This will be the first of a series of instructables I will be making using old computer parts and electronics. I am not an expert so please bear with me. I am one of those guys that went through a lot of computers throughout the years and after upgrading to a new machine, the old one will be just there in the basement collecting dust. So, instead of throwing it out to add to the landfills, I decided to get creative and give them a new life.
In this instructable, I will be showing you how I made old computer hardware into an innocent looking safe. This will be a preview of the project and a complete breakdown can be found on my website.
Here's a video of the finished product:
Step 1: Bare chassis to work with
For the next few step, you will need a couple of tools to work the metal. Here is a list of tools I used:
• Dremel tool kit with cutting and sanding accessories (optional)
• Sand paper (a not too course grade)
• A hand file
• Hammer
• Bench vice
• Pencil or marker
• Tape measure or ruler
• Rivet gun and rivets
• Hacksaw
Step 2: Drawing cutouts
For the 5 1/4" drive bays, I decided to use slots cut into the chassis to fit supporting plates to support the tray weight and it's contents and for additional structural integrity.
Step 3: Preparing the Metal
This step will vary from case to case and the best way to go about this step will also vary. The basic idea here is to create a base for the drawer to slide on. For my case, I decided to cut lines into the side of the case and insert base plates for the 5 1/4" drawers to slide on.
Step 4: Making progress
So far so good.
Step 5: Shaping the tray rails
My case design didn't have the convenience of a good rail design, so I had to make my own.
Step 6: Making the expansion slot tray bracket
The rear of the case will also have compartments so in order to support the trays, a bracket of some sort was need. This is the bracket design for my case.
Step 7: Making the expansion slot tray bracket cont'd
This expansion tray will also be the base for the variable power supply
Step 8: Making the Motherboard Slot Bin
The Motherboard Slot Bin will slide on top of the expansion slot bracket and will create additional storage space without attracting attention.
Step 9: Making the trays
As a source of metal, I decided to recycle a second case I had to build the extra trays.
Step 10: Making the Custom Variable PSU
This stage is where I made the variable PSU
Step 11: Designing the locking system
I also decided that if this was supposed to be a case safe, then it would not be complete without a security system. I got the idea to use a car door lock actuator because it had the exact type of actuation this case needed.
Step 12: Doin' the electrical work
At this stage where the entire unit is coming together, it was appropriate to do the electrical wiring of the different systems. These include:
• the variable PSU
• the security system
• the lights (optional)
• the disguise system
• the main power strip
Step 13: Your Done
At this stage, the unit is completed and undergoes a complete system check.
For more info, check out my website
