Project Log Update 10

Beyond the Grave

by Edvuld
Worklog

If you're a frequent reader of bit-tech, the name above needs no introduction. In fact, you've probably already clicked the worklog. The incredibly detailed and methodical Edvuld didn't take much of a break after Temple of Nod, one of our finalists for Mod of the Year in 2006.

This time, he's got a new theme, a new case layout, and a totally new drool-worthy piece. Though we can't say until it's done, this may not be the last you see of his latest creation, Beyond the Grave. Edvuld's still playing to his strengths of gorgeous acrylic and carefully cut aluminium -- hey, it worked last time, didn't it?

Edvuld designed this case as his file server, with some pretty mean requirements. The system needed to house more than ten hard drives and have plenty of cooling. With his dremel in one hand and pencil in the other, he began to sketch out the case design based on the gothic-inspired art of the animé series GunGrave.



As with all of the best mods, Edvuld started his with some concept pieces and sketches. Inspired by the gothic art of GunGrave (pictured left), he designed and cut his motherboard tray. A little while later, the framework of the gigantic cube was already starting to take shape.



The hard disk racks were something that Edvuld didn't feel like reinventing the wheel over, particularly when it would need to hold twelve of them. So, it was off to the spare parts -- and he scavenged a couple matching racks out of two very ugly cases that he bought a long time ago. The cases didn't survive the "operation"... may they rest in peace (shouldn't that be pieces? -- Ed).



To connect the acrylic side panels together (along with any little additions that will later be added), Edvuld could have just used acrylic cubes readily available at most suppliers. But where's the fun in that? They probably wouldn't have fit the theme anyway... so, he made metal versions, and tapped them... by hand. Ten hours later, the results were worth the effort.



Beyond the grave is filled with Edvuld's trademark attention to detail in cuts and shapes. No line is a simple joint, and all function must have form. For instance, the hard drive racks have acrylic accents. And one needn't look farther than the roof for a good idea of exactly how much detail Edvuld puts in. Of course, that's also why he almost won Mod of the Year...

Whether gothic acrylic and brushed aluminium are your things or not, it's definitely worth a stop over to Edvuld's full project log for a look at what he does next.