Exotic Wood Computer Cases

Alien54 writes "Exotic Wood Crafts has turned an aluminum case into a wood veneer case. For those who don't know, a veneer is a very thin layer of wood, in this case, pressed onto the panels of the case, maintaining the strong and stable characteristics of an aluminum case, while giving it a one of a kind wood finish. Lots of pics, some pretty nice looking stuff."

Comments

First wooden post?

[plover]

I liked the black walnut burl. But none of them look like they have adequate ventilation for the AMD systems I run.

Re:First wooden post?

[iamhassi]

"One more problem too is wood is a very good insulator so these cases would heat up more than any others as well."

wood also absorbs sound more than sheet metal so the cases should will be quieter

I still prefer metal/plastic cases

[gotr00t]

Usually, when I think of computers, I think of something highly technological, characterized by cool, sleek designs (casemodding?). However, wood is more natrual, thus being the exact opposite.

Though it is great for matching furniture, I would never buy one of these, because in my mind, nature and technology just don't mix.

Re:I still prefer metal/plastic cases

[zakezuke]

Usually, when I think of computers, I think of something highly technological, characterized by cool, sleek designs (casemodding?). However, wood is more natrual, thus being the exact opposite.

I say this often... there was a time where wood was common place for household technology items. Classic radios like Philco or Maganox use to make, television sets, you name it. Wood was a low cost material, good strength to weight ratio and very easy to work with. In fact I go out of my way to collect a few classic wooden pieces simply because I like it's character. I think of it less being nature vs technology but rather a balance between what is in fashion and what is cheep to produce.

I'm not going to say there is anything wrong with the modern plasic and powder coated computer cases. They typicaly can take more abuse then your typical wooden finish with the exception of good thick epoxy.

The last time I wanted something diffrent I selected spray paint, hunter green with black trim. It was hip, it was spiffy, it was a baby AT. Knowing my luck, the next time I custom style a case they'll change the standard again.

Re:ok?

[bhtooefr]

Yep, Yoshi made an EPIA TC box, in which the case was done with wood veneers (it WAS wooden, though - the veneers just made it not look like he used plywood)...

Wood LCD Frame

[DeadBugs]

I am looking into making a wood LCD frame. This is for a home built Digital Picture Frame project. Maybe a wood veneer over a metal frame instead of a true wood frame would work better.

Why buy one?

[Flingles]

I don't see what's wrong with making a wood box and cutting the right holes in it. I s'pose that would also be a good opportunity to make my ultimate case mod (for LANs). Get a flatscreen monitor, and stick it to the side of the pc. And you could make a compartment in the computer for storing headphones, keyboard, mouse. Next time you go to a LAN, this would be all you need... (and it's a space saver). So, any entrepeneurs here?

Re:Why buy one?

[cybermace5]

Actually, I think that this is the right approach to making a wood-grain PC, though I agree with you about the price.

There is one problem with building your own case out of chunks of wood (or plastic for that matter). The problem is shielding. Computers are extremely noisy RF interference sources. That's why most normal retail cases are metal or have shielding inside. If you build a wooden case, and I've drawn up a few concepts before, it would be a good idea to get some adhesive foil to line the inside, or some EMI spray (conductive paint).

Everyone thinks that their computer is such a small influence that it doesn't matter. Well, RF noise pollution is a real problem that engineers have to deal with...don't complain if your wireless connection or cell phone doesn't work very well in the room with all your unshielded computers. Or if there's a persistent buzz in your stereo system.

If you start with a good metal case and then apply a wood layer to the outside, you don't have to worry as much about it. Unless, of course, you cut a huge ugly gaping hole in the side and glue in some plexiglass so people can see a couple of blue LEDs rattling around inside. You can't completely shield a computer, but cutting it open doesn't help.

Re:ok?

[bhtooefr]

Here it is: http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/modtips/story/0 ,24330,3646402,00.html

drive covers

[name773]

what happens when you put in a cdrom drive,
do they have a special cover for it?
if they don't, it'll change the look in a bad way

If it's good enough for Washington

[KalvinB]

George Washington (yes, that one) actually painted "wood grain" on his walls to make the wood look more expensive that it was.

And his house looks like it's made of stone. But actually it's made of wood, beveled to look like stone and painted with white paint mixed with sand to give it a stone like finish.

Despite his apparent cheapness, Mt Vernon is quite the sight to see.

I dunno though. I have a case that has plastic colored to look like wood going up one side which looks alright but it's technology. Unless you're trying to blend in with the furniture trying to give a natural look I think is a bit over the top.

Especially when the "natural look" is just a sticker. It's a bit tacky. Cases made out of real wood with real carvings and other woodwork, now that would be something. If it didn't burst into flames.

Ben

Re:Its on fire!

[glk572]

my university actually had a building burn down when a server overheated and cought fire.
As I recall it cost a few million dollars to repair the dammage.

here's a page with pictures
http://www.acadweb.wwu.edu/dbrunner/cbef ire/

Re:Why porous?

[kfg]

Well, the article does say "propriatary" process, although if this process is much different than smearing it with epoxy and vacuuming bagging it I'd be surprised.

KFG

Re:Hardwood veneers on sheet metal?

[squaretorus]

My thoughts precisely - and another thing veneers dont enjoy is temperature fluctuations - or localised heat which will both cause bowing and general loss of adhesion.

I almost want to buy one just to see how bad it looks a year later - but hey - if your spending that kinda cash on a case something funkier will come along in the next 12 months to catch your eye and this thing will be in the basement anyway!

Not even a nice job....

[hawado]

I have been building wooden computers for a while now and I can't stand all these stick the plastic mac tack on the plastic case crap. No matter what you do with veneer, it only looks good on wood. Shameless Plug -- take a look at some real wooden mods here and here and here and here --/Shameless Plug then tell me what a computer should look like.
As to the price of $600 bucks for their stuff... I hope it comes with hardware and some glue to re stick the veneer when the heat makes it bubble.
On the up side, I am really glad that people are starting to take an interest in making cases out of some natural materials, as per some of the complaints here on /. during the last article on wooden computers, the resources needed to manufacture a metal case are astronomical compared with the renueable materials.
I just hope no one starts doing computer cases that look like those big ass TV's from the early 80'. The last thing we need is another big piece of furniture.
I would be interested to see something made out of reconstituted wood though as it does have a great pattern to it.

heat?

[Anonymous Coward]

Looking at a number of case-modder sites, there is a great deal of admiration for Lian-Li cases, and people go on at length about how much better aluminium cases are for getting rid of heat than other materials.
Personally I reckon much of this is just voodoo, as the amount of heat lost through the case itself would be pretty insignificant compared to the amount the system fan(s) would expel, but I can't help wondering if all that wood would make it any harder to cool..

I imagine it helps to keep things silent, though, and it does look pretty good. However I don't think it would match the shredded-metal-and-plastic decor of my urban geek palace very well..

More to the point, where the hell are the lights? I suppose if you REALLY want that olde-worlde style for your box you have to shell out for a gas-powered carriage lamp for your HDD activity light!