Use old desktop PCs to build a room divider.
For the creative designer or crafter, an old computer that no longer functions and isn't wanted offers some interesting project possibilities. Computers are, after all, interesting to look at in many respects and desktop computers do have an intriguing box shape to the eye of an imaginative designer. Gather many old boxy desktop computers together to create an interesting room divider.
Instructions
1. Sort the desktop computers according to size, shape and weight. Place the very lightweight computers in one grouping, separate from the heavy computers. Sub-sort these computers according to length and width too. You want to measure the computers from a head-on, upright point of view, the way the computer was meant to be placed on a desk when it was functioning.
2. Set aside any computers that have a curved top panel. These computers won't be good for stacking, except on the very top level. If they are very heavy, they may not be good for this project. You want to stack only the lightest computers on the top level.
3. Clear the floor space where you want to create your room divider. The floor needs to be level. Carpeted, concrete, linoleum or hardwood surfaces are all acceptable but the floor should not have any discernible big bumps in it.
4. Begin placing the first row of computers on the floor in a line the length of your desired room divider. Place the computers very close together, side to side. This should be a solid ground row without gaps.
5. Stack the second row of computers on top of the ground row. Place them with the fronts facing in alternate directions, still side by side. These computers must be stacked close together as well. Make sure, however, that the space between two side-by-side computers on the second row does not align with the space between two side-by-side computers on the ground row. You want this second row to be offset from the ground-row computers.
6. Test this second row for stability. Rock the tops of the second-row computers with your hand gently. If the second-row computers seem wobbly, or if the ground-row computers also seem to wobble, check to make sure any "case feet" aren't destabilizing the construction. Remove any "feet" on cases that are causing a problem.
7. Add a third row, offset from the second row, and a fourth row that is offset from the third row. Test each row as you build it. The stacked computers should not wobble forward and backward very much. Swap out units that appear to be causing instability.
8. Continue to add rows until the room divider is as tall as you like, or as tall as you can build with the computers you have on hand. Use your curved-top cases in the top row. Space the last row of computers so they are flush with the ground row on the ends. The middle rows of computers may not be flush with the ground row (due to size differences in the computers) but the bottom and top rows must be flush.
9. Run a continuous band of pipe-hanger strapping (aluminum not copper) around each row of computers so they are all bound together horizontally in each row. Do this after your rows have all been created to avoid "locking yourself" into a specific arrangement too early in the process. Install the bands once you are sure you like the arrangements of the computers within each row. Close the band with twisted wire where the two ends of the band come together. Ratchet this band as tight as you can get it.
10. Connect the stacks of computers together vertically by running another band of pipe strapping up and down between the stacks of computers on either end of the wall. Ratchet the band as tight as possible. Use two bands per end. Twist wire through the holes on the strapping to close the loop.
11. Test the wall for stability. You should not be able to significantly wobble the wall when you push on it with two hands. Test this at the top of the wall, the middle of the wall and the base of the wall. If the wall seems unstable and likely to topple over, anchor it to the floor at both ends with large angle irons and add more wrapping bands. In most cases the combined weight of the computers will make it stable naturally.
12. Paint the computer wall on all visible sides. Use a spray paint meant for plastic, or enamel oil-based paint such as Rust-Oleum or tractor paint. Mask and paint individual computers in bright colors or paint the entire wall in a single color. Manually open a few CD drawers and paint them in this position to create more visual interest. The open CD trays can also hold candles or small potted plants.
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