This project is going to be a fully custom semi-cube (namely basically cubic, but not exactly :naughty: ). Its going to be made, as the name suggest, out of mainly Wood and Metal, with Water being used for cooling. The Plan is to have all of the insides built from metal to aid cooling, and then having a 'second skin' of 12mm mahogony around the outside to give the correct looks. The metal parts will all be bolted together, while I havn't decided hot to get all the wood together. Also, all the wood is going to be professionally milled on a Boxford CNC Wood Machine.
So, lets start then shall we...
The Front Design
(all CAD done on iMac using Cobalt)
Thats how the front started out a few days ago. Now, after an afternoon of CAD we have....
The Materials
For the wood, I'm planning on using pale Mahoganny, 5mm for the front plate, and 12 for the side panels ect. As for the metal, i'm using 3mm sheet, and 3mm right angle bars for rigidity. All of this should be cut by tommorow after-noon, so i can get tapping. ohh what fun.
The Hardware
For the actuall parts, there are only 4 things i'm sure of, and they are an Aquacomputer Aquatube G1/4" in silver, a Black ICE GT Stealth 120.2, a Samsung DVD-RW and an Aquero USB in blue, using either 3/8" or 8/10mm compression fitting.
Last edited by AJ_ on Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:11 pm; edited 1 time in total
Sorry, this all got pushed under the mat becuase of GCSE's.
Anyway, I started today by cutting up some 13mm solid aluminium bars. Instead of using a hand saw and file, I used this :
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Its a water-cooled metal saw that rotates to cut at 45* or 90* and leaves a very nice, clean finish. :thumb:
After cutting the bars, I didn't have time to drill an tap the corners ect. so I thought I would put it together to show you.
to show the dimensions, thats a 30cm ruler. The dimensions have changed because it would have been a bit of a squeeze but with the new larger dimensions, I have the felxibility to use different parts.
The bars going across the back will be mounted in different places. I'm planning on using a NexXxos Pro II rev2. or a PA120.2 and a BIX. I'm not sure on hardware though.
Only had 20 mins this after-noon, but here is a taster of what I'll be upto tommorow...
I started by finding a centre point, then drilling a 4mm hole through one of the bars. I then drilled in a small about with an 8mm drill bit so that the heads of the bolts were flush with the metal itself.
The other bit of metal will be tapped to take an M4 bolt.
Lovely and flush.
Next I need to choose a PSU for the project, so that I can construct the support for it. I'm thinking of going for either a 720W Enermax Infiniti or possible an 850W Enermax Galixy unit.
One question though. If you are going to put a second skin made of wood you are going to isolate the heat dissipating skin from its contact with the outside air for the transfer. How are you planning to prevent problems? (I love the look of wood btw )
One question though. If you are going to put a second skin made of wood you are going to isolate the heat dissipating skin from its contact with the outside air for the transfer. How are you planning to prevent problems? (I love the look of wood btw )
AJ, I applaud the idea and the execution so far,but,as a long time woodworker your ideas on the thin mahogany skin are heading for dissapointment Im afraid,heat on one side,ambient temp on the other will lead to the wood cracking. May I suggest you consider MDF veneered both sides,good choice of veneers,or failing that Marine grade plywood,either would be far more stable and not noticably different
Regards Edward
Yea, looks really interesting..
What about cutting out stylish wavy vents in the side to lose the heat, and veneer both sides, like Vet said? (Or buy veneered wood..)
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This is really cool. 
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