Plex Case creation

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 03 Jul 2007, 11:32

Hi Peeps

Fairly new to this forum. but that's not the point.
I'm starting a Mod that i'll be logging here (and at SS most prob). I need a touch of advise. I've bought the plex (4mm thick) and the dimensions of the case are : 2 side panels 700mm x 500mm, bottom and top panel 200mm x 700mm and the front and back panel 200mm x 500mm.

How you you guys suggest putting it together? i'm trying to get a way to keep it all clear with white (going to make it interchangable) face plates and trim. Thus not the alu frame path. I got some funky glue type of stuff for the place that did my plex (smells like the glue you get with model aeroplanes), stong, but not convinced that it's going to do the job.

Then another "brain-burp" - if it interlink the edges like a puzzle, using the glue to secure it in place. If anyone has any ideas, please let rip. Have been modding for awhile, but nothing from scratch.

PFS*

(Sketchup model.)

Hman · Post by **Hman** » 03 Jul 2007, 11:38

If you could get some perspex squares, you fasten one side to one panel with a screw and the adjacent side to another panel.

Spicy-McHaggis · Post by **Spicy-McHaggis** » 03 Jul 2007, 11:54

Hman wrote:If you could get some perspex squares, you fasten one side to one panel with a screw and the adjacent side to another panel.

That would be the easiest but probly not the cheapest...

i would go for it though!

Hman · Post by **Hman** » 03 Jul 2007, 12:05

Like so

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 03 Jul 2007, 12:55

aaaa... cubes. i had bought these corner triangle thingys, but they each need 4 screws (top and side) to fasten. Any that's just not on. trying to use minimal screws on the outter, but the squares idea is a great one!! Thanx loads.

I will up pics of how the place i get plex from cut tge stuff... Absolutely... horrible - nOObs! Cut is a couple of times with a carpet cutter and snapped then to side. If i knew they were going to do that i would have done it myself.

PFS*

DoOb · Post by **DoOb** » 03 Jul 2007, 12:57

PFS wrote:I will up pics of how the place i get plex from cut tge stuff... Absolutely... horrible - nOObs! Cut is a couple of times with a carpet cutter and snapped then to side. If i knew they were going to do that i would have done it myself.

PFS*

Dude you best bet is getting them pre cut to the sides and front top bottom etc.

Perspex must be at least 10mm.

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 03 Jul 2007, 13:03

@DoOb - that's the prob, i already have the plex, so some serious sanding time required. Probably going to end up having to take the edges abit in with my dremel. o well.

DoOb · Post by **DoOb** » 03 Jul 2007, 13:17

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3286/glsigps2ub4.jpg

Fixed bru, welcome to the forum

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 03 Jul 2007, 13:52

thanx man, having headaches with the damn thing.
DoOb - i seem to have broken my sig again. help please.

Hman · Post by **Hman** » 03 Jul 2007, 13:54

[img]url[/img]

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 03 Jul 2007, 13:57

@Hman - i did that... doesn't wanna work. Anyway. Anyone know where i can get plex cubes? I know of maizey, but doubt heavily that they with courier it to me.

Samaya · Post by **Samaya** » 03 Jul 2007, 16:49

They will courier it to you. Just ask them to cut some squares for you. Then you need to get some Acetone for use as glue. You will break the perspex off before you break the acetone off. Maizeys sell it too.

inf3ct10n · Post by **inf3ct10n** » 03 Jul 2007, 17:02

also, you need squares anyway, i mean... how do you plan to mount the top of the case to the sides? and the bottom to the sides unless u use 3/4 screw squares

DJBK · Post by **DJBK** » 03 Jul 2007, 17:30

Where u stay?
Coz in Durbz theres Durban Plastics...

So u gonna build a case from scratch? 8O
Good luck there, I'm too impatient to do that

And one thing about those cubes is how do you take the side panel off?
Sounds like you gonna be busy for a while ... have fun

DAE_JA_VOO · Post by **DAE_JA_VOO** » 03 Jul 2007, 17:47

Welcome to the forum.

I've been working with Plexi for ages and i can tell you the you can chuck your 4mm panels. 4mm is WAY too thin. My case has 8mm panels, and that's the thinnest you can go.

Seriously, 4mm is way too thin.

Also, it may not seem that hard, but building a strong and stable plexi case is no easy task. I would rather suggest you buy one. Something like a C3 would be perfect.

DoOb wrote:Perspex must be at least 10mm.

Not necessary.

RobThePyro · Post by **RobThePyro** » 03 Jul 2007, 18:06

excuase myu noob paint drawing...

i hope you can see whats going on, with the two interlocking panels from each side(i only did 2 -axis but obviously there would be a "floor" and a "roof") i would do the cube idea aswell but glue it instead of screws so it looks cleaner.

for the side where the hardware goes in im not sure, the case should be rigid without that side on, so perhapse just some piano hinge and some magnetic clips to keep it closed.

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 04 Jul 2007, 08:35

thanx for the ideas and suggestions. really helping getting this thing going. I know it's not the easiest thing i'm trying to make here, but do have most of the skills needed down pat.

The interlink is the idea that had crossed my mind. Just as said, the side panel might be a pain in die bottom. Have got a buddy that can hook me up with some seriously cool/nice plex hinges. Just a bit shakey bout there load carrying.

Have already started on the magnet "locking" system. Magnet catches the door, and a button electro "zaps" the magnet loose to open.

Started sanding the one panel last nite, what a mess the guys made cutting!!

PFS*

DAE_JA_VOO · Post by **DAE_JA_VOO** » 04 Jul 2007, 08:52

Are you still using the 4mm thick plexi?

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 04 Jul 2007, 09:50

nope, going to order 8 mm as u said. can use the 4mm for other stuuf then, like the mobo plate and airflow chambers.

DAE_JA_VOO · Post by **DAE_JA_VOO** » 04 Jul 2007, 10:21

Good

3mm will be best for other stuff, but 4mm will be fine

Let me just reiterate, building a plexi case is not easy, not easy at all.

PFS · Post by **PFS** » 04 Jul 2007, 11:07

well, with alot of people that can give different perspectives. I will start logging the case as soon as i have enough stuff happening to be able to update on the reg.

PFS*