Custom Window Mod Help

[bobhays]

Hi everyone, I was wondering if someone knew how to make a custom window or more importantly a custom cut in a side panel. I would like to cut a design into the side panel of the case so that the window looks like a lightning (i plan to have a frosted window with yellow lights). I have never modded a case before so I was wondering what would be the best way to do this.

 

Another idea I had for another computer was to cut a lion or other semi-intricate design and was wondering if this is even possible at home or would it need to be sent to a shop or laser cut?

[_ASSASSIN_]

use acrylic for the panel itself, screws for holding it in place, and a dremmel to make a cut in the side panel

[Emperor_Piehead]

So you want to do window etching?

[bobhays]

So you want to do window etching?

Well the basic idea was to cut the metal so there would be a hole (to see the insides and as a design), and attach a window panel behind the metal.

[bobhays]

use acrylic for the panel itself, screws for holding it in place, and a dremmel to make a cut in the side panel

Do you mean to use acrylic as the entire side panel?

[Emperor_Piehead]

Well the basic idea was to cut the metal so there would be a hole (to see the insides and as a design), and attach a window panel behind the metal.

So you want to make a window that looks like a lightning bolt?

[_ASSASSIN_]

Do you mean to use acrylic as the entire side panel?

nono, as your window

[_ASSASSIN_]

So you want to make a window that looks like a lightning bolt?

that's what I'm thinking he's thinking

[Emperor_Piehead]

that's what I'm thinking he's thinking

Well that won't be the easiest. I would still recommend etching here is a nice little guide http://www.tweaktown.com/guides/5391/case-smithing-personalized-acrylic-etching-and-engraving/index.html

[bobhays]

So you want to make a window that looks like a lightning bolt?

Yes, a lightning shaped cut in the metal that will have acrylic behind it. The idea is to have the lightning be see through and be yellow from the lights inside.

[bobhays]

Well that won't be the easiest. I would still recommend etching here is a nice little guide http://www.tweaktown.com/guides/5391/case-smithing-personalized-acrylic-etching-and-engraving/index.html

Thats a great guide and it gave a me a few new ideas, but I wasn't trying to etch the acrylic. I was trying to cut the metal side panels and just have acrylic behind it.

[Emperor_Piehead]

Thats a great guide and it gave a me a few new ideas, but I wasn't trying to etch the acrylic. I was trying to cut the metal side panels and just have acrylic behind it.

I understand what your trying to do now, but it would be tricky to do. I'm no modder, so I will let other people on the forum take over now on helping you.

[TheSLSAMG]

use acrylic for the panel itself, screws for holding it in place, and a dremmel to make a cut in the side panel

I was thinking marine adhesive, such as this: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-White/dp/B0065HGC5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378443298&sr=8-1&keywords=marine+sealant, but how would screws work?

[_ASSASSIN_]

I was thinking marine adhesive, such as this: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-White/dp/B0065HGC5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378443298&sr=8-1&keywords=marine+sealant, but how would screws work?

correct me if I'm wrong, but Singularity shows here

[bobhays]

Ok thank you for the video, thats exactly what I was looking for. Does anyone know how I would go about cutting an intricate design like the lion?

 

And just so I don't have to open another thread, does anyone know how to get a matte or soft-touch like finish on a computer case?

[AraSarkisyan]

Dremel, Scotch 4010 double sided tape, file. 

[Artem]

Simplest way - Cut the hole you want, use u-channel to clean up the cut, then attach the acrylic from the other side with 3m ultra double sided tape. You can get the acrylic and double sided tape from a hardware store like home depot. Looks fantastic and is cheap.

 

Here's how mine turned out...

[bobhays]

That works great for a normal window, but how would I make a design on the side panel? I don't mean a simple one such as the lightning design but more like a lion head. Is that even possible to do?