Any tips for adding an acrylic window to a case?

[severus]

I've watched some youtube tutorials and read some blogs about case modding. I've found a case that I like, an Antec SLk1650. It's white which is exactly what I want, however no window. From what I've seen everyone uses a grinder to make the cuts or a jig, but how do you get the cuts perfectly straight? I don't want there to be huge gaps.

Any suggestions or photos would be helpful.

 

[MaxCool]

Any machine shops close by? Maybe they could laser or plasma cut it on a CNC for ya.

 

[BoomerD]

Or...just find a case that comes with a side window...that's by far the easiest and cheapest solution.

Yes, you CAN have it done for you if you're not handy with modding a case...but that'll cost quite a bit.

 

[MaxCool]

Or...just find a case that comes with a side window...that's by far the easiest and cheapest solution.

Yes, you CAN have it done for you if you're not handy with modding a case...but that'll cost quite a bit.

I would just buy a case with a side window. But I suppose if you like that case well enough.

IDK how much a machine shop would cost, can't be that bad.

 

[severus]

I'm very mechanically inclined. I do laser cutting and etching at work and my fathers a mason so he's taught me how to use just about every tool. I'd cut it at work, but my lasers wattage isn't enough to cut aluminum or steel, it barely makes MM thick cuts in wood. I know it would be easier to buy a case with a window already, but most of them are black, well over $20 shipped, and wheres the fun in that? This is going to be a project build with an acrylic PSU and cable sleeving. More of a display piece than performance rig. I want a top mounted PSU as well to showcase the acrylic casing on it.

I might try a machine shop because they could cut it much better than I can. I'm debating between one of the bolt on window kits or one with molding. I actually like the way the molding looks. How hard is a bolt on kit?

 

[BoomerD]

Here's some good resources for modding:

http://www.crazypc.com/

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php

http://www.arcticmod.com/home.php

http://www.modders-inc.com/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Computer-Case-Mod%3A-Adding-a-Window!/

 

[The Boston Dangler]

what about an acrylic case?

 

[RKS]

years ago I had a garage with a plasma cutter put in a custom window, blow-hole, and paint the case with auto paint.