Mounting a MB and case material?

[astyler]

I'm looking to make a SFF case for my HTPC front end. I have a tiny PSU from an in-win case and the idea is to have two "plates" with the MB and PSU sandwiched in.between (and a 2.5" HDD mounted over the empty PCI/PCIE slots. The plates will be supported at each corner, but I may also put sides on it eventually.

Anyway, a few questions: How should i mount the MB? Should I cut a tray from an old case or get MB raisers screwed into my bottom plate? I'm leaning toward the latter because I think it would be cleaner. Is it easy to line these up (like a pen mark through the holes)?

What material would be easy to work with for a first time mod? I was considering aluminum sheet, plexiglass, acrylic, or wood. I'd probably do wood first to mock it up and decide on a final form, and I understand these have drastically different looks. But if something is exceptionally difficult to work with, I'd like to avoid it.

Thanks

 

[yeahthatsme]

you can use anything really, just buy a tap set, mark the wholes and then drill and tap them.

 

[astyler]

Is tapping them necessary or can I just drill about the right size and screw in the standoffs by hand?

I've never used them, but if necessary won't mind picking them up at home depot or something.

Let me know, thanks!

 

[ctcsoft]

do it right. tap them....

 

[yeahthatsme]

yeah, tapping is pretty necessary to ensure a strong mount, you could probably get away with not doing it but i'd strongly suggest against it.

 

[Arcygenical]

You only need ONE tap. a 6-32 tap with a 7/64 drill bit.

 

[astyler]

great, thanks