DIY Computer Fan Dust Filter - Part 3

(This is the continuation of Part 2)

In the first part of this article, much has been discussed on how the idea of using a computer fan dust filter came about. In the second part, the topic revolved on the importance of a desktop dust filter as well as the design and the materials needed to make an improvised filter.

This part continues with the tools as well as the procedure to make a computer fan dust filter.

Tools

• Phillips screwdriver
  
• Pen marker
  
• Vise grips or locking pliers
  
• Nail
  
• Candle
  
• Sharp knife, cutter or razor blade
  
• Scissors
  

Procedure

1. Position the clear plastic lid over the air-intake ventilation holes. Be sure the lid covers the screw holes of the air-intake fan.
   
   
   
   
   
2. With a pen marker, mark points on the plastic lid where the screw holes of the air-intake fan are located. There are two marked points (screws) in the example below.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Light a candle and affix a 2-inch nail to a pair of vise grips. Put a cardboard or newspapers to prevent damaging your work surface or table.
   
   
4. Heat the pointed end of the nail on the flame of the lighted candle for 2 minutes or more as shown below.
   
   
   
   
   
5. While holding the plastic lid, pierce the marked points with the hot pointed end of the nail. When hot enough, the heated nail will melt the plastic and create a hole.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Ensure the created hole is big enough for the air-intake fan's screw to pass through. You can make the hole bigger by wiggling and rubbing the heated nail sideways through the plastic. Reheat the nail on the candle flame as necessary.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Remove the cover panel of the computer case. You may have to use a Phillips screwdriver to do this as well as to remove the air-intake fan.
   
   
8. Position the plastic lid over the air vent holes. Ensure the holes are aligned. Insert the screws so they freely pass through the holes of the plastic lid as well as that of the cover panel.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Choose an object whose size and shape approximates that of the set of air ventilation holes. For a round shaped pattern, this could be a coaster, drinking glass, cup, saucer or even another plastic lid.
   
   
   
   
   
10. While holding the object, trace the shape on the clear plastic lid with a pen marker.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Here's the clear plastic lid with the drawn shape (a circle in this case). Notice the circle does not touch the screw holes.
    
    
    
    
    
12. Create a pilot hole inside the drawn shape. Use a sharp knife, cutter or razor blade to create a small triangle-shaped hole. Again, cover your work space with a cardboard or newspapers to avoid damaging the surface.
    
    
    
    
    
13. The size of the pilot hole should be big enough for the the blades of a scissor to enter and start cutting.
    
    
    
    
    

(See Part 4 for the continuation of this article)