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Loading ...Last leg: The rear I/O panel.
syrillian
The last panel to fabricate is the rear panel.
The components are already in the case, so I measure and transfer the required dimensions to the acrylic panel. I used the rotary tool for all cuts; the circle-cutting attachment for the 90mm exhaust fan, and the straight edge guide for all the other cuts.
After test-fitting and ensuring that all is in order I capillary-bonded the rear panel to the case.
One of the more tricky elements of working with acrylic is the gauge-to-rigidity ratio. The thinest thickness that I use is 1/8″, a thickness that is considerably beefier than steel or aluminum but lacks the rigidity of a comparable gauge . This can pose a problem when it comes to the mounting brackets on any expansion-slot card, and the securing of it cleanly.
For this build I kept it simple by making an “L” shaped panel that securely holds the video card in place. The panel is mounted to the backside of the case using removable/replaceable hardware; should I ever want to add another card I will modify the existing panel, or fabricate a new one.
There is no slopiness in the card at all insofar as movement in any direction. The case can be held upside down (and shaken gently) and all components remain securely in place. I would have prefered to bond a rail across the backside of the PCI opening, and then mount the expansion-slot cards with thumbscrews . Were this a full-scale build with an ATX motherboard I would have done just that, but this was a simple build, so I kept it simple.
As I type this, the project is complete…. with one small exception that has proven to be a thorn in my side: The acrylic veneer for the front of the optical drive tray. At the moment it is baren, and one can not tell unless the case is in direct light. I have already miffed the job once, the router yanked the piece out of my hand. After chewing on the piece briefly, the router spat it out and sent it flying about 10 feet… *sigh* …I will make another one and then post the final shots of this project.
Below are some “after-thoughts”.
I wanted the PSU to be more secure in its mounting in the case. What I needed was some more support. I made some quarter-round-like pieces from acrylic that I ripped down and rounded over. These pieces will sit on either side of the PSU, and give it some added support; they also make the PSU aperture a little less harsh on the eyes.
This long piece is for the inside/back edge where the hinges mount. The acylic is only 1/8″ thick, and needs some support. Unlike the PSU supports this one is a requirement, and in order for the case to hinge cleanly there needed to be more rigidity.
I will have the last piece cut, profiled, polished and mounted within a week, and then I will post pics of the finished project.
Thanks for looking.
Hi mate, Love your work and am thinking of creating some acrylic work myself. What are and where do you get the little brass looking threaded insert you seem to be using for the feet. As am wondering how best to attach the motherboard and other items without the need to use bolts or screws from the outside. Any good website you found useful?
Thanks, Jack.