This project is creating a shop power supply from a re-purposed old computer power unit. The computer supply actually supplies three DC outputs, 3.3, 5.0 and 12 volts, and though I implemented each of these, I expect to use only the 12 volt output at this time.
I purchased the computer supply from a local electronics re-cycler for $10.00. After testing the unit to make sure it worked, it was simply a matter of constructing a mounting method that would work for in my shop environment and sort out the wiring. I utilized YouTube videos for general inspiration and created a solution that was suitable for my use. I made the supply base and mount from 3/4″ plywood and everything else I had left over from other projects, except for the red power-on light, which I bought. The mounting plate for the terminal block, switch and light was fabricated from a piece of scrap steel found in my junk box. Total cost was about $15.00.
The computer power supplies come with a lot of output wires, most of which I didn’t need. Instead of cutting back the extra wires almost to where they exit the case, as most folks seem to do, I cut off the computer connectors and left the wiring long. I bundled them by output voltage, applied heat shrink tubing over the ends and tucked the extra wire away behind the plywood mount. This was done just in case I’d need additional outputs some day. It’s easy to cut them off but far more work to add the wires back later and as the extra wire is out of the way, there’s no harm. Besides, I may add a USB charging port at some point and may need some of the additional wiring.
The mounting method was determined by my shop design and planned usage of the power supply. I intend to use this unit primarily to power a shop-made X-axis power feed for my mini-mill, which I’m now fabricating. I wanted to place the power supply out-of-the-way, but readily accessible. My workbenches have a 3/4″ wide “back splash” so I designed the 3/4″ plywood combination base and mount to take advantage of this by sitting on top of the back splash. This is a slip-fit, so the supply is easily moved to any spot on the various workbenches in the shop. The power unit can be seen mounted in-place in one of the photos.
