How To Make A Wooden Computer Case

[@JohnHeisz]

Build article: www.ibuildit.ca/other%20projects/wooden-computer-case.html Thanks to Oakwood Veneer for providing the awesome quality black walnut veneer for this project: www.oakwoodveneer.com/ Exclusive content on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=865843&ty=h Plans for sale: www.ibuildit.ca/plans.html More videos on my second woodworking channel: kzbin.info My home reno channel: kzbin.infoHome Website: www.ibuildit.ca/ Facebook: facebook.com/I-Build-It-258048014240900/ Instagram: instagram.com/i_build_it.ca/

[@mfinney47]

I love the combination of woodworking, electronics hacking, and just plain cleverness. Well done John!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thank you :)

[@LGR]

I love this.

[@SuperFromND]

Your Twitter brought me here :p

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@thatrudager]

Clint, you're the first person I thought of when I saw this. Wooden PC cases are mandatory in Canada FYI.

[@pumpkin6429]

oshtwaddap?

[@h3rteby]

Haha same here :D

[@Ashdad99]

this is why John's one of the best... computers, wood, metal..ect.... it doesn't matter the material, the guy can do it and he makes it easy to understand and enjoyable to watch. thanks john!

[@JohnHeisz]

A note for the expert PC guys: It doesn't matter what the case is made from if there are fans moving the air through it. This one has the power supply pulling air in from the back and a case fan blowing air out. Heat can't build up inside.

[@JayTheKing111]

I was going to make a statement about the fact that wood is a good insulator and that before any one shits on the build that as long as there is airflow then it is perfectly fine.

[@walktxrn]

The only issue is that a PSU fan is probably not as high in either airflow or pressure than a normal case fan, so you would end up with negative air pressure in the case (thereby drawing in air flow (and dust) from other cracks in your case. This would result in increased dust accumulation inside the computer case. (Plus PSU fans normally push air out, not draw it in... but I won't say that they 'cant') So if you look to repeat this, I would recommend a filtered fan for intake and the PSU for outflow.

[@FreeOnGoal]

have you ever heard of *Heat capacity*!!

[@JohnHeisz]

Did you ever hear of *drama queen?* I heard this same shit 5 years ago on this build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/homraZioqJpqqNU Still going strong today, I'm typing into it right now. So, take a break from pretending that you know it, and you might learn something.

[@pocket83]

ugh. I'm seriously losing my faith in humanity. It's as though only people who have never been punched in the mouth leave KZbin comments. If you don't like it, don't build it. My pc is enclosed by a MDF desk on four sides. It runs 24/7 with a 1/4" sheet of dust over the fan. Yes, I just used Imperial there. Deal with it. John: beautiful work. If you don't mind even more advice, I would like to recommend painted acrylic glass for your front-piece. If you paint the back of it black, it will have a nice shiny depth to it that looks manufactured ;)

[@stevekent3991]

Thanks for uploading this video I’ve considered building a PC from scratch including making a case from wood but never thought for one minute to integrate a PC chassis. This will make the project quicker to complete.

[@Jeppe.P.Bjerget]

I like that build a lot. To have your own design is a great feeling. And you will see it for years. Have a great Sunday

[@sgsax]

As a computer guy that used to build PCs way back when, I really enjoyed this build. For the face, maybe a brushed aluminum or stainless steel frame with walnut inserts? Would give it more of that classic HiFi look you're going for. Just a thought. Thanks for sharing!

[@carabela125]

Brushed aluminum would look good, like a vintage Sony tape deck.

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Good job. I think the front looks good black. It's a nice contrast with a combination of high tech look pairing with fine furniture style.

[@bigguix]

very nice video, one of your best one i think. It really shows how smart you are and what can be achieved when you mix and match a bunch of skills. No confrontation, no drama, no troll feeding. loved it

[@FishmanEricRussell]

It's nice watching someone who is accustomed to working with their hands and has the experience to improvise

[@BigDaddyOworkshop]

It does look better with the black front. The black plastic fronts on the DVD and ports blend in much better now. Looking forward to seeing it with that wood strip wall you teases us with months ago.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Michael :) I think this computer will end up inside a cabinet (low, wall to wall credenza) and spend most of it's time unseen. Seems a shame, but that part of the reason why I didn't go overboard on making this look super pretty.

[@T70781]

I almost didn't watch this one because I wasn't interested in the final product but I'm really glad I watched it. I really enjoyed the variety of techniques and ideas combined to make this project. Thanks for sharing.

[@alexrodasgt]

Computers and woodworking, two of the best things in the world combined. Love it.

[@thomasmarliere2505]

I like the 80s look it gets with the black front panel, reminds me of my parents' old Denon hifi speakers.

[@leadfootlawnmower2762]

i honestly like the black face plate much better then the all veneer look. great job john.

[@t1hawver]

I built a case out of wood too. But instead of solid wood on all sides, the top and front are aluminum mesh (circle patterns) and then I used some spray adhesive to attach speaker cloth. It looks pretty sweet. Thanks for the vid!

[@garymarlow9612]

John, you are a wizard with an angle grinder. What Jimmy Diresta is to band saws, you are to angle grinders. Wow!

[@pennyroyal3813]

You are a man of many talents John.

[@SpicyAl3000]

Great project again dude. thanks. Also, the cable hookups and stuff are far from boring, I love seeing and learning all that!

[@felixdietzCGN]

LGR is gonna love this! 👍

[@michelevitarelli]

Felix Dietz who is LGR?

[@SuperFromND]

lazy game reviews he's a dude that loves woodgrain hardware

[@richardbottom9843]

i.imgur.com/BFzClrP.png what is this sorcery

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Yah I was thinking the same thing. Clint would go nuts for this.

[@spicydeath82]

wow, this speaks both to my wood working side and my pc nerd side. nicely done. i think the front would look great if you could put a nice gloss or semi gloss transparent coating on it.

[@futures.scalper.808]

I love it when tech meets woodcrafting.

[@jon7371]

I don't think I've seen any case modding done like this before. Awesome work and thank you for some ideas if I ever decide to do a HTPC build.

[@barstad-9591]

The scope of your knowledge is impressive. I’ve been enjoying the videos on all of your channels for years. Thank you, John. Happy New Year!🍾🎉🥂

[@LizQuilty]

Looks far better with the black front, i like it!

[@mrmerlin6287]

I had that exact same PC case and your exact idea which lead me to discovering your project video!

[@jeremyspecce]

Wow. Between this and the 5 year update on the other computer case, that's some intense case building. When you did the power button I was like "where have I seen this before?" And then there was the link for the "coolest box ever" video at the end, and that was how the latch worked. I loved it then and I love it in this application, too!

[@sleeknsweet]

i have been looking for a wooden Decktop PC case, thanks for showing us how to build one :) and, i am in love with the organisation of your workshop!

[@wayneburba9457]

John, great , many different talents of yours surely helped me. No project seems undoable, just keep going

[@ksp1278]

I have to agree that there was too much walnut going on before you painted the front black. It is certainly a very big HTPC but it is unusual and eye catching. I like it.

[@KyleMerl]

Not you're everyday run of the mill wood working project! Awesome! I agree that the black front looks better... even if it is a "travesty".

[@almagill]

Oh that takes me right back :) Lovely customisation! I have a hundred and one other jobs backed up at the moment but, sometime, I'm taking one of the old PCs from the attic and taking it right 'back to the future'.

[@RickMcQuay]

HTPC came out really nice and painting the front was the right move, too much walnut before.

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Rick. Usually I can picture how the project will look before I do it, but for some reason didn't consider this. Also, it's a big project to cram into a single video and I had no time to try anything different.

[@guidojbass]

John, as a woodworker I personally never use a grinder indoors, especially in the woodworking area. There's always some wood dust or chips left there which can easily catch fire through a single spark..

[@AndysWerkstatt]

That´s very cool...nice work

[@jimmylovesbikes]

Step drill bit to remove rivets.. another one of many great ideas from you. Awesome. Thank you. Nice build!!

[@aldee3018]

very nice touch with the black.

[@SteelSkin667]

That's a really nice build, very clean and pleasing to the eyes. Reusing an existing chassis makes much more sense than recreating the whole structure. I would have maybe looked into staining the front panel to make it look a little darker while still showing grain, instead of painting it with an opaque black.

[@PasiSavolainen]

Oh god. Literally lold out when the black spraycan came out.

[@jbb5470]

John, you make it look pretty easy to do but I know a lot of experience has went into this one. Great project, I have never applied veneer but after watching you I might give it try. I do like the black front, nice contrast. Thanks for your video!

[@skchen83]

Let me start by saying that, I love your work and yours is one of my go to channels on KZbin. I don't know if anyone has discussed this, but my thought in relation to your issue of too much walnut is that you could go with the old standard. If you'll look at the many KZbin channels on old stereo gear, you'll see that the veneered cases of the 60's and 70's almost always went with silver (or Aluminum) finished fronts. I think that treatment is great in balancing out the dark wood. All in all though, it's a nice adaptation of a cheap case.

[@Gcooper0021]

crossed my two favorite hobbies. pc and woodworking

[@TerryPullen]

Sweet build. I thought it turned out great and I really like the look. Thanks.

[@spectrHz]

To make it look more like a receiver, maybe you could use a piece of aluminium, or maybe just use a brushed aluminium paint on the front? I think that would look more vintage than the black. Or, I wonder, is there a such thing as aluminium "veneer"

[@ZrubekFamily]

That would be really nice. And yes, you can get aluminum sheet really thin.

[@JohnHeisz]

Lots of older receivers had black fronts.

[@vaulthecreator]

Or how about www.metrorestyling.com/Granite-Marble-Wrap-Vinyl-s/311891.htm ? ;)

[@FelipeSilfer]

That is an awesome case mod for a media center PC. Great job!

[@NoMoreHeads]

I like the final result with the black front. The only thing I would add is a black cover plate for the DVD drive since it sticks out a bit too much with all the white logos. Overall a nice build video as always though :)

[@OakwoodVeneer]

Hi John, Great job. Happy to help out.

[@Yalka_Arc]

I like old guy still hanging out with computers...

[@xanokothe]

Really nice John. I would recommend to you to put a wifi PCI on that. It comes handy sometimes.

[@richparker7778]

I thought the black front really made it look awesome John. Great build .

[@DesN4IN]

That looks great, very nice.

[@alvar891]

Great video! My 2 hobbies combined in 1 video!

[@esteiner97]

You are by far the favorite KZbin Maker I follow. Keep up the great work!

[@benzmansl65amg]

Great video John! Keep up the great work.

[@Wordsnwood]

Ouch, painted walnut. Oh well, it's just veneer. And you're right: It's got to be aesthetically pleasing to you. Interesting project, John, thanks!

[@JohnHeisz]

"Just veneer" ? I'm shaking my head over here, Art :)

[@BGP369]

Tape up the front panel to add some thin accent lines. Since you are going for older 70s style box design, maybe a single or double 2mm brass line on the bottom will do it i think. If you are feeling really fancy, dont use brass paint, route out grooves and put actual brass strips in.

[@diegoarmijo1426]

Very Nice... I've done similar in the past. I really like your a lot. Thanks

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Nice way to do some case recycling doing a bit of case modding. Turned out nice. - Eddy

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Oh, and gratz on going over 500,000 subs.

[@johnwilson2250]

Beautiful case, awesome craftsmanship!

[@liudas5377]

I liked the walnut front...nice biuld

[@tpobrienjr]

Very handsome result.

[@Gantzz321]

thinking a piece of plexiglass painted on the back side of it would make a nice front. Could even put a LED on the one edge of it to give it a nice glow.

[@DarrenD777]

@5:34 - 2 Thumbs WAY Up! ;-) (that's an homage to two famous film critics out of Chicago) Thanks for the percussive sounds! I love them so much, I usually go back and listen again. It's just so much fun! :-D Cool video. I'm glad that YT recommended it to me. Now I'm subscribed! Ok, now I have to see more of your work...including the blog post on how to finish out the inside of the HTPC. Thanks!

[@keephigh140]

John, you just keep on impressing me with your works. Great job!

[@badger67]

You have a new subscriber my friend. I have just checked out your website and I'm truely impressed. Keep up the good work.

[@aserta]

Huh, never thought of using a Christmas tree bit for de-riveting. Neat idea there.

[@EngineeringVignettes]

Step Drill ?

[@LadybugAdventures]

Beauty. Great technique and wonderful ideas.

[@woodworks3585]

Love That Modern Retro Look. Nice Build John..shared..

[@AbyssArcher]

I'd like to recommend the DIY Perks channel. He's made some great custom PC cases, his most recent one being almost completely silent.

[@TheLaoruga]

Turns out excelent.

[@chickenguru4]

I agree the black front looks better.

[@rwhite9994]

the Black was a Travesty.... Great build, gonna start mine now.

[@FredMcIntyre]

Looks cool John!

[@StevenZhangMakes]

Maybe should have made the sides of the box wider to recess the front in and create a shadow line. Then use a lighter wood for the front to add contrast. I think that might look a bit more modern and less "walnut", but it looks gorgeous now anyways

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

This was pretty cool. I enjoyed watching this.

[@viking90706]

Great Build, if you attempt another............. make a brushed aluminum front. it would look like 70s HIFI

[@Dingbat217]

Nice build! It looks a lot better than when me and a friend tried to do the same a few years back! :-)

[@51zebra]

Needs your logo in aluminum or brass on the front to finish it out. Looks great, Nice job!

[@jongmassey]

slot loading DVD drive might have looked a lot nicer. Maybe set it back a bit and put a nice cover on the front of the tray?

[@australiawilliam3326]

I love your builds ,but the plaster dry wall repair awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@jezjezman9487]

It does look cool with the black front though.

[@MrBrian43119]

Totally digging this

[@TheducksOrg]

Looks great! Well done

[@davida.7586]

Professional Approach!

[@dakel20]

Can I suggest checking out Al Clad aluminum paint? I think it might give you the look you're going for.

[@daytheninja]

Really enjoyed this build! Thanks for the great video.

[@careykitson1155]

Nice build John! We all hate to see nice wood with paint on it. But I agree, the walnut face was too much. Did you think about brushed aluminum?

[@genio8820]

great work, i wish i had the skills and tools to do something like that

[@lynnmckenney1987]

Looks great! It might look good to paint that front with some sort of matte silver, or maybe just a strip of silver running across? I feel like the faceplates for lots of those style stereos were a brushed silver.

[@SianaGearz]

I was looking forward to seeing how you'd stealth the optical drive and the card reader, but alas... That it's not naked wood but veneer seems like the perfect opportunity to do that, but i wouldn't know how to approach it to make it look neat.

[@DecibelAlex]

I got to make a PC case like this.. would look great under my jvc 1000 receiver

[@DoomWalker42]

This is a really cool idea! I have a couple of old cases kicking around and wanted to make my own DIY wooden case with a small viewing window but mainly wood. How does your case get enough ventilation though and what are the temps like? Would a wooden case be good for noise dampening? Could you fit a radiator in that case? How heavy is it to lift? I wanna make something small and portable.

[@vasiliyivanishvili9025]

nice classic-looking case! cool!

[@kingcasaninja4823]

Nice workshop!

[@sammywest2583]

I like the job you did. I'm curious if you'd be interested in making a case from pure sheet metal or pure wood to see the differences in temprature control, and other things. I want to create custom cases in the future by using only sheet metal and tools later. Id like your thoughts.

[@RetroBerner]

I would have kept the front veneer and just added some ventilation grills to break it up. It looks nice, thanks!

[@Deathmelon_]

Very nice. I think personally the only way to improve on that design would be to replace the current dvd-player with a slot-in player and a routing a slot for the disk instead. Would give it a cleaner look, but still, excellent work. And I suppose it's just as much about keeping cost down. A new slot-in is way pricier than a free one you already have. :) Nice job.

[@JeffDeWitt]

Nicely done! My HTPC is built in a wooden case too, but mine was MUCH easier, I ordered it from NewEgg.

[@Boemel]

The front should be a solid aluminium piece like the Antec Fusion case. I want to build a wood case for that one if i ever have the time and tools.