Project Boxes? Looking for high quality aluminum enclosures - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 03:06:02 am
content: Hey guys,I am sick of these crappy Radioshack project boxes. Not only are they made from plastic, but also have tapered sides which is really annoying. Any idea who makes high quality wooden/aluminum/steel project boxes? I wanna build a nice nixie clock, ATX PSU and a head phone amp.Any suggestions would be appreciated

author: Zad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 03:28:08 am
content: Hammond have a huge range of plastic, steel, aluminium etc enclosures, even ones with walnut side panels for retro looking audio gear. I use the extruded aluminium ones quite a bit, they would be ideal for a headphone amp. They also do ventilated cases for PSUs.The usual suppliers (Element-14/Farnell, Mouser, Digikey etc) stock them.http://www.hammondmfg.com/scpg.htm

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 06:03:42 am
content: I agree that Hammond has some really nice enclosures.I also like re-purposing enclosures from the thrift store. Computer serial port boxes are a good example. Heavy construction complete with rubber feet. With a label on the front, extraneous holes can be hidden.Here's an example of anLM-317-based power supplyin a former switch box.This picture is an adjustableconstant-current supplybuilt into a former piece of network gear.This was a great enclosure to use as it has a 12v/5v switching power supply on a separate board left over from its previous life.

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 05:16:57 pm
content: ThanksI was looking for something more classy and well designed stuff. I could get by with industrial enclosures for stuff that would reside in my garage, but projects that require a good design (like a nixie clock) and something that would sit on my desk - industrial enclosures wouldn't be a good choice.I guess, I am going to buy me some Walnut wood stock and build one myself

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 05:34:51 pm
content: I have several aluminum cases similar to the ones you mention, I got them from savaging parts, let me find who is the manufacturer you will like them.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 06:11:14 pm
content: i bought some aluminum boxes from chinarf in ebay few days ago. many sizes, plastic too. but will not fit a psu project.http://cgi.ebay.com.my/2PCS-Aluminum-Project-Box-Enclosure-Case-Electronic-DIY-/290514920923?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item43a409e5dbhttp://cgi.ebay.com.my/Plastic-Project-Box-Enclosure-7-87-4-72-2-95-L-W-H-/300534762635?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item45f9448c8b

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2011, 11:16:16 pm
content: Check out this awesome enclosure AndyO made from laminated layers of wood. It's just what a nixie tube clock needs!Andy provides complete details on how he built the enclosure:Andy's Geeky Clock

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2011, 05:47:33 am
content: ^ wow...that looks sexy.I am definitely going to try building that clock. Looks badass.

author: thmjpr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2011, 12:39:03 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on June 02, 2011, 06:11:14 pmThese are really nice, just wish he had larger versions (in flatpack style for easy shipping).Here are some more sellers:http://shop.ebay.ca/youth_electronics/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562http://stores.ebay.ca/Rf-Cable-Assemblies/Aluminum-Project-Box-/_i.html?_fsub=1774134013http://cgi.ebay.ca/Aluminum-Box-Enclosure-Electronic-Case-Project-DIY-/330389529034http://stores.ebay.ca/gkphotonics/Aluminum-Enclosure-Boxes-/_i.html?_fsub=1668375016(large but not cheap)some manufacturer:http://www.jh-enclosure.com/index_en.asp

author: Trigger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2011, 07:49:27 am
content: http://www.streakwave.com/items.asp?Cc=Enclosures&Bc=I've found outdoor wireless enclosures to be rather handy for projects.

author: timbos
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2011, 11:10:40 am
content: I've used enclosures from a company called 'box enclosures' for a couple of products at work. We had our own front panels made at panel-pool.com to finish them properly. The enclosures are available from Farnell, and probably others too.

author: djcrunkmix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2011, 08:18:46 pm
content: I just bought this bookShould be fun!http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Box-Projects-Strother-Purdy/dp/160085110X/ref=pd_sim_b_5

author: slburris
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2011, 06:08:08 am
content: Anyone used emachineshop.com or frontpanelexpress.com to have an enclosure(or at least the front and rear panels) made for you?Scott

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2011, 08:51:13 am
content: If you don't mind ordering from Italy take a look at this page ... good stuff.http://www.modushop.biz/ecommerce/index_l2.phpI haven't ordered from them, yet.Florian

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 27, 2011, 01:28:58 pm
content: Quote from: slburris on June 26, 2011, 06:08:08 amI've ordered panels from FPE, the quality is first rate and their system makes it easy for one-offs and small quantities. If I factor in labour they are relatively cheap. Their enclosures look first rate but would be a tad expensive, depends what your building.