[TriLUG] OT: wall mounted PCs?

[Chris Merrill]

John Warf wrote:
> This should work really well.  While I was in school we made something like
> this except it was one computer.  I would recommend putting two big sheets
> of plexy glass (one on both sides).  Reason for this is b/c the wood may
> split or other things could happen.  The plexy glass you can probably get
> from Lowe's, Home Depot or any hardware store.

I must dissent.  Solid wood will only split when exposed repeatedly to
extremes of humidity/dryness, or if it _very_ recently milled and not
dried properly.  This would rarely be the case with wood purchased from
a hardware/home store - it is all kiln dried.  Plywood will not split
unless physically assaulted.  Hardboard (masonite) and MDF will not split
either, unless you try to put _really_ big screws through it (3/8 inch
diameter or larger) and don't pre-drill the holes.

Lexan and Acrylic 'plexiglass' is available in varying thicknesses
from Lowes, Home Depot, etc.  The thinner stuff can be scarred with
a knife and snapped (takes a small amount of practice to get nice
clean edges).  The thicker stuff (1/4" and larger) is easiest to
cut with power tools.  If you know the sizes you want, they _might_
cut it for you at the store.  I don't know how a hand-saw or power
jigsaw would do, but my table saw cuts it pretty nicely.

You might want to consider just putting a clear front on it...and leave
the sides open for ventilation...unless you're worried about people
_intentionally_ sticking their fingers in it.


Chris


-- 
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Chris Merrill
cmerrill at nc.rr.com
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