I've decided to change my NAS drive (would work just as well for a USB drive) into a feature. Rather than a black box sitting by my PC. This is one of the sites that inspired me.
I'm going to change it into a tank/trash compactor robot loosely based on mek-quake from 2000AD comic.
My first challenge is to build a box big enough for a 3.5" drive (externally 4", why not a 4" drive?) and small enough for a 1/35 scale tank.
What I really need is a workshop but failing that I have just done my first bend of alumin(i)um sheet. This was a test to see if I could do it with what I have to hand and it was fairly successful. What I now need is a vice, large hacksaw and mole grips or just some time in a well equiped workshop.

Wow! Wall-e on steroids! :O

Fascinating project, snowy! I'm interested in seeing the final results.

Sounds like a fun project, can't w8 to see further progress 

I'll try and do an update per week, assuming I have made any progress.
My tip for bending/marking aluminium is to make a black marker pen line first and then scribe a line through that so you can see where to cut/bend to.

The rough shape...

Still more filing and hammering to be done but this is the 4 pieces taped together.

Considering the tools you have at hand I think it's mighty fine work.   

Yep looks fine.  I used to hate metal work due to all the sore cuts I used to somehow get.

looking great so far, keep up the great work 

Not gonna echo the kudos in any way but thought. But then again, it's the thought that counts, right?

It all, sort of, fits together now. I need to fabricate a 2 piece frame plus cut the steel circuit board mount to be able to fit the HDD and circuit board. And then to glue it together and modify the circuit board to add leads. There goes the warranty. 

Wish I could send you a dead SATA drive to use for parts. You'd be able to strip off the connection header and convert it, thus saving the warranty on the enclosed drive.

Maybe Data has a dead drive to contribute to the cause? Or Freddy? Diesel? Anyone??? Please don't let Snowy void his warranty!!!

I only have leads to solder onto the plugs. I think cutting the steel chassis may void the warranty anyway. 

That and it's over a year old.

very well done, keep up the good work

Not made much progress. Had a cold and not felt like playing. 

I'm on the last piece for the main box. Just needs folding, then drilling bolt holes and soldering leads and I'm up to gluing/bolting it all together.

Did you ever finish this Snowy ?