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When your circuit board is finished, the final step to completing your project is to mount it in a nice enclosure such as a plastic, metal, or wooden box. You can purchase plastic or metal boxes specifically designed for electronics projects from most electronic parts suppliers. Most RadioShack stores stock a half dozen or so different sizes in their stores, but you’ll find a better assortment of sizes if you shop online. Figure 6-17 shows an assortment of boxes I picked up at my local RadioShack.

If you don’t want to spend the money for a bona fide electronic project box, here are a few alternative ways to find the perfect enclosure for your project:

 Shop discount department stores for small storage boxes. You might find one that’s just the right size and shape for much less money than an official project box of the same size would cost. (If the storage box is an unattractive color, you can always give it a quick coat of paint.)

 In the electrical department of any hardware store, you’ll find inexpensive plastic and metal boxes designed for household wiring. Many of these boxes can be adapted for your electronic projects.FIGURE 6-17: Project boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

 Before you throw away an old electronic gizmo, take a quick look at the box it’s contained in. If you think it might be useful for a project someday, take it apart and discard all the innards, keeping only the empty carcass. Be careful whenever you disassemble any electronic device. Make sure you have first completely removed the power source and watch out for large capacitors that may be holding on to their charge.

 If you frequent yard sales, be on the lookout for items that might be useful as containers for your projects.