Custom Tech Station Worklog

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

Are you gonna use this as your case now?

If I can't sell this rig then yes, and if I can sell it, then this will be the case for my new PC that I will build with the money from the sale.

QUESTION: Does anyone have a full-sized template or picture of an ATX motherboard that I can use for drilling the holes? Thanks.

[Dread]

Originally Posted by yellowhello

QUESTION: Does anyone have a full-sized template or picture of an ATX motherboard that I can use for drilling the holes? Thanks.

Here you go. It involves lots of precise measuring though.

ATX 2.2 Spec Sheet

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by Dread

Here you go. It involves lots of precise measuring though.

ATX 2.2 Spec Sheet

Yeah, that's the problem. I was wondering if anyone had a FULL-SIZED (1:1 ratio with a real motherboard) template or picture so I could just print it out and tape it to the plexi and know exactly where to drill the holes.

Thanks anyway though!

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

This is a point where you need to snag the mobo. Build the rest of the system first, then worry about the mobo tray after. That's probably what I'm gonna do.

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

This is a point where you need to snag the mobo. Build the rest of the system first, then worry about the mobo tray after. That's probably what I'm gonna do.

I thinking that's what I'm gonna have to do. Today I plan to drill all the holes and put in all together so you guys can see what it's really gonna look like. I also plan on putting a place to mount a rad and have this thing fully water cooled, but I think that may be something to do in the future because all of my water cooling stuff is in my main rig.

Just to give you a preview of what to look forward to.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

I think I'm gonna start mine in the next week or so. I've gotten the basic gist in my head right now and even put it to paper.

I think I'll redo it though... I want something small but that holds a powerful PC.

[RA1D]

hey Nate, are the acrylic panels difficult to work with (cutting/drilling)?

[Elysium]

Originally Posted by RAID

hey Nate, are the acrylic panels difficult to work with (cutting/drilling)?

The cutting (scoring) wasn't so hard, I don't know about the drilling though, as I have had a chance to drill it yet. I just went to Ace Hardware so now I have:

• 9/64 drill bit
• A center punch
• 60 6/32 1in. long screws
• 60 6/32 bolts

Will get some pics up in a few minutes!

[Elysium]

UPDATE! I borrowed a drill from my friend so I was good to go!


I drilled a hole in the plexi and the aluminum every 3 inches. Pics:




A note about drilling plexi; Put a piece of duct tape over the area where you are drilling. It makes the drill cut in faster, and therefore makes the drilling more precise.


I preceded to drill the all the way around both pieces of plexi:






...And the aluminum:


So far I have the top shelf done and I'm working on the bottom shelf. I haven't even touched the vertical legs yet.

Hopefully that keeps you satisfied until the next update!

[Elysium]

So things are starting to come together. I got one shelf assembled:


Then the other one:




And here's how it's all held together:




I'll get the legs drilled then you'll see what the finished product will look like, roughly.