Computer Case

In this instructable I will teach you how I made my own computer case. After these steps you will be able to make my case, but hope with the tips I give you can make your own! Before we begin we have to determine our working material. For this specific project I chose 15 mm thick multiplex. This type of word is strong and can be cut without any problems. Now we can start!

The first step is to create the back plate of the case. This will become the basis and all other part will be connected to this back plate. When the shape of the plate is determined, we can saw it in the right shape. You can create any shape you want. Sketch the outer lines of the shape on the wooden plate, then proceed to saw the shape. Remember that the size of this shape will determine how big the case will be!

Now we are going to make the bottom pieces on which the whole case stands. The length of these pieces will determine to big the case will be so be careful how long you make this! A tricky part of building the case like this is that of the connecting of all the pieces around the edges. We use a technique called miter sawing. With a miter saw machine we can cut in certain degrees. For example we can cut both pieces on a 45 degree angle so that together create a 90 degree angle. In our case we create an angle of 70 degrees. We need 2 pieces since our case will be symmetrical. Use screws and wood glue to connect the 2 pieces to the back plate. Your case should look like that last picture.

The next parts have air holes in them, so after we cut the right pieces we have to make those holes. This part is quite tricky since we want it to be flat at the top. That way the next part will fit easier. This is good to remember. Sometimes making a harder part right know will save a lot of time for the upcoming parts. The left angle will be cut at 63% and the right will be 47%. The parts can be glued and screwed together. Now for the holes. The easiest way is just to sketch the holes you want to cut and then drill 2 holes the right size and saw the rest in between. You can always use a coping saw if that is preferred.

We only need 1 of the next part. This part will close the case on the bottom and will form the base on which some computer elements will be mounted. The edges are cut at a 47 degree. This create a nice a smooth line in combination with the previous part. I would recommend that you connect this part not only to the back plat but also to the previously made parts. This edge will be connected to the bottom part. This part will also have air holes in it. You can be as creative with these holes as you want! Use the same technique as the last piece with holes.

The side parts have only 1 cut edge. This is possible because the pointy sides will be in a 90 degree angle. The first edge will be cut at 67 degrees. This part will also have air holes in it. You can be as creative with these holes as you want! Use the same technique as the last piece with holes.

From now on the parts are not symmetrical anymore. The left part will have an opening for the CD drive. Make sure the hole is big enough to fit the part but not too big because that doesn’t look good. This is something you have to measure on your own. Remember you can always away so more but you can't add material once it is cut. One edge will be cut at 47 degree. The non-cut edge will fit on the other non-cut edge form the previous step. The holes make the parts non symmetrical. This means can the outer edges are. So make 2 parts then cut different holes in them. The size of the hole depends on what the size is of the used computer elements. Just measure the elements then proceed to create the holes.

The right part will have an opening for the power supply. Same advice as the previous step: make sure the hole is big enough to fit the part but not too big because that doesn’t look good. One edge will be cut at 47 degree. The non-cut edge will fit on the other non-cut edge form the previous step.

The top part will have an opening where the graphic card will come out. All the cables will come out of here. The hole depends on which kind of graphic card you have. Also make sure that the end of the card comes close to the hole. This way you won’t have to attach the cables far inside the case. The edges will be cut at 47 degrees. Make sure all the parts are glued and screwed to the back plate and the side pieces.

The last part will be the front panel. The size of this panel will be the same as the outer lines of the case so far. To make the opening to look through just sketch the shape you want and cut it out. Create a similar, but bigger shape, of plastic and screw this on the back on the front plate. Now we have our window. Create small holes for the on/off button. This depends really on what button your PC has. Now we need to make sure the front plate will fit inside the case and stay there. We used 15 mm thick wood so we add small pieces of material on the back of the front plate 15 mm from the edge. This will make sure that the front plate fits and stays there.

To create smooth edges polish all edges with some sandpaper. This will also make sure that the paint sticks better. Next step is painting. This is also something that is entirely up to you. Once the paint is dry the case is ready for use! Put all your computer parts in there and see what the end result will be!

Thank you and good luck with your project!

As final step i put in some tips and tricks that will help you during your journey.

1. You probably already have ideas in your head. That’s is good! It can still be good to look at other projects. This will determine what you like but more important what you don’t like. That is really important. Collect items so that you have a clear overview which will help you with the direction you’re going.

2. Get all your ideas on paper. EVERYONE can sketch. Even you. Besides no one will look at your sketches…

3. If you can’t sketch from the top of your head, use an overlay. This will help you a lot with the right dimensions.

4. Learn to sketch in a CAD program. Start with programs like SketchUp. These are easy to begin with. When you are stuck with something watch some tutorial videos on Youtube. These are extremely informative. This will help you thinking more about the design, and when you are done you have all the right sizes of your project.

5. Pick the right material. Learn for example which types of wood have the right qualities. What follow-up can be done?

6. A lot of wood companies can saw your wood for you. This will save you a lot of time and possible mistakes. So let them help you.

7. Please don’t buy cheap materials. Cheap wood, nails, screws or even glue will not help your project. If you want a good result you have to invest in quality.

8. During your building process, make use of your sketches. You didn’t sketch them for nothing! Check dimensions again. Picture in what order the build makes sense.

9. Work slowly if you need to. It’s not a race! Some mistakes can’t be undone so take your time.

10. Last tip. Remember something you are really good at. For example playing an instrument. Think about when you started playing it. Probably since you were a child. That means you have been playing and practicing for YEARS. My point is it takes time to master something. The instrument you played is your personal proof. Don’t expect too much in your fist project. Your first song on the instrument wasn’t great either.