Need DIY ideas

[u/aefu_a]

I have emptied this CPU cabinet yesterday, and was wondering what could be done with this Instead of throwing it, it is around 30×40×15 in dimensions. I have two nieces so thought of adding lights to it for them to keep their soft toys, however refraining from it as it has some sharp edges. Please suggest

[u/BottomBinchBirdy]

My thought is a display case of some kind. It would work especially well for something cyberpunk themed, ofc, though with paint it could be any kind of building or alleyway.

Barring that, the sharp edges call for something that you put together once and then mostly don't touch again, unless you're willing to sand down every sharp edge.

Potentially you could remove all the screws etc and use the individual metal pieces in other mixed media arts & crafts? That would still require sanding of edges, but would be much easier disassembled like that already.

[u/aefu_a → u/BottomBinchBirdy]

Thanks a lot, I have removed every screw possible these are rivets and I will have to break them to disassemble, I can sand the sharp edges, will have to look for lighting ideas and something cyberpunk themed, it would be my first time for this kind of project I have no hands on experience. And also the idea of building is also good, would like to add cherry blossom to a cyberpunk background.

[u/BottomBinchBirdy → u/aefu_a]

Aaaah, I see. Good luck, and I hope you have fun!

[u/KennyBeeART]

Glass it in, terrarium. Brush up on your glass cutting skills

[u/SWNMAZporvida]

Paint it, flip it on its side and it’s a bench/storage. Use it in the garage for tool storage, especially rakes/brooms awkward shaped stuff. It’s asking for magnets and stickers

[u/Balancing7plates → u/SWNMAZporvida]

It's not as big as you're thinking. CPU cabinet = computer. It's maybe eight inches wide by eighteen inches tall. Not big enought to put rakes in!

[u/SWNMAZporvida → u/Balancing7plates]

Oh shit. I used to work in IT and my brain assumed it was an IBM rack 😂

[u/Balancing7plates → u/SWNMAZporvida]

LOL I was baffled by the idea that a redditor wouldn't know what a tower PC is - sure laptops are more popular now but I can't be that old! Makes sense that you're TOO familiar with computers rather than not familiar enough.

[u/SWNMAZporvida → u/Balancing7plates]

I’m SO OLD I thought it was as big as a jeep 😂😂 I’m dying 😂

[u/Justic3Storm]

Planter

[u/aefu_a → u/Justic3Storm]

Reference please

[u/Traditional_Pitch_57]

Upholstering it might solve the issue of sharp edges. Wrap it in a good tough fabric like canvas, then do a layer of batting, and finish with an attractive fabric layer.

[u/aefu_a → u/Traditional_Pitch_57]

I will have to understand what batting is, can you give me a reference image for steps of this or what idea did you have?

[u/Traditional_Pitch_57 → u/aefu_a]

Sorry about that! Batting is the layer of fluff inside a quilt. For this you could layer old towels or tshirts, thin sheets of foam, anything that gives that sort of padded feeling.

Normally with upholstering furniture you have the option to staple your fabric and padding onto the piece. Since this is metal you might need to wrap the fabric around in such a way that you can sew it to itself. You might also be able to glue down that first layer of sturdy canvas and then sew the other layers to that.

A good place to start might be looking on youtube for tutorials on upholstering benches or headboards to get a feel for the basic process.

I have limited experience doing upholstery but I hope I was helpful.

[u/IcyLikeBeurre]

Steam punk dollhouse

[u/ajk141]

You could get some acrylic/plexiglass panels and turn it into a terrarium.