Case Molding

[jgarland]

'Lo, everybody. I've been meaning to build an N64p for a while now. I've been gathering parts, and I'm getting the book so I can get a better grasp of the whole process soon. I'm curious, however, as to how in the name of God Ben makes his cases so nicely! I don't have access to a CNC cutter, but I know he's made other cases that looked just as nice without one.

I've seen people use project boxes, tackle boxes, and even old console casing. I was thinking of vacuum forming a case, but the it's just not what I'm looking for. Call me picky, because I am, but I wanna look cool while saving Princess Peach and kicking some Gannondorf ass, you know? Anybody have some suggestions? I'm willing to go the extra mile, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[gannon]

kicking some Gannondorf ass, you know?

Hey!
Anyways, I'd suggest looking for a cnc shop in your area if you want a super dooper case. Otherwise building a vacuum form is another option.

[bicostp]

Could always cut engraving plastic with a jigsaw.

[jgarland]

Thanks, Gannon, you half-horse-man-beast, you. Finding a CNC shop would be pretty good. Any idea as to what it would cost me? I'm already on a rather tight budget. I'd say maybe $200 dollars. I suppose I could go a bit over budget, but not much. I figure if I want to make a nice system that'll last me a while, I may as well do it right, you know? Thanks again. I'll post back if I get any more info on as to what I'm doing.

Edit: Thanks for the tip, Bicost. What about plastic suppliers? Have any good sites? I suppose that'd be the next best thing to a CNC cut case. I'm actually waiting on an email from Ben, so maybe I can get some tips from the boss man himself.

[bicostp]

Not too sure on plastic supply houses, but I have seen plexiglas at Home Depot and Lowes.

You e-mailed Ben? I worked up the guts to do that for a couple weeks! You're far braver than I.

[Amoxicillin]

You e-mailed Ben? I worked up the guts to do that for a couple weeks! You're far braver than I.[/quote]

What I emailed him the first day I goined! What did you think he would do, higher an assassin for e-mailing him?

[Lucretius]

You e-mailed Ben? I worked up the guts to do that for a couple weeks! You're far braver than I.

What I emailed him the first day I goined! What did you think he would do, higher an assassin for e-mailing him?

Heck, I sent him that report I did on the plausibility of Nintendo Failing Big Time, yadda yadda...which reminds me...

Ben: Did you get a chance to look at that? Do you plan to? (Not that you have to, but I do trust your opinion over anybody else's!)

[Gamelver]

Luc, it's a lost cause to try and talk to Ben on any other forum besides F42 and the book forum ..........so just pm him or something about it, I guess

[jgarland]

Ben's recent silicone molds gave me an idea. I could make a case from wood, sand it down to be super-smooth, then make a mold by placing the wood carving in a shallow container, and pouring silicone over it. The result would be a mold which I could then inject plastic into. To make a backing, all I would need is a plastic sheet, which I could probably find just about anywhere online. I think the result should be a real nice case.

What do you all think? Any ideas as to how I could improve upon my current plan? Thanks for all the help, guys.

[jgarland]

I've just found a great guide on making molds, but I'm still wondering how Ben makes the originals. Are they all cut with the CNC router, or does he cut the plastic by hand? I'm fairly confident that making the original from wood would work, but how well it would work is my main concern. Thanks again.

[G-force]

My dad just got one of those fiberglass kits for $20, maybe you could use that in a mold.

[*o*]

That would work just make sure you seal it really well (glass fibers hurt a lot)

[jgarland]

I guess my problem is that I'm thinking too much, and doing too little. If I want to make this thing, I should at least start some testing. I'll try to get working on a wooden case tonight, and hopefully make a mold by next week. The fact that I'm visiting my cousin tonight, who happens to be a carpenter, might help when making this pimp new mold. Wish me luck!

[*o*]

Lol good luck if you have any breakthroughs please let us know

for my case i got pack which is like the soes of a hobby box but you cut them to length and height i am using perspex for the top and bottom (that means exchangeable fascias) I stole a piece of perspex 1mx1m from my school last week

[soundwave]

For my Radica I think I'm going to vacuform, dont really wanna say much, want it to be a surprise, it's going to look awesome though.