is possible to make a laptop version of this? Using smaller motherboard and other parts and attach an old LCD screen and driver board off ebay?

[M3G]

I love how that looks!

[M3G]

Regarding the contest, did you try going to the contest page https://www.instructables.com/contest/woodworking20...

then clicking on the "enter this contest" button? There is still one day

left to enter.