Since the phase change system and mainboard housing are too big to fit into a normal PC enclosure, I had to build a custom case.
Since I lack the tools to work aluminium properly, I chose Meranti multiplex with a thickness of 9mm as the construction material for the case.
This wood is pretty strong, not too heavy, and very affordable.
First I had to cut out holes for the 5.25" devices, the power supply, the condenser of the Phase-Change III system, and the
mainboard housing. I had this done at a local woodworker because I did not thrust my own woodworking skills.
On the picture below, the front (middle), back (right) and mainboard housing support (left) sheets are visible, with
holes cut out.
The wooden sheets with holes cut out.
To reinforce the 90-degree angles, a piece of aluminium was used to support the sheets. The wood itself is glued
using normal wood glue. The aluminium is bolted into the sheets with M3 bolts, and glued with a flexible kit.
Glueing two sheets of wood in a 90 degree angle.
I also made a rack for the 5.25" devices with some pieces of aluminium U-profile.
The frame for supporting the 5.25 inch devices.
After glueing the wooden sheets together and mounting the 5.25" support frame, the case looks like this:
The case after glueing the sheets together, front view.
The case after glueing the sheets together, side view.
I decided to finish the wood with a self adhesive laminate film normally used for furniture.
To increase the resistance to shearing, and to provide a mounting point for the side caps, wooden
triangles were mounted in the corners. Aluminium L-profiles were used to finish the corners.
The case with front and back laminated, and Phase-Change III fitted.
to be continued
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