My HIC build. TheFiVe0

[TheFiveO]

I've seen so many amazing builds on here I have decided to dive in. I have some basic building skills and plan to learn as I go. Hopefully some of the other novice builders on here can learn with me.

Here we go!




The photos above are of the basic layout for the top and bottom of the cabinet. I got the measurements from the blueprints that have been posted on here before.

This is the cutout for the top and bottom of the cabinet. I am using 3/4 MDF for the outside of the box hoping to make it sturdy.



I used 1/2” press board for the top panel.


I created these mounts for the inside to hold the panels at the right angle. I also measured them out so they lay 1/2 below the top so the Han board will have some extra support on the sides.


Thought I’d post the plan in case someone didn’t have them yet. I did not make these and found them on TDH.

 

[BobaFresh]

Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[hvacdon]

Looking forward to your progress pics !!!

 

[TheFiveO]

Put some work in on the inside framing and the panel display mounts I really want these to end up with the right angle so I’m trying to make them fit perfectly. I’m using 1/2” mdf for the framing of the panel brackets and mounting an extra suport to crest the angle.

The side panels are fitting in nicely.

This is with the top laid on the frame. I have it fit in pretty well I have measured and marked down 1/2” on the inside of the frame and adjusted a little to make the top lay on top.


Just a bit more work on the box for now. Still trying to figure out the han I’m going to use. Stormrider is backed up so I’m looking at other options.

 

[TheFiveO]

I also have a question for everyone. I am going to mount my HIC on this wall in my theater room.

The question is where should I mount it?

My theater screen is to the left of this picture but I’m debating on if I should mount it far left? Or move the lighted glass display and mount it more in the middle.

The glass display is the most noticeable to the eyes when you enter the room.

Thoughts?

I also have thought of creating an independent HIC wall on the left side of the room.

My wife likes this idea because she informed me she doesn’t want “creepy guy coming out of the wall” right next to her when we watch movies.

 

[deathxcircle]

Its just my opinion, but if I had a room as cool as this in my house, a Boba or HiC display would be the cornerstone piece and I would want it in the most visible spot in the room!

My vote is more middle.

 

[Kdogg211187]

Poor Yoda and his flaccid lightsaber

 

[TheFiveO]

Poor Yoda and his flaccid lightsaber

He’s old.

 

[hvacdon]

I would just put him on the left where Yoda is. Wherever you put him, he'll attract your attention all on his own !!

 

[TheFiveO]

This is the underside (and outside) showing the inside panel brackets after they are secured.

A little more work on the box today. I started gluing everything down and sinking in the screws better. I also finished up the frames for the panels and secured them down.

 

[Artakha]

This is so cool, makes me want to do one too.

 

[TheFiveO]

I’m dealing with a bit of an issue. I could only find precut 3/4” boards for the trim around the HIC. I could cut my own out of 1/2” but I know it will be tough to get them completely straight.

Just got some advice from Zenix saying that I could just fill another flat board 1/4” inside of the trim frame to raise up Han.

This may be the way to go. Anyone else tried another way? I’m wondering if I could plain down the wood trim to make it thinner?

 

[TheFiveO]

So I decided to make my own trim out of the 1/2” pine board. I was afraid it wouldn’t end up straight and look out of place. It turned out fine and now I have less depth to fill with the glue/Bondo for the Carbonite.

I also routed out the edges. I got this advice from clmayfield and I agree that it makes it look way better.

 

[TheFiveO]

Finally felt good enough about the fit that I decided to secure it all down.


I secured the outside frame as well and start d sanding it down. It’s amazing how much better it looks with just the sanding.


This is my first go with Bondo. I haven’t done any work with it before. I fell like it’s pretty easy to work with but...... don’t mix more than you need or can get down in about 4-5 minutes. It gets difficult real fast.

 

[hvacdon]

Yeah, Difficult = Hardening !!! Looking Really Good...Great Work !!!

 

[TheFiveO]

So i had I had some time and decided to look into mounting the tv stand to the cabinet. I got this stand at IKEA for $25. I just created the bracing and leveled the mounts.

I decided on on the left side of my room. It left the other side more open and I think I can have the HIC all set and lit up during movies without bothering us too bad

I decided to paint the back mounting area black so it’s not as noticeable from the side. I also think I am going to install back lighting and this will make it more subtle.

This is what it looks like mounted on the wall. I am going to attach some support to the bottom eventually to make it looks more level. I think I will leave it with a slight angle though. I kind of like it.

Here is the front view.

Now it’s back upstairs with the cabinet and more Bondo and sanding...... then more Bondo..... then more sanding... ;(

 

[hvacdon]

Coming along Very Nice there 5O !! Good work !! Looking forward to your progress pics !!!

 

[Major]

Looking great

 

[TheFiveO]

So my Han arrived.

I am am pleased overall with the mold. The face and hands appear to be really well done.

My only concern is how thin the mold feels. I’m trying to decide how to combine the separated pieces and how to secure it to the box.

Any thoughts? Should I use some form of silicone or adhesive and then just screws?

also.... should I use some fill for the back? Like foam? Just want to make it to have a more sturdy feel.

 

[Artakha]

Who'd you get the cast from?