v2000 Window Project

caeteez

caeteez

caeteez

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Joined
2 Jan 2007
Posts
427
Location
Epsom, Surrey
Hey all.

I'm going to be starting a small project log of a window I'll be cutting for my v2000+ soon.

It'll be a standard shape much like the v1000+ windows which form around the grill in the top left, but I'll be using tinted plexiglass rather than clear. I'll use some nice high-standing allen key bolts to hold it down with.

I'll also be replacing the grill with a wider mesh to better airflow.

On top of this, I'll be adding another fan grill to the bottom right of the case for hard drive cooling.

I'll also be adding some industrial steel flooring to the bottom left of the side door for accenting; the same material I have my case standing on at the mo:

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(Excuse the webcam image, haven't installed my camera drivers yet).


Anyway, the reason I've posted before I've actually begun is to ask what you think would be the best way to go about cutting the Lian Li Aluminium? I was thinking of using a hole cutter for the rounded edges and joining these with a jigsaw (and appropriate blade), but would a Dremel be better?

Thanks, Matt.
 
Definately jig-saw for straight cuts & buy some decent quality blades they will last longer and reduce the risk of jamming and potential damage.

If your're not used to the jigsaw try and have a practice on some similar scrap before committing to cutting the panel.
 
I did a really quick 2 minute mockup in PS of roughly what I'm shooting for. Will more than likely change as I have to make compromises throughout but ill try to stick to it for the most part.

Obviously I'll source some better grills, but I just wanted to get a very rough idea cranked out. I'll be painting the Lian Li Processor duct today ready for the window, so I'll get some pics up later.

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I normally love that industrial steel flooring stuff, but I think it could slightly spoil the exterior of your Lian Li. I'd put it inside the case, probably on the "seperating walls".
 
Yeah I know what your saying. I think that mockup makes it look especially bad.
I have more plans than just the side door, I would be integrating the Aluminium flooring to many areas of the case if I do indeed use any in the first place.

For a start that industrial material would be used on both doors in the same way to add symmetry. Later on I was thinking of getting a new backplate cut (by professional cutting workshop) in the same flooring material to tie in with the doors, and maybe something on the top of the case.


I'll definitely attack the project in stages. I'll do the window first, mount it back on the case and see how it looks. Then I'll add the fans and if I think it looks alright as it is, I'll leave it. I dont want to over-do it. I can always come back to adding the aluminium later anyway.
 
Just finished sanding and priming my air duct. Was a bitch to get my 'Z' logo masked on but I got there in the end. I'll get some pics up later when the gloss black has gone on.

Ill be placing some Aluminium material on the duct for added effect.
 
I got the duct done tonight, still needs a clear coat but once behind the window with a UV light on it should look great.


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You can see the wet-finish on the Black, cam out really nice for a tin.


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After the paint had dried I peeled off the mask to see the NO SWEARING Z. I expected it to look bad; and it did. The edges were NO SWEARING where I caught the mask with the mouse sander. But still, I planned for it.


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Here you can see the high-build UV pin striping I applied to the Z. I planned for the shape of the Z to complement long pinstripes.
The thickness and roughness was desired to help the UV light bounce off the Z in all directions, creating a haze of light.I also gives that sludgy 'Doom' look, which will become even more apparent with the next layer of paint.
 
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Here you can see the "fresh chainsaw" layer of paint. Gives more depth and wont react to UV light, so creating a stand-off for the UV layer.


When the clear coat goes on most of the relief will smooth out. When the tinted window goes in, the duct will remain hidden until the UV light is switched on, when the Z will come out of the darkness! :lol:



I'll get the glass ordered off tonight or tomorrow.
 
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Got the window cut. Sorry for not taking any 'in progress' pictures, but I was afraid I may stuff it up and so make it pointless. But still, there it is. Saved me a few bob on buying the windowed sidepanel. Still needs one more hole cut in the glass for a final screw, a UV Cathode under the 'Z' motif and some new fans as well as the aluminium floor sections and side fan.

But thats for another day!

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Looks really really nice caeteez. Excellent work there mate.

Wouldnt mind a window like that if I get a V2000.

I think you need to get some watercooling in there though. :p
 
I spent about £18 on a 100x50 cm sheet of tinted perspex from a well known auction site.

The paints used on the duct were from an old spray job I did, but they were around £6 each when purchased from Halfords. The Lacquer was also around £6.

The only other things I bought were some jigsaw blades and some ultra wide masking tape. The rest of the tools needed I already had.

Still got to buy a UV cathode and some new fans, but other than that it was certainly a cheaper option than buying the Lian Li Window.
 
Cool, thanks.

I ask because I'm thinking of doing something similar with an A05 in summer. Maybe even with some of that industrial flooring stuff... :)
 
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