Building my own case?

[mark.mckeown]

So after spending a good amount of time looking around for a case that I absolutely loved, and had everything that I was looking for in a case, I've determined that I think it would be an interesting challenge/task to go about building my own pc case. I've got the necessary software to model a pc case, and I think I am capable of doing so - I just don't know how to go about actually fabricating the parts. Would I have to buy the metal and cut it myself, or is there a place online where I could get things laser cut so that I can't manage to screw anything up? 

 

This is by no means a short-term project, and I wouldn't be looking to start building until at least next year, just really interested in what it would take to put something like this into action. 

 

If anyone has prior experience for this kind of thing, it would be really cool to hear of any tips or things you picked up along the way, as this is definitely going to be a design challenge.

 

Thanks guys, hope I can get some decent feedback round here!

[berre95]

I think there will defiantly be some company's who are able and willing to cut the metal for you but it might turn out a bit expensive.

 

My other hobby is restoring old motorcycles, so I have quite some experience with metal working.

As long as you're only planning on making 90° bends and such (no weird shapes in the side panels etc. just a neat, stealth looking case) I think you're cheaper of doing this yourself

If you are going to do this yourself you will need some tools though I don't know how well equipped you are for metal working and such but i would recommend to at least have: 

a drill, a file, a rivet gun (i think rivets are the easiest way to assemble a pc)

 

I would also advice you to go on YouTube and search for "DIY sheet metal bender" you'll find a couple of videos witch will teach how to make just that (obviously)

but this will definitely help you once you have the metal even if it's pre-cut, it probably won't be bent in the correct shape it'll just be flat.

 

 

I think the first thing you should do is make some sketches and see if you are realistically able to make it (with the tools you have or have access to)

[RabidRedRabbit]

I have been undertaking a similar task. I must say that CAD software is your best friend, especially when you are building a small-form-factor, high performance design like I am.  Also, don't necessarily limit yourself to metal and rivets. Go with what you know. I quickly abandoned conventional materials in my design because I do not know how to work with metal, I do not have the tools, and I do not know anybody that does. However, I do have a light background in carpentry, I have access to the proper tools, and I wanted to incorporate my childhood somehow.... my case is going to be made out of hardwood with an internal skeleton to support the components made from legos. Hardwood and legos.

 

Of course I am still doing a substantial amount of research that has shot down some of my ideas, and has replaced them with even better ideas in most cases. I have found frozencpu.com to be an excellent source for miscellaneous items, especially custom water cooling items.

[mark.mckeown]

Yea, in high school I took metal shop and wood shop, and have a pretty extensive arsenal of tools at my fingertips, as well as working on a degree in Mechanical Engineering, so the software is there as well. I feel like I have the perfect combination of assets that could allow me to make something pretty awesome if I take my time and think everything out well enough.

[ManWithBeard1990]

Not always easy, getting access to a laser cutter. Some materials are also cheaper than others. What you must do is the following: find out who can fabricate the parts you design, see what materials they can work with. Metal has the advantage that it can be bent, but not everyone who owns a laser will cut it. Plexiglas and MDF are easier to cut. Next, such a machine can only process panels of a certain size, so plan accordingly: the side panel window in my case is there because my university's machines could only go 300 mm wide, and I needed a bigger side panel, so I designed a window in there to not have a seam that would look out of place. Next, you'll need, in your mind, a very clear idea of what your case layout will be, how you will attach your side panels, and generally, how the whole thing should go together. Try putting enough planks perpendicular to each other to maximise rigidity.

An oh yeah, one more thing: Good luck, and have fun designing your dream case. Trust me, it's worth it.