Making a case window to a certain shape.

[elektronic]

I think I'm gonna make a little case mod into my Directron "Hydraulic" Case.

Since I go to georgia tech now, and I'll be here for a few (5,6,7) years, I am thinking of putting a giant interlocking "GT" into the side of the case with a yellow cold cathode behind it. Here's my question:

How do you modders attach the lexan/acrylic? Do you just buy a square sheet and epoxy it to the backside of the panel?

Best tool to use is a dremel for this I guess?

Any words of wisdom you can share?

 

[amdskip]

Dremel or jig saw works good for this but use masking tape to keep scratching to a minimum.

Epoxy would probably work but many people buy window molding by the foot and it looks like a very professional window install when finished.

 

[elektronic]

I would still buy a square sheet of plexi/acrylic/lexan though, right?

And then put the window molding on the backside of the case panel?

 

[FenrisUlf]

I typically use a rectangular sheet and attach it with Plumbers GOOP or silicone - it's more flexible than epoxy and can always be removed if it gets scratched or damaged.

Window moulding goes along the edges of the cutout. You would then cut out the plexy to the exact shape and size needed and put it in so that it is even with the side of the case. It looks a little better, but is VERY difficult to do with complex shapes. It's probably easier to just cut out the GT and put the plexi behind it. You could aslo get some car door moulding and use that along the edges - it hides imperfections in the cutting process.

I prefer a Dremel to cut more complex shapes, but a jigsaw with a metal blade would be alot faster. If you don't use any moulding, make sure you get some touchup paint that matches your case or else the exposed steel will start to rust.

 

[elektronic]

Thanks for the help.

I am actually considering getting the case side panel laser cut, I am pretty sure there is a laser cutter hear on campus, and if not there is one near by that can do it for cheap, it'll keep it nice and neat, and leave a GT for me to place on the other side of the case.