Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community  

Go Back   Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community > Interests > Tilted Technology


 
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 06-01-2004, 01:28 PM   #1 (permalink)
wouldn't mind being a ninja.
 
MooseMan3000's Avatar
 
Location: Maine, the Other White State.
PC Window?

Eh, so I think I'm going to do it. I built my own machine a year ago, and I was looking at case mods, but I didn't really have any money to spare, so I forgot it for a while. Now I'm thinking about starting modding, and I figure a window would be a good place to start.

What I'm trying to figure out is whether I should buy a window kit or try to do it myself, with the plexiglass cut and just buying some molding. I have an Antec server case, here:



I installed a new side panel with a fan, here:





What I would like to do is have a window cut around the handle, and have a hole in the window for the fan. I'd like the fan in the same place, if possible.

I've found a few window kits online, one for my side panel, here:


And a more generic one, but it HAS a fan hole, here:

(The description specifies it has an 80 mm fan slot, but it doesn't seem to be in the picture...)



So I'm looking for advice. If I get a kit, I'll probably get the first one. However, will I be able to cut a hole for the fan? And how difficult will it be?

If I don't get a kit, I'll probably go to Home Depot and have them cut the plexiglass for me, hopefully in the right shape, with the fan hole (I don't know if they'll do that). I'll also get some molding to go with it.

So which would be better?


And some more general questions... what will I need to cut through my case? The manual specifies that the material is 1.0mm SECC (I believe it's steel of some sort). I would rather not buy a Dremel, if I can avoid it, but I do have a jigsaw if I need it, though I imagine I'll need to buy another blade for it. Any suggestions on cutting my case or the plexiglass for the fan?

Um. I think that's it. Anything else I should know?
MooseMan3000 is offline  
Old 06-01-2004, 04:21 PM   #2 (permalink)
Metal and Rock 4 Life
 
Destrox's Avatar
 
Location: Phoenix
well one thing you can do is to buy some scap sheet of metal similar to what you have. Goto a welding shop or where ever, it shouldnt be more then 3$ max.

Practice cutting on that if you really feel the need.


Other wise, on my window job i used a Black & Decker Jigsaw w/a Metal cutting blade. I honestly dont know how ppl can use them dremels, they break so easily, at least mine did.

As for buying a kit.. I figured hand made everything has more "novelty" to it. Here is how i did mine:

Measured out all the stuf fon the front of my case (yes the outside, so you cut INWARDS (less mess shown outside))

Cut it and stuff, BEVELED the edges with a portable grinder tool i have (like a dremel but way better) so it makes a nice edge. bought a 2x3' peice of plexi, cut it to be 1.5" bigger on all sides of my case window i cut, and just LOADED it up with silicon.

Slabbed it on there, and it LOOKS awesome. Sanded, painted the entire case GLOSS black (including all faceplates, buttons, and legs.)

I now have a machine that is badass on the inside and outside.

Total cost: like 7$ + fun labor ($Free)

http://www.disp0sable.org/case.htm

I just noticed you have a LOT of rounded corners, depending on the quality of Jig and blades you have, and the type of metal the case is this could be easy or hard.
At the very most you'll spend time with a hand file, or a mini grinder/dremel.

Also cut it out with thick paper, or cardboard first. Put it on ur case and see how it looks, play with the design for a while.
__________________
You bore me.... next.

Last edited by Destrox; 06-01-2004 at 04:25 PM..
Destrox is offline  
Old 06-01-2004, 04:31 PM   #3 (permalink)
Knight of the Old Republic
 
Lasereth's Avatar
 
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
I installed the window on my computer as well. It looks way better than store bought ones, but <B>only</B> if you do it right. I had my dad cut it with some kind of metal saw at his shop. I installed the rubber edges and the window myself...which took forever, but is definitely worth it. Make sure to get it really snug. It's a pain in the ass to get the window in, but it makes it look better. Here's my finished product:

<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/1.jpg>
<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/2.jpg>
<IMG SRC=http://www.appstate.edu/~bt52438/5.jpg>

-Lasereth
__________________
"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert
Lasereth is offline  
Old 06-01-2004, 04:34 PM   #4 (permalink)
Metal and Rock 4 Life
 
Destrox's Avatar
 
Location: Phoenix
Nice case, thats the same one I have on my other computer. *thumbs up*

But I never was fond of the stripping mold, always felt it was tacky. But thats the whole point to designing your case, its done how you want it.
__________________
You bore me.... next.
Destrox is offline  
Old 06-01-2004, 10:00 PM   #5 (permalink)
eat more fruit
 
ChrisJericho's Avatar
 
Location: Seattle
Ah yes, I remember when I went through the whole "UV phase." Had all the cables, the UV spray paint, the UV cathodes... ahhh to be young again....... ok so that was only last year.

Anyway, If you want to take the easy way out you can just call Antec and they can send you a pre-made window. Not all of us have powertools handy.
__________________
"A casual stroll through the lunatic asylum shows us that faith proves nothing." - Friedrich Nietzsche
ChrisJericho is offline  
Old 06-02-2004, 09:56 AM   #6 (permalink)
I'm a family man - I run a family business.
 
Redjake's Avatar
 
Location: Wilson, NC
Quote:
Originally posted by ChrisJericho
Ah yes, I remember when I went through the whole "UV phase." Had all the cables, the UV spray paint, the UV cathodes... ahhh to be young again....... ok so that was only last year.

Anyway, If you want to take the easy way out you can just call Antec and they can send you a pre-made window. Not all of us have powertools handy.


I wouldn't call it a "phase" really. It's just how certain people want their computers to look I doubt Lasereth is going to "phase into" anything else. These are here to stay!
__________________
Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.
Redjake is offline  
Old 06-02-2004, 10:38 AM   #7 (permalink)
Holy Knight of The Alliance
 
Location: Stormwind, The Eastern Kingdoms, Azeroth
Damn, Las. That looks good.
__________________
What do you say to one last showdown?
- Ocelot, Metal Gear Solid 3

The password is "Who are the Patriots?" and "La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo." "La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo." Gotcha.
- The Colonel and Snake, Metal Gear Solid 3
bltzkriegmcanon is offline  
Old 06-03-2004, 12:18 PM   #8 (permalink)
Completely bananas
 
jvwgtr's Avatar
 
Location: Florida
I read a bunch of different window cutting tutorials, but when I did mine, I went with this easy way...

Use a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade to cut the shape of the window in your panel (use masking tape to protect the surface).

Next, line the edges of your window using auto door molding available at every auto parts store (comes in lots of colors, including chrome, gold). One strip probably won't go all the way around, so use two, and cut each one to cover half the hole. You really won't notice the seam.

Next, cut your plastic (you can use the jigsaw if you go slowly & lubricate with dish soap) -- or just score it and snap it to a size slightly larger than your window.

Grab some double-sided sticky foam tape, and line the inside of your window with it.

Press your plexi to the inside, and voila! It's done.
The 3M foam tape stuff is really strong, and it will hold, believe it or not.

If you want a fan connected to the window, you might want to attach the window with screws or rivets instead, but you may not need to.
jvwgtr is offline  
Old 06-04-2004, 01:36 PM   #9 (permalink)
 
MexicanOnABike's Avatar
 
Location: up north
where will your computer be placed? mine is right beside my monitor and it's making it twitch(1 pixel shake). and it's because it's glass and not metal.
__________________
MexicanOnABike is offline  
Old 06-04-2004, 07:12 PM   #10 (permalink)
wouldn't mind being a ninja.
 
MooseMan3000's Avatar
 
Location: Maine, the Other White State.
Mexican: It's on the floor. I'm fine.

Update: I'm using a jigsaw with a metal blade to cut my case. I have a finish blade to cut the plexiglass. I'm using a two part epoxy I had lying around to fasten it to my case. I'm cutting the plexi an inch larger than the whole I'm cutting, and just slapping it on that way. For the edge, I'm either using a black caulking or some molding. I'm not sure which yet. I'll take a few pictures along the way.
MooseMan3000 is offline  
 

Tags
window


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:10 AM.

Tilted Forum Project

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2
© 2002-2012 Tilted Forum Project

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360