Custom Case

Paladine · 30 Oct 2006 at 02:55

Hello,

I am planning to make an EATX cube case for my server out of 1.5mm aluminium. I was wondering if anyone knows what size tap I need to thread the holes in the mainboard tray for the brass standoffs?

Thanks

Paladine

Steeps · 30 Oct 2006 at 09:22

I can't remember the tap size but I do know it is an imperial measurement, i'll have a look around to see if I can find my old plans

Messiah Khan · 30 Oct 2006 at 10:01

Off the top of my head, I think its a UNC6. I warn you though, the taps are very hard to get hold of and will cost you the best part of £25. The way I did it was to use a spare standoff as the tap. I simply put it in the drill and slowly drilled into the aluminium with it. Go slowly though as I ended up snapping a couple by rushing it, and drilling them out isn't fun.

R B Customs · 30 Oct 2006 at 11:35

would some kind of bolt and sleeve assembly work ?
it would save you a lot of time and money.

nut
_
Mainboard
_
hollow Sleeve
_
Bolt

[you] , [Bob], [Uncle]

Messiah Khan · 30 Oct 2006 at 12:28

Thats what I did initially with my Android project. It does work, but using motherboard risers looks and feels much better. As I say, if you get some spare brass risers(Make sure they are brass or steel) they should be hard enough to make a thread into the aluminium. This won't work if you are using a steel motherboard tray though.

Paladine · 30 Oct 2006 at 13:22

Thanks for the replies guys, I will probably get a tap because I expect to be doing more cases in the future.

Oh and RB, your cases rock, wish I had the painting talents you have, do you do commissions?

Paladine

Messiah Khan · 30 Oct 2006 at 13:55

Well if you find one cheap, then tell me where please, as I could do with one myself.

I'd double check the thread as well, as im not 100% sure its a UNC6. Migt be worth taking a riser to a DIY or tool place and get them to identify it.

Paladine · 30 Oct 2006 at 14:59

Well I had a look on ******, I am pretty sure the brass offsets are all one standard size, so here is what I found:

http://www.******.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37594&criteria=motherboard mount&doy=30m10

Outer thread is 6/32" inner thread is M3.

So a 6/32 tap would be needed, I have found a few imperial sets on ebay for under 20 quid for a 40pc set. Granted it is unlikely to be high quality but for tapping aluminium I expect they would be more than sufficient.

I won't be buying one for a few weeks yet so I will be nice and link directly to the one I found on ebay. Mechanics set so should be reasonable quality.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MECHANICS-IMP...3220200QQihZ008QQcategoryZ30917QQcmdZViewItem

Enjoy

Paladine