Hey everyone! I'm working on a custom wooden case for my Raspberry Pi setup and could use some help with organizing and mounting everything inside. I've got a Raspberry Pi 4, GPIO-connected sensors and breakout boards, a small fan for cooling, a power supply, and USB devices, with possibly a small touchscreen in the future. My main goal is to create a clean, organized, and accessible case that looks great on my desk. I've got some experience with woodwork, but I'm not exactly sure about the best practices for laying everything out inside. I have a few questions: What's the best way to mount the Pi and other boards? Should I use standoffs, velcro, or hot glue? How can I ensure proper airflow and cooling in a wooden space? What tips do you have for wire management or ensuring modularity for any future upgrades? Is there a smart way to route GPIO wires without making a mess? And lastly, should I include access panels or hinged parts? If you've done something similar, I'd love to see examples or hear about any pitfalls to avoid. Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
I did a similar project and used standoffs, but for wood, I found that a threaded insert with a screw and spacer is more effective. I also used salvaged rainbow ribbon cable for the wiring which can look pretty cool too!
I recommend using an aluminum base plate inside the case. Mount the boards to the plate with standoffs. You can secure the plate using wood screws into some wood batts connecting the sides to the bottom. Also, think about using aluminum for the front and rear panels; they work better for panel-mounted switches and connectors than wood does.
Thanks for the advice! Do you have any recommendations on where to source the aluminum base and panels??