The Makin' of a Case Safe/PSU Combo

This will be the first of a series of instructables I will be making using old computer parts and electronics. I am not an expert so please bear with me. I am one of those guys that went through a lot of computers throughout the years and after upgrading to a new machine, the old one will be just there in the basement collecting dust. So, instead of throwing it out to add to the landfills, I decided to get creative and give them a new life.

In this instructable, I will be showing you how I made old computer hardware into an innocent looking safe. This will be a preview of the project and a complete breakdown can be found on my website.

Here's a video of the finished product:

For the next few step, you will need a couple of tools to work the metal. Here is a list of tools I used:

• Dremel tool kit with cutting and sanding accessories (optional)
• Sand paper (a not too course grade)
• A hand file
• Hammer
• Bench vice
• Pencil or marker
• Tape measure or ruler
• Rivet gun and rivets
• Hacksaw

For the 5 1/4" drive bays, I decided to use slots cut into the chassis to fit supporting plates to support the tray weight and it's contents and for additional structural integrity.

This step will vary from case to case and the best way to go about this step will also vary. The basic idea here is to create a base for the drawer to slide on. For my case, I decided to cut lines into the side of the case and insert base plates for the 5 1/4" drawers to slide on.

So far so good.

My case design didn't have the convenience of a good rail design, so I had to make my own.

The rear of the case will also have compartments so in order to support the trays, a bracket of some sort was need. This is the bracket design for my case.

This expansion tray will also be the base for the variable power supply

The Motherboard Slot Bin will slide on top of the expansion slot bracket and will create additional storage space without attracting attention.

As a source of metal, I decided to recycle a second case I had to build the extra trays.

This stage is where I made the variable PSU

I also decided that if this was supposed to be a case safe, then it would not be complete without a security system. I got the idea to use a car door lock actuator because it had the exact type of actuation this case needed.

At this stage where the entire unit is coming together, it was appropriate to do the electrical wiring of the different systems. These include:

• the variable PSU
• the security system
• the lights (optional)
• the disguise system
• the main power strip

At this stage, the unit is completed and undergoes a complete system check.

For more info, check out my website