It`s a Mod Mod World: Case and Found Object Modding - Found Object Modding
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There are many excellent modders on the internet who showcase their work. Prominently among these modders are Mashie (www.mashie.org) and Paul Capello (www.thebestcasescenario.com) who provide a prolific and varied amount of modding projects on their respective websites. Among found-object modding there is also the more complicated, and certainly more rewarding, avenue of scratch-building.
Scratch-built mods are those that really exemplify the artistic aspect of modding as these mods are often built from completely raw materials to create something new and distinct. Unlike case modding that utilizes a pre-made computer case scratch building relies on the builder to make every component of the finished mod from the mundane chassis and framework to the exterior panels and control switches.
Found-object modding can incorporate more materials than just those found in computer stores. Hardware stores, automotive repair shops, and similar locations provide a wealth of possibilities and opportunities. Found-object modders use plenty of different and unrelated materials from plastics to metals to ceramics to resins to modify the prefabricated components to suit their modding needs. Any object can be used for found-object modding from vacuum cleaners to microwaves to toasters the options are literally limitless. The biggest aspect of found object modding is imagination and determination.
Military surplus materials are a popular found object to built a computer into. ZapWizard (Joshua Driggs of www.zapwizard.com) used a military ammo box and completely built a functioning computer with a custom input / output rig featuring cold cathodes and one-of-a-kind switches.
Found object modding requires manufacturing all the materials related to the computer you are building. Not only are you trying to use a non-computer case to house your equipment but all of the internal components may need to have special pieces made for it. The rails to mount the motherboard, brackets for hard drives and optical drives, venting holes for fans will need to cut, input / output areas will have to be made, and plenty more besides. Found-object modding often means developing new and unheard of methods that will not only hold your equipment in place but also demonstrate the above-average skills involved with attempting a project like this.
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