Introduction:

   They started as steel, then aluminum, and now increasing in popularity, acrylic. But what about wood? Modders and custom PC builders, being a more youthful and technologically advanced genre have desired a more modern style, which has translated into the case industry predominantly conforming to the sleek and modern style of steel, aluminum, and acrylic cases.

   Since the concept of a case being more than just a bulky beige box is relatively new, there never really has been a market for a traditionally styled wooden case. I'm not saying that this is a totally foreign concept; there are currently a few imitation wood cases covered in a wood design overlay, or even some with a painted wood design. But, from what I can tell, this is the first of its kind.

   I'm sure you're asking the same questions I did when I first saw pictures of this case. How? Well, don't be mistaken, it's not all wood. Through a process I'll explain later, Exotic Wood Crafts has turned an aluminum case into a wood veneer case. For those who don't know, a veneer is a very thin layer of wood, in this case, pressed onto the panels of the case, maintaining the strong and stable characteristics of an aluminum case, while giving it a one of a kind wood finish. If you're thinking, "Hey, I though it was wood. You lied, jackass!" Then fine. Make your own wood case; if it doesn't turn out extremely bulky, it'll turn out too fragile. This method is truly the only way to make a practical wood case; even though technically, it isn't a wood case. Though, that's not really important.

Exotic Wood Crafts - A Brief Background:

   Never heard of them? Neither had I. Their operation is just getting off the ground after being founded earlier this year by a couple guys named Doug and Richard from a place in Oregon named Grand Pass. Here's the skinny, in their own words from the Exotic Wood Crafts' About Page:

"E.W.C. (Exotic Wood Crafts) provides a Exotic Wooden Computer Case, By using Burl veneer and other Hardwood veneers. Exotic Wood Crafts was founded with two simple goals in mind: to offer our PC customers with both cutting edge technology and extensive range of other technological support. By being the manufacturer AND the distributor, we are dedicated to meet your personalized needs with effective computing solutions.

"Our goal at E.W.C. is to establish a business relationship with our customers that will last a lifetime!"

 

Myrtle Wood

Black Walnut Burl

Flame Maple Burl

   I took the liberty of including these images to show the diversity of their selection, not only in types of wood, but also in cases. You can check out more of their offerings, including even more different types of woods and cases at their products page.

The Process:

   I found this quite fascinating and there was just no way I could leave it out. From their website, the process in which a huge block of wood and a small metal case become one:

"Burl hardwood is put into a hot water tank for a few days to soften the material. The hardwood is then cut into thin sheets with our own in-house wood lathe. The cut Burl hardwood is then laid out in sheets. A 3-ton heat press is used to bond the backing to the Burl hardwood. The Special Bonding Method uses a proprietary process. Next, the burl hardwood is carefully coated with a coat of premium Lacquer.

"After the completed sheets of hardwood veneer have been prepared, each case is prepared to receive the unique, new skin. Each and every case is hand crafted.

"Each burl pattern is like a fingerprint, and your Burl hardwood case will be one of a kind."

   Alright, enough of all that. Let's take a look at the case...