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Building a Stained Glass Computer Case?
Ldyandrea asks: "I'm a stained glass artist, and also a bit of a computer nut....but I'd like to build an actual stained glass computer case, and don't know enough about hardware design to build something like this from scratch. I have seen the acrylic cases, and this would be one of the best things to base a design upon, but wondering if there is simply (rather than a case with cutouts) a "skeleton" that has the metal framework and whatnot that I can build around? I realize that cooling is a big issue for this idea, and would want to have a few different fans involved. Can anyone point me in the right direction of either a supplier of such a framework, or some general good ideas I should keep in mind when constructing this case?" This is such an interesting idea, I had to post it. When you think about it, it shouldn't be too hard to do, even if you can't get such a case "skeleton". How hard would it really be to take an ordinary case to a metal worker to get it cut to specs? I just hope Ldyandrea sends us back some pictures of the finished product whenever it is finished.
Computer Success has one on display (warning, requires IE to successfully navigate their site), and it looks like LucentRigs is the website of the guy who built it.
What, me worry?
on the market there are cases with pull out mother board trays. that might be something to start with. basicaly you could take a cheap case and cut out all the parts you need individualy. Personaly.. if you did a nice design stain glass window in each side of your case though.. i think that would be incredibly bueatiful
-- botsex is {grep;touch;strip;unzip;head;mount}
[Disclaimer: I made lamps and terrariums in the 70's, so sue me.]
In short, treat the whole project like a Tiffany lamp.
This case appears to be built that way, although for Tiffany glass it's fugly. Plus he mounts a fan to a glass panel. Bad idea.
If you work stained glass I don't need to explain the advantages of Tiffany style construction. But for the other folks, it's stronger and prettier than 'lead came' ("H" channel lead) construction commonly used in windows.
So, for the glass I would definitely go that way.
As far as mounting the heavy bits, like a lamp I would use a fixture (frame) and keep the glass non-load bearing.
In keeping with the Tiffany lamp theme, use a pretty material for the frame. I'd look into using brass rod and sheet to make a 'perimeter' frame. Use brass lugs to join the pieces. I say this because brass and bronze are common Tiffany lamp fixture materials so it wouldn't look out of place with the stained glass, especially if you applied a patina finish to the metal.
Continuing with this basic frame, you then have a choice of making a glass 'shade' that slips over the frame, individual glass panels that come off, or perhaps a combination of the two. You could get fancy and make hinges for access panels out of tubing and rod.
As far as EMI compliance, forget it; the glass is little better than air for magnetic shielding.
Making a good ground plane under the mobo and to the rear panel is important to prevent ground loops and reduce static discharge, so splurge on the brass sheet there.
Cooling shoudln't be a huge problem so long as you position the fans close to where the airflow is needed.
-dvd_tude