Wood pc case

[thejavabuddha]

Ok, I'm finally going to do it. I'm going to build a PC case out of wood. I've been thinking that I want to line the inside with some metal such as aluminum or copper for two reasons: 1. to block EMI/RFI and 2. in the slim chance something catches fire.

My question is, what do you think would be necessary to accomplish the aforementioned goals, i.e. what kind of metal and how thick?

Thanks,
Bill

If it matters at all, here's what I'll be putting into it:
https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersio...ishListNumber=4597567&WishListTitle=Mid+range

 

[fam]

There have been many wooden cases built, just track them down on this forum and ask them, then start a worklog.

 

[thejavabuddha]

Yeah, no one has mentioned using metal in their case like mine. Do you think that it would be necessary, or recommended, or even helpful to do that?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[tacticus]

the first aim you have is easy you could do with pretty much anything


you could glue alfoil to the case and just have a wire linking all the sides together with the psu

nice and easy
to make it look better put glue down then roll the alfoil onto the panels with something like a small paintroller to make it nice and smooth

else 1mm alu seet bolted\screwed into the case

the second point is well a bit silly IMNSHO
but the 1mm alu sheet or if you cannot find that 2mm thick alu sheet would do that though under extreme conditions will still burn

but i doubt you are goning to have explosives going off next to it

 

[MrJR]

Good read for you...

Good luck.

 

[fam]

I would definately use metal for heat dissipation and a protective barrier. You dont have to go overboard with metal but around the power supply, the back of the board, and the hds\opticals would be a safe route to go. Good luck.

 

[Pegesus]

I'm actually making one as i type this. Been working on it for little over a week now. When completed i'll post pics.

Atm no metal is in the interior of my case. I'm trying to stick completly to wood some of the drive bays however might be built with acrylic but we shall see.

Good luck with the build

 

[greensabbath]

First off, the wood will not catch fire.

Secondly, I'd go for Aluminum as copper is a bit expensive.

Thirdly, good luck

 

[Dominat0r]

First off, the wood will not catch fire.

Secondly, I'd go for Aluminum as copper is a bit expensive.

Thirdly, good luck

I agree, i dont think a puter would have enough to set fire to wood. Now if you use something like Balsa wood i take that back =)

Also aluminum will be cheaper and lighter.

 

[Mohonri]

You don't need any specific metal for heat dissipation in any case, no matter what it's made of. The fact of the matter is that very little heat is removed by conduction through the case panels. An overwhelming majority of the heat is removed through ventilation. Blocking EMI is much more understandable, but I'm still unconvinced that it would be necessary, unless you've got some really heavy-duty switchgear next door, or you're building it right next to a big, old CRT. Think of all the lexan/acrylic/plexiglass cases out there with zero shielding whatsoever.

I want to build a wood case myself--I'm excited to see how yours turns out!

 

[sovs]

I agree, i dont think a puter would have enough to set fire to wood. Now if you use something like Balsa wood i take that back =)

Also aluminum will be cheaper and lighter.

A bit off topic, but for RC-Planes you use something called "fuel proofing" to paint the balsa, near the engine. I assume this is some sort of heat resistant varnish(??) might be better than using ordinary varnish near the psu