ABS/Tagan Black Pearl gets a new look

Crunch · **Posted:** Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:49 pm

Have you tried a small flat blade or similar in the slits on the sides? Assuming there is one either side?

Bill Owen · **Posted:** Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:39 pm

Yeah, try prying it open from the bottom.

still getting over these beautful color photos :shock:

shazza · **Posted:** Sat Feb 06, 2010 6:25 pm

Thanks guys. Still can't get the bezel off - there are no slits on the sides (the ones you see in the photos are just for snapping a plastic cover on. I'm sure there is an easy way to get the bezel off, but it so far eludes me. The manufacturer won't help

- they don't want me to void the warranty. I told 'em I didn't care, but can't say I blame them much.

And, don't worry - the mesh on the front panel won't be in the final product.

Re-cut the new midplate metal today. No pics - you've seen those before. Will say the new Bosch Jigsaw I got to replace the Skil is much easier for me to use. Still trying to figure out how best to cut my windows in the side panel (I've watched Bill's video 6 times, but not sure I can make those nice turns at the corner - guess I'll practice some first).

kokospeed · **Posted:** Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:27 pm

Hey shazza you need one of these

http://www.ifixit.com/Tools/Metal-Spudger-Set/IF145-017

I use them for taking apart macbooks and berries/iphones. They're perfect
Im sure that screen is just covered in plastic clips around the bezel which prolly snaps in place.

Oh and maybe you can ask the company to send you the schematics? Of assembly not of the electrical components.

shazza · **Posted:** Sun Feb 07, 2010 7:56 pm

Thanks kokospeed - unfortunately, the manufacturer is not too excited about helping me take off the bezel. A friend is getting one, maybe he'll figure it out for me.

Today's little update follows -

Arrggghhh ... a tough day in South Florida. Practiced my jigsaw skills - trying to see if I can cut a decent corner. As you can see from this pic, I'm not doing too well. Bill just zips right through it in his video - but I'm guessing he knows what he's doing :oops:

Will try again tomorrow. Have tried 18TPI and 24TPI blades, with various saw settings. No blood, so I guess that is the good news. And yes, I know water jet is the way to go, just trying to do it myself.

At least there was a nice sunset...

HigHTecHReDNecK · **Posted:** Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:53 pm

If you just cant get the corners ( like me ), you can do what i do which envolves a little *cough cough* extra work.
Use yer jigsaw to cut as close as you can to the line you want , then use a round metal file to get right up to the cut line. You can also back the jigsaw out and make the cut bigger ( on the waste side ) so as to get that tighter turn. Looks like your getting the hang of it tho from your picture

shazza · **Posted:** Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:17 pm

Thank you, HighTech. I guess part of my problem is I really don't know what's achievable with the jigsaw in aluminum. I could use a wider arc for my corners, but would prefer smaller.

Practiced some more today, including corner cuts, but these shots show my attempt to cut two rounded corners by first drilling a hole, and connecting the outside. Setup/measurement was casual, and the cutout has not been filed - I soon realized I did not have the right size file after a few swipes.

I call this one First Blood

My new logo:

It was dark outside by the time I took the shots, and the patio lighting is not good. I'm sure the neighbors are enjoying my drilling and cutting practice sessions!

I'm now confident I can cut a decent opening for something like a radiator grill, or perhaps the window if the panel was to be painted. Still doubt I can achieve a clean cut all the way around, but will be practicing my filing.

999shawn666 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:37 pm

Wow! i must say very ,very nice looking case there. I was looking at that case but ended up getting a very old chief tech dragon from i would say 1999 the case was made? Will there be painting at all?

TerminusVox · **Posted:** Thu Feb 11, 2010 7:14 am

shazza wrote:

I call this one First Blood

Um, Shazza, you're supposed to keep the smoke inside the wires and the red bleedy stuff inside your body....

Still, I guess if all your fingers are covered with band-aids then you wouldn't leave any finger prints on the brushed aluminum...

999shawn666 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 13, 2010 9:09 pm

therubberoreo wrote:

999shawn666 wrote:

a toaster.......

im building one currently, its a four slice and im using a laptop optical drive, and mini atx mobo

are you serious? If so I will watch it.

ABS/Tagan Black Pearl gets a new look

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