Custom Case Advise

Drackae · November 30, 2020

So kind of a work in progress, but I live in a pretty remote area so I needed a way to look for some input into my first ground up chassis build. So the motherboard is on a "floating style" system. so its got about an inch of space behind it for airflow. The one side panel and the rear plate are all laser cut brass (I'm a Machinist), and the rest is all pine with custom burning for the patterns. the top is "leather" it was kind of a last minute idea but I kind of like the soft touch vibe on the top. as for the power button it's a industrial momentary switch. the whole thing has been made from reclaimed materials to save on cost.

Things on my to-do list

Build a psu and cable cover

Find some more brass screws

some kind of filter for the fans

Bombastinator · November 30, 2020

They sell removable magnetic fan filters but I don’t see anything they could stick too. There are round grills available in various sizes but they’re not really filters for anything smaller than a finger. I used the hook half of some adhesive Velcro and stuck fiberglass filter material over my inward fan ducts. It can be had in charcoal coated (which is black) or a blue I don’t particularly like myself. I don’t know if either color would work well in your situation. The super cheapass solution is old pantyhose. Might look even worse though. Could at least be had in a brown color.

Drackae · November 30, 2020

7 minutes ago, Bombastinator said:

They sell removable magnetic fan filters but I don’t see anything they could stick too. There are round grills available in various sizes but they’re not really filters for anything smaller than a finger. I used the hook half of some adhesive Velcro and stuck fiberglass filter material over my inward fan ducts. It can be had in charcoal coated (which is black) or a blue I don’t particularly like myself. I don’t know if either color would work well in your situation. The super cheapass solution is old pantyhose. Might look even worse though. Could at least be had in a brown color.

The magnetic might work if I put magnets on the backside of the fans at least I might have to resort to that as my best choice.

Bombastinator · November 30, 2020

30 minutes ago, Drackae said:

The magnetic might work if I put magnets on the backside of the fans at least I might have to resort to that as my best choice.

It’s generally easier to put them on the outside of the case. Then you just pull em off, wash em down, and slap em back on. They use that flexible plastic “fridge magnet” stuff for an outer attachment point. Some steel screws might be enough. If you want to go really overboard there’s also the possibility of some brass L channel material for the wood edges.

PriitM · December 2, 2020

DIY people have used panty hoes for nylon mesh fabric. Wrap around the fan and pull tight, should keep away from the blades even. Dont forget to take the owners legs out of them first

Other option for filter material: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cookology-Universal-CF300-Charcoal-Recirculating-Filter-Carbon-Sheet-/151550142369. Looks thick and tight, but works really well on low speed fans.

Brass screws: any decent hardware store or a specialist furniture store should have ample selection of screws.

Only thing that pet peeves me is the leather. Should be even and flat...but thats just me