Shopping for aluminum

[w0lv3r1n3]

I'll be getting my Lian-Li V2000 Plus II next week, and I'll
be needing to buy some cheap but good aluminum Sheet's,
angle's.. well lot's of different shapes..
Does anyone know of good sources for this?
Thanks everyone !

[Computer-Geek]

here u go (http://thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8546)

[elbarto241]

if your looking for a place local, just go to a near by scrap metal yard. most of those places sell their spare pieces veeeeeeery cheap.

[crazybillybob]

here's a place that I've used allot.
ASAP Source (http://www.asapsource.com/public/index.asp)

If you call and talk to them you maybe able to get what's call a Drop. There odd length pieces let over after the cut things for other customers...At A BIG discount. They're nice guys and they have helped me out allot.


CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Another question.. What type of Alum should I
be looking for? Like what Alloys and types are good for
case building-modding?
Thanx

[crazybillybob]

If your going to cut, drill, tap, or machine it allot you want 6061 if your going to bend it (tight radius like for corners) go with a 5052. You can do all these operations on any kind of aluminum, these are just better for each.
To cut the aluminum I recommend a Jig saw and Bosh metal cutting blades (T118AF). They are not cheap $6-$11 for a 5 pack (internet and Big Box available) But they are worth every penny! I've got a decent 19.2V Cordless Variable speed Jig saw (craftsmen). For cutting metal the variable speed is a must!! a cheapy Jigsaw that's variable speed is fine, but get the good blades! With my setup I've cut .375" 6061 Alum, like it was butter, I've also cut through 16 gauge carbon steel (normal PC cases are 18 gauge...like wire higher gauges in metal means thinner) like no body's business. I've made some complicated an intricate Case windows for myself and others with a jigsaw... Can't beat the control it gives you... and no Dremal cutoff wheel will let you get that tight.

If your bending the Aluminum and it's thicker then say 16 gauge you'll need to score the inside (this is done by running a Dremal cutoff wheel across the fold line on the inside of the fold) best take a look at Tribaloverkill's Blackout Work Log (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?p=131460#post131460) For Great examples of scoring and how to make your own folding rig...It's early on in the work log, but I highly recommend reading the whole thing start to current, but you may want to pack a lunch..it's an epic novel!! of a work log. You can also check out my R2-Srv Worklog (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1092), not Quiet as Epic as TO's but it's got some very cool stuff on metal working in there...Alum and Steel I'm a equal opportunity kind of guy (some places Steel is a better choice due to loads and easy of fabrication..that's the whole engineering side case moding :) )

If you can't figure something out...ask Myself and TO answer all of our PM's, even though it my not look like we post much out side of our work logs (and the rep is low) we do like to help out and we've learned what works and what doesn't so we can save you some time and a bit of trouble (some times :) ) other times the only way to know if it will work is try :think:

CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Thanx man.. I believe I actually followed your worklog
while it was in progress.. I was also busy with my
case-build at the time.. I joined the forum back in
Jan of 2006, but browsed way before that..
I've built about a dozen comp's, but my first modded one
was back in about '99 when i had the case powder-coated and
put wheel's on it and cut a window.. some lights.. lol
One of the trap's I feel into early on was to not have a clear
plan-idea right at the first.. So i would add stuff later.. my
wire management suffered as a result..
Hoping to rectify that, I'm going to draw out a plan.. partly in
Scetch-up and Illustrator before I touch a drill, dremel or soldering
iron..
I have an idea on custom-made wiring that I will post in the
"Idea's" section right after I post this one..
thanx for all the help !

[w0lv3r1n3]

Of course some of the alum may be replaced with
Mirrored Acrylic..

Hummmm... Mirrored Acyrlic & Alum.. Hummm..

:)

[w0lv3r1n3]

Would a tabletop skillsaw work better for
cutting alum, plexi? I was looking at homedepot
and they have one for like $99

Thanx !

[crazybillybob]

You can cut aluminum with a table saw BUT I don't recommend it!! The chances of Kick backs are way higher with Aluminum, and the damage they can cause to your body goes up too. If your going to try it remember that you MUST use a carbide tipped blade, also the aluminum dust is very hard on the saw (it will die sooner), Make sure your in full safety gear (ie. Safety glasses,dust mask, earplugs,gloves!!!) A far safer tool is a miter saw or a radial arm saw...safer still the humble jigsaw!(better control...not as good for straight lines).

If your not really formidable with a table saw Don't try it! This is how younglings (and first timer old guys) get hurt!

Now for plex the table saw is GREAT!!! and just follow basic safety and you should be ok...Might want to add work in well ventilated area..but that's true when ever your cutting plastics at high speeds (as the plastics burn in the presents of oxygen they can release toxic gases like chlorine).

Good luck

CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Thanx for the info.. I have a Circular table saw for making
stright cuts but not a skill saw.. So might not be worth getting
one then.. Humm... lazer-cutting the side-panel is sounding better
so far.. I do have a very nice dremel for smaller stuff..
Thanx again!

[crazybillybob]

can you post a linky to the "skill saw" as I under stand a skill saw to be a circular saw...???

This is what I mean by jig saw. (http://www.boschtools.com/tools/tools-detail.htm?H=175981&G=54927&I=55131)

CraZyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Sorry.. I meant a scroll saw.. Here's a link to one, but they
did have a table-top model for $99 that i may still get..

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100055464

[crazybillybob]

Ok, that makes more since now.
A scroll saw is Great for Aluminum and plex!! I used a little benchtop model to cut this fan cover out of 1/8"+ thick 6061Aluminum (that fan is a 40mm fan)
http://www.fccmonline.com/LanImages/R2/thumbs/FanGdMisssized_thm.JPG (http://www.fccmonline.com/LanImages/R2/FanGdMisssized_big.JPG)

No other way to get that level of detail in it. Make sure to pick up some extra blades (fine toothed for alumn.) adjusting the speed is the big thing, you don't want to try and cut to fast or you'll over heat the blade and it will snap.
My opinion Scroll saws are worth the cash if your going to do tight detailed work (look at Tribal Overkill, another lover of the scroll saw). The better scroll saws take blades with and without pins (pins are the little horizontal bit of metal used to keep them tight) The up side with pinless blades is that you don't need as big of a hole to slide the blade through (allows smaller details)... Saws normal cost more....Pined blades normally cost a bit more then unpinned... but the saws are cheaper.

Hope this helped!
CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Yes it did help greatly.. thanx man !
Definately getting a SCROLL saw..
:)

[Deadeye]

I've begun working on a custom scratch built case for my friend and shopping for aluminum is no easy task. Few bits of advice I can offer you...

If you can avoid using a circular saw of any sort (table, radial arm saw, chop saw, etc) do so. In my experience they tend to leave a relatively inaccurate cut as well as produce excess heat, which can cause problems when dealing with treated metals. These saws also leave many burrs on the cut requiring filing.

Instead find a local shop (or school) that has a shear to do any sheet aluminum cuts that you may need.

If you have to use a circular saw to cut something use a NEW(ER/EST) thin metal cutting blade <1/8" and cut roughly near the target length and then use a file or, even better, bench mounted disc sander to sand it to precisely the length/angle you need.

As for finding a place to purchase aluminum, I found Lowe's and Home Depot to be a good spot to find small amounts of sheet metal (think 8"x10") and a decent assortment of angle and bar stock. As for larger sheet metal I would suggest www.onlinemetals.com - I use the 5052 alloy (cheap and strong ;) ).

hope this helps!

[w0lv3r1n3]

thanks.. Will keep that in mind.. Gonna check homedepot
sometime this week..
I also ordered some Acrylic Mirror 12X24.. not bad for $8.94 a sheet.

http://www.interstateplastics.com/detail.aspx?ID=acrylicmirror-SCl013

As far as Screws and such, i think i'll go with stainless socket caps
and perhaps some flatheads.. Chrome would be nice, but pretty spendy..
So far, looks like http://www.boltdepot.com/ is a good bet..
You can get a box of 100 8X32's 3/4" for under $12...

thanx again !