Wow, you managed to pack lots of good information in a 7.5 minute video! I have a couple of comments regarding the final step of joining the halves with screws. After drilling clearance holes, you proceeded to mark out all the smaller diameter holes, and then mark them out. As the thin sheet can shift and bend while marking out, there is a possibility of mis-marking some of the holes (unless one is extremely careful). I think it's safer to mark a hole or few, drill them, connect with screws, mark out some more holes, and so on. This would take more time, but reduce chance of poorly matching holes. The other thing is, self-tapped screws into drilled holes in (thin) sheet metal don't make for a durable thread. They can even strip the first time the screws are tightened, if one applies a bit too much torque. It's likely fine if the product is to be assembled once and not touched, but if it's to be opened for maintenance from time to time, it's good to design a more durable connection method. Besides using thicker sheet, some of possibilities are: punch the holes instead of drilling them. Some metal gets displaced to the back side, forming a dimple, resulting in effectively thicker sheet that provides more "meat" for the screw thread. Other options I know of are rivet nuts (need a rivet nut setter tool), cage nuts (need square holes punched in the sheet), weld-on nuts (need welding equipment).
I literally started a metal enclosure project about half a year ago, and now that I've finally got most of the pieces I need to complete the project, i'm going to actually start on the box itself. And now you've just started this channel. What a helpful coincidence lol.
I liked your video and subscribed, couple of remarks: - you can stick masking tape to your metal sheet and draw on that with a mechanical pencil for very high accuracy - when bending, use some thick flat band, at least 3mm or 1/8”, clamp the flat band to the metal sheet with vise grip pliers for best results, pull and hammer on the flat band, not on the metal sheet, it’s thin and any hammer blow is going to be permanent for a home diyer - paint using oil based paint for durability - if needed, add reinforcements using aluminum or mild steel angle iron on the inside, aluminium rivets work great because they don’t rust and are low profile - clamp a flat band or angle iron to the metal sheet to easily cut with an angle grinder, light kiss with the side of the wheel and then carefully follow it for an excellent result - use the curly(not twisted) angle grinder wire brush wheel for brushed finished Always wear long sleeves and face shield when using an angle grinder.
Hi John this is Kate Blease Your Dad Has taught you alot, doing a great job with what you are doing be grateful , however an attitude with gratitude will teach you alot 🤗 xxoo
00:42 Sorry, I didn't understand what kind of metal sheet are you using. Could you tell me? If you want to use aluminium for a 100x100x100 mm box, what would be a good thickness? Thanks a lot.
Here are a couple of tips to people attempting something like that to make it easier and more functional. 1. Marking the points with a punch and then drilling them out on the flat piece makes sure you will not have access material on corners and your bends will be easier and look more professional (becasue that´s what pros do as well its called corner relief). 2. For thick gauge material you can perforate the bent line, basically like in toilet paper to easier bent it. 3. For edges being handled later on you can create a hem, which is basically folding the material over itself to get rid of sharp corners, this way you don´t even need to sand every edge. This also increases the rigidity of your piece significantly and makes it look clean and professional. 4. To attach metal parts permanently you can use a blind rivet gun for like 10 bucks and blind rivets, you can also use rivet nuts to use some screws.
Cheers, this just saved me hundreds of dollars buying these boxes. Hoping to use some aluminum lithograph sheets I came across for free. They're thin, but I can double up some of the folds and flaps for strength. Great video, clear concise, no extra ramblings. Excellent content sir! Thanks for sharing this idea!
Neat!. I need to make a largish box (12x23x5inch) for a SAD light box application, including some holes for ventilation and a strain received power cord, plus a front bordered opening that would allow for including an acrylic light diffuser sheet. What are good sources for the sheet metal?
These are fantastic videos. Short and sweet, direct to the point and chock full of useful information. I thank you very much for the help, understanding and confidence on how to make protective metal caps for the timber corners of my house. They look great
What an encouraging video -- I've considered doing this in the past but assumed I'd need to invest in a lot of metalworking tools and maybe a welder. Seems the only thing I don't have is an excuse not to do it...
Hey what type of metal would you recommend for building an enclosure for a tube preamp, I'd like to have it as tall as yours but more room for transistors caps transformers fuse holders potentiometers etc
Watched the video and learned something new. Question: How do you make those little heat vents, louvers? In your project box, and would a deburring tool work better for the edges? From Spokane Valley Washington Very good video.
I've been using 2x4s and a hammer to bend metal in the past. Have been interesting in an actual metal break to make enclosures, but didn't know how the inside bends work out. The part with the tiny block for the hard to access tab bends was great!
I've seen a few mini woodworking lathes here on youtube, but they aren't very "how to" and more "look at what I made."; and simply not up to working with metal. Watching your videos I know you are very good at pointing out the small things that make a big difference in the finished product and anyone wanting to make one appreciates knowing before actually starting it for themselves. :) I've already made 2 boxes since watching/commenting on your vid. Lol, one of which I should have salvaged thinner metal for. Both of which are nice, and if not for your presentation would have not been so.
You'll need to apply heat to the acryllic sheet before you bend it. There are several videos on TH-cam that can give you hints and tips, including when to use what kind of glue (as there are several types of glue for acryllics). You may also want to know in advance, how to fix scratches on acryllic sheets. Note: You can use a heatgun or hairdryer, but if you want real sharp bends, you'll likely want to build a jig for bending the sheets. This build is fairly simple: th-cam.com/video/-mVmzWQ7Iy8/w-d-xo.html If you choose the above mentioned build, I'd like to recommend that you try a low voltage first, and then increase the voltage slowly until the heating wire start to get hot. Remember to try it out on scraps first. ;) If you're not keen on using a heating element, you can still just make a wooden bender, which has a long opening where you want the bend to be; then use a heatgun to heat up the acryllic just where it's supposed to bend, turn off the heatgun, perform the bending and hold it there until it cools off. More: th-cam.com/users/results?search_query=bend+acryllic
Oh - and if you'll only be making one acryllic project, then you could likely go for something much simpler - it doesn't have to be expensive anyway. ;)
Very very Nice and useful videos specially for my kind of projects.. but where is the cut for LCD. which starts from center and not from the corners. I waited for it to the end of video.. :p
The pieces of timber are just used to stabilise the material while drilling. The inside holes are smaller than the outside holes accompanied by sheet metal screws which will self tap, this is sufficient to hold the enclosure together. Thank you for your question.
Does anyone know how to make a "stealing" proof box like this? I mean, a thief with a screwdriver could undo the screws and get access to the box. Any video recommendations? Thanks a lot.
It is made from metal and any two points should be considered an electrical short however it is much the same as a motherboard enclosure and if correct measures are taken then ESD will not be an issue. Thanks for the question.
Wow, you managed to pack lots of good information in a 7.5 minute video! I have a couple of comments regarding the final step of joining the halves with screws. After drilling clearance holes, you proceeded to mark out all the smaller diameter holes, and then mark them out. As the thin sheet can shift and bend while marking out, there is a possibility of mis-marking some of the holes (unless one is extremely careful). I think it's safer to mark a hole or few, drill them, connect with screws, mark out some more holes, and so on. This would take more time, but reduce chance of poorly matching holes. The other thing is, self-tapped screws into drilled holes in (thin) sheet metal don't make for a durable thread. They can even strip the first time the screws are tightened, if one applies a bit too much torque. It's likely fine if the product is to be assembled once and not touched, but if it's to be opened for maintenance from time to time, it's good to design a more durable connection method. Besides using thicker sheet, some of possibilities are: punch the holes instead of drilling them. Some metal gets displaced to the back side, forming a dimple, resulting in effectively thicker sheet that provides more "meat" for the screw thread. Other options I know of are rivet nuts (need a rivet nut setter tool), cage nuts (need square holes punched in the sheet), weld-on nuts (need welding equipment).
It's a real diy project conducted with most common tools. Thanks...
This video is invaluable. I've learned so much from it and now I think I'm ready to do this. Liked and subscribed. Thank you!
How are your sheet metal works going?
I literally started a metal enclosure project about half a year ago, and now that I've finally got most of the pieces I need to complete the project, i'm going to actually start on the box itself. And now you've just started this channel. What a helpful coincidence lol.
I'm glad to help! Let me know if you would like me to investigate an aspect further. Thank you for watching.
This was such a refreshing high-quality video. Thank you for this, I will post my results after trying!
I liked your video and subscribed, couple of remarks:
- you can stick masking tape to your metal sheet and draw on that with a mechanical pencil for very high accuracy
- when bending, use some thick flat band, at least 3mm or 1/8”, clamp the flat band to the metal sheet with vise grip pliers for best results, pull and hammer on the flat band, not on the metal sheet, it’s thin and any hammer blow is going to be permanent for a home diyer
- paint using oil based paint for durability
- if needed, add reinforcements using aluminum or mild steel angle iron on the inside, aluminium rivets work great because they don’t rust and are low profile
- clamp a flat band or angle iron to the metal sheet to easily cut with an angle grinder, light kiss with the side of the wheel and then carefully follow it for an excellent result
- use the curly(not twisted) angle grinder wire brush wheel for brushed finished
Always wear long sleeves and face shield when using an angle grinder.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!
very informative, you have helped me avoid many beginner errors working w/ aluminum (and money!). Quality content, Cheers.
Hi John this is Kate Blease Your Dad Has taught you alot, doing a great job with what you are doing be grateful , however an attitude with gratitude will teach you alot 🤗 xxoo
00:42 Sorry, I didn't understand what kind of metal sheet are you using. Could you tell me? If you want to use aluminium for a 100x100x100 mm box, what would be a good thickness? Thanks a lot.
Here are a couple of tips to people attempting something like that to make it easier and more functional.
1. Marking the points with a punch and then drilling them out on the flat piece makes sure you will not have access material on corners and your bends will be easier and look more professional (becasue that´s what pros do as well its called corner relief).
2. For thick gauge material you can perforate the bent line, basically like in toilet paper to easier bent it.
3. For edges being handled later on you can create a hem, which is basically folding the material over itself to get rid of sharp corners, this way you don´t even need to sand every edge.
This also increases the rigidity of your piece significantly and makes it look clean and professional.
4. To attach metal parts permanently you can use a blind rivet gun for like 10 bucks and blind rivets, you can also use rivet nuts to use some screws.
Cheers, this just saved me hundreds of dollars buying these boxes. Hoping to use some aluminum lithograph sheets I came across for free. They're thin, but I can double up some of the folds and flaps for strength. Great video, clear concise, no extra ramblings. Excellent content sir! Thanks for sharing this idea!
Beautifully done. 👍👍👍
Can be made at home easily if some alternate plan for folding the sheet metal can be given without using those vices.
Thanks - would like to see how you would design a press fit lid
Bloody smart techniques here, mate!
You can pre drill the marked points, it makes bending the material easier and you will not pinch the corners.
Beautiful video. This has me on the path to making an enclosure. 👍👍
This is simply fantastic. I have been struggling with making good quality sheet metal project boxes. Learnt a lot from this video. Thanks
Threaded rivet inserts may be useful in heavier projects or when machine screws are preferred
that box looks great , I'm using rivets for my box instead ... a little neater looking maybe ...
Neat!. I need to make a largish box (12x23x5inch) for a SAD light box application, including some holes for ventilation and a strain received power cord, plus a front bordered opening that would allow for including an acrylic light diffuser sheet. What are good sources for the sheet metal?
These are fantastic videos. Short and sweet, direct to the point and chock full of useful information. I thank you very much for the help, understanding and confidence on how to make protective metal caps for the timber corners of my house. They look great
Brilliant! Thanks, I needed this instruction.
Great 👍 Appreciate ir kind information 👍
What an encouraging video -- I've considered doing this in the past but assumed I'd need to invest in a lot of metalworking tools and maybe a welder. Seems the only thing I don't have is an excuse not to do it...
Great video. Very clear. Thanks.
Encouraging video. Good demonstration
thank you dude it's help me a lot.
Great video
The thickness of the sheet?
Thank you!
your video really nice and solved my problem... thanks
I'm glad to help. Thank you for watching!
Hey what type of metal would you recommend for building an enclosure for a tube preamp, I'd like to have it as tall as yours but more room for transistors caps transformers fuse holders potentiometers etc
Is there any way to make extruded aluminum cases similar to the cases of the Hayes Stack Modem?
I need to make a container to hold gas. Can this be soldered together to provide a watertight box with this type of design?
More content about different options to design boxes for sheet metal manufacturing
Watched the video and learned something new.
Question: How do you make those little heat vents, louvers? In your project box, and would a deburring tool work better for the edges?
From Spokane Valley Washington
Very good video.
Use a file to deburr, it’s faster and you have excellent control
nice and easy. thanks!
Thanks a lot
Very Good
Excellent
Nice approach. And good video. Too bad channel has been inactive for 5 years.
I've been using 2x4s and a hammer to bend metal in the past. Have been interesting in an actual metal break to make enclosures, but didn't know how the inside bends work out. The part with the tiny block for the hard to access tab bends was great!
Is this 20G sheet metal?
How to add handle?
6:55 Yes!
I love your videos. ;P Any chance you might make a mini metal lathe?
Sounds like a cool project, I will look into it!
I've seen a few mini woodworking lathes here on youtube, but they aren't very "how to" and more "look at what I made."; and simply not up to working with metal. Watching your videos I know you are very good at pointing out the small things that make a big difference in the finished product and anyone wanting to make one appreciates knowing before actually starting it for themselves. :) I've already made 2 boxes since watching/commenting on your vid. Lol, one of which I should have salvaged thinner metal for. Both of which are nice, and if not for your presentation would have not been so.
Please make videos about forming and welding stainless steel
Kindly inform thickness during cutting margins
Of 1.2 mm
And 2 mm ms sheets
How do bend acrylic ? I want to 'build' a music stand ( the top part where you place the sheet papers )
Sounds interesting! it's on the list to be made.
You'll need to apply heat to the acryllic sheet before you bend it.
There are several videos on TH-cam that can give you hints and tips, including when to use what kind of glue (as there are several types of glue for acryllics). You may also want to know in advance, how to fix scratches on acryllic sheets.
Note: You can use a heatgun or hairdryer, but if you want real sharp bends, you'll likely want to build a jig for bending the sheets.
This build is fairly simple: th-cam.com/video/-mVmzWQ7Iy8/w-d-xo.html
If you choose the above mentioned build, I'd like to recommend that you try a low voltage first, and then increase the voltage slowly until the heating wire start to get hot.
Remember to try it out on scraps first. ;)
If you're not keen on using a heating element, you can still just make a wooden bender, which has a long opening where you want the bend to be; then use a heatgun to heat up the acryllic just where it's supposed to bend, turn off the heatgun, perform the bending and hold it there until it cools off.
More: th-cam.com/users/results?search_query=bend+acryllic
Oh - and if you'll only be making one acryllic project, then you could likely go for something much simpler - it doesn't have to be expensive anyway. ;)
Very very Nice and useful videos specially for my kind of projects.. but where is the cut for LCD. which starts from center and not from the corners. I waited for it to the end of video.. :p
And Also .. how wood pieces are fixed with metal ? from 6:02 .. are they not moving inside?
The LCD was an example of what to think about when considering sizing, I will be doing some cutouts in a project really soon.
The pieces of timber are just used to stabilise the material while drilling. The inside holes are smaller than the outside holes accompanied by sheet metal screws which will self tap, this is sufficient to hold the enclosure together. Thank you for your question.
Check out this video - th-cam.com/video/w94iq-qSr9A/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for your comments.
Does anyone know how to make a "stealing" proof box like this? I mean, a thief with a screwdriver could undo the screws and get access to the box. Any video recommendations? Thanks a lot.
Use pop rivets and not screws. 👍😀
06:28 what is that paint spray? ( any amazon/ebay link ?)
It is a generic rattle can. Thanks for your question.
👍
Hi .i like your videos ans u said if we have requests mayb u coyld make sone . well here goes. Coyld you make an oven?
What type of oven?
Must be a way to use machined screws
Is this enclosure ESD safe?
It is made from metal and any two points should be considered an electrical short however it is much the same as a motherboard enclosure and if correct measures are taken then ESD will not be an issue. Thanks for the question.
You could paint it with Glyptal to stop conductivity.. obviously test first..
@@MortifiedU Thank you Kent
@@cosador Thank You. Do you have any web links on how to take care of ESD?
Why not more videos?
Pl inform Allah give u Health and all u wants
Instrument for cutting is call what
There are a few names and it may depend where you are from. Check out this link for more info: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snips
Cosador what brand/model are you using there?
Use rivnuts
J feeder for rabbits please....
Laying it out on the sheet metal is faster there bud. Next time.
You never should have stopped making videos ...
...im not sure those components will work...
Huh
Please, don't be too fast,and secondly I will appreciate if there is provision for the downloadable plans of the measurements and drawing