Case build question

[Fox McCloud 1990]

So I finally got the guts for my new computer, and i really can't find a nice budget case, and since i have a lot of wood in the garage i've decided to try my hand at building one.
Just one major question so far, how can you incorporate the mobo's back plate in a wood case?
is it enough to just cut a hole to size and apply some glue to hold it in?

[Limp_Trizkit]

Cutting a hole to size and gluing a plate would work, but what I think would be cooler would be to trace the holes in the plate to the back panel and actually cut the holes yourself.

Provided you don't switch motherboards, or the new one has the same back panel, you could easily pull that off. And if it doesn't...well, just cut the thing to fit the metal plate then.

If you build the case, let us see! :)

[Fox McCloud 1990]

well... that's an idea that'll be stuck in my head for awhile.
possible too, looking through my dad's old Dremel accessories and other scroll saw stuff is always like a treasure hunt.
now the only hard part left is to draw out the plans for the i/o plate and expansion cards, and I can probably just trace them out from my existing case.
I'm also toying with the idea of putting the psu on the bottom instead of the top along with the hdds.
and i can always get a few front panel connections from work, we have a few tubs full of them.

[Moondog]

Have you considered using aluminum for for your back plate or faceplate? You could make a case that resembles the 70's stereo receiver/ amps. You can pick up sheets from Autozone or other car parts shops.

[Fox McCloud 1990]

I would... but i have no idea how to work with metal.
Besides, wouldn't aluminum get hot?

[Moondog]

Aluminum sheets can be cut easily with a Dremel, band saw, or even a tin snips. File off the rough edges when you're done. Lowes and other hardware stores sell L-shaped channel iron similar to the old Erector set pieces, and you could use that for a frame. The channel can be cut easily with a hacksaw.

As for heat transfer, aluminum is very good at transferring heat, much better than wood.

I would recommend before the first hole is drilled and the first sheet is cut, you might want to build a mockup case from cardboard to see how everything will fit.

[Fox McCloud 1990]

well... so far i have the frame and sides done on my case, I'll start a work log when i start on some detailing.
I plan on using some tulle fabric on the top and bottom, similar to the screen on a screen door window.
I've also traced out the i/o panel and card slots from my existing case so all that's left before i start the log is the CD and HDD chassis, probably using some plexy glass since it's one of the thinnest and strongest materials i have.
and the aluminum idea is pretty good, i may just use some for some of the details.

edit: is it worth painting the inside of a wood case, cause so far i plan on just putting acrylic on the inside.

[Moondog]

Painting the interior a bright, reflective color would help distributing whatever lighting you plan to put in the case. Last year around this time of year I was using an old Compaq Presario 5000 case temporarily before buying a better case, and I painted the inside with a high gloss white to make the internals stand out.

[Fox McCloud 1990]

I was talking more heat-absorption wise, is it worth it to paint the inside.

also I've noticed small metal contacts where the screws go on the mobo, do they provide grounding to the case and is it something i should worry about?