Case mod's

[coleman17]

Ok, im new at modding and want to make a window and a blowwhole for my case, ive heard using a dremel is most efficiant and since my budget is limited, i dont have many options. I asked my dad(since he has more experience in machinery, not computers;)) and he said since i have a steel case, he didnt think that a dremel would work to good on it, im wondering what would be the best tool for the job, preferably cheap, thanks.

[Aero]

A Dremal work fine with steel. I would recommend buying some reenforced cutting disks for steel though. But even the regular work fine. Work at the highest setting and go slow and don't press too hard, let the disk do the work and enjoy the light show :D

If you don't want to use a dremel, then the second best would be a jigsaw and a good metal blade.

[Rankenphile]

Two words: eye protection.

That said, follow Aero's advice and have fun.

[rockerrock]

Even more so LUNG PROTECTION
there is nothing like waking up the next day caughing up black pelgum.

[Cevinzol]

... and hearing protection.
After sawing sheet metal (especialy with a jig saw) you're ears will be ringing.

[coleman17]

what type of bit do you suggest the saw type one(excuse the terminology;) ) or something different? Thanks again!

[Aero]

If your sing a dremel just stick with either a standard cuting disk or a reinforced cutting disk. Then when youre done use a hand file and sand paper to smooth out the edges. Also gloves might be a good idea, nothing too heavy, but to keep metal shavings from getting stuck in your hands.

[coleman17]

What about this tool? or is it only for small work and not a window??

http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9140

[Cevinzol]

A nibbler like that one works kind of like a paper punch... it cuts out small rectangular pieces (not sure on size maybe 1/8" or less). the picture on radioshacks webpage is a little clearer linked here (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062765&cp=&kw=nibbler&parentPage=search). That little piece protruding from the front is the cutter. when you squeeze the handle it retracts and removes a 'nibble' of sheet metal

It will work but its kinda like scrubbing a latrine with a toothbrush. If you have a drill you can puch a series of holes side by side but then you'd have a ton of filing to do after ward. You can also use offset tin snips like these (http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/browse.jhtml;jsessionid=1EUBVBVDQTSZCCQHUB2CJBQKA4 QGIJCK?catId=IrwinCat100326) but you run the risk of streching the metal if its thin. Cut out a large hole from center leaving a thin margin near your desired size, then trim the thin part off on a second go around.

A jig saw or dremel disks are porbably easiest if you can afford them.
For the blow hole a hole saw will give you the nicest circle. Just center punch the center for the pilot bit so it doesn't start 'walking' across the panel.

Good luck and take pictures (before and after)

[Canada's Own Falcon]

definately, dremel with one, or two, or 3 if you're new, of these (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@0397264362.1143628953@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjaddhgjflgflcgelceffdfgidgjn.0&MID=9876).

MAKE SURE YOU DRAW YOUR LAYOUT freehanding with a dremel is difficult, especially if you want to get a nice circle(blow hole)

cut a little bit shy of where you actually want the edges, then file down the rest. A decent metal file shouldn't cost much more than 10-15 $ (you're dad might have one). When filing, a little metal cutting lubricant is never a bad idea, keeps the heat down, and makes clean up MUCH easier. (no metal filings everywhere)

As for the nibblers, they're great, if you have hourS to waste "nibbling" away at the metal.

[xmastree]

If you have a drill you can puch a series of holes side by side but then you'd have a ton of filing to do after ward.Not necessarily a ton of filing. It depends on what you plan to do with the hole...
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=23890&postcount=27
I simply placed the grille where I wanted it and drew round it on the sheet of self adhesive paper I stuck on there first. Then, when drilling, just make sure that the outer edge of the hole is between the lines and the only filing involved is to remove the sharp edges. That one was a bit rough on the left side due to hitting one of those vents.
I deliberately chose those grilles so that I could leave a less than perfect edge and still get away with it. :rolleyes:

[coleman17]

thanks for the quick replies, im going to start out with the hole saw for the drill to make my blowhole , its quite expensive at home depot as i remember so if i could have a link to one online? it would be very nice. Then if i have enough money i will plan out my window , its probably going to be quite large and im sttrapped for funds right now so it may take a while.Thanks again

[coleman17]

http://www.mnpctech.com/DremelDisc.html
^^^^would that work for what i want to do??

[Aero]

yep, thats the reinforced cutting disk I was talking about.

[Cevinzol]

http://www.harborfreight.com/ enter key word "hole saw" not sure what size you plan on so I can't link a suggestion.

[coleman17]

Ok, thanks i will order the discs today, as for the blowhole im thinking of making it larger than just the fan so i will also use the dremel with it, thanks and i will post some pics when im done.