Question for window cutting...

[Sliceman]

Im planning on buying a LL V1200 Plus 2, but it dont have a window. So if i buy it i want to mod a window in it. Here is a pic for my plans

outside blk line is the main cut. the smaller square would be a cut in the acrylic for the 120mm fan. (it would be circlular not square though)

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7786/lianlicuts2yj.png

[Rankenphile]

I'm sorry, I'm not sure what your question is. Can you clarify?

[Sliceman]

If i buy the 1200plus 2 case, i want to cut out a spot for a window(thus the black lines) just wondering how easy it would be and what tools i would use

[xmastree]

One of these:
http://www.xoxide.com/nibbler.html
is probably your best bet.

[tybrenis]

Or, you could use a Dremel tool with a reinforced cut-off disc.

[Malatory]

Or, you could use a Dremel tool with a reinforced cut-off disc.

^^^^

Or a Jig saw with good metal cutting blades.

The nibbler would work but i am sure you would end up with blisters since that cuts 1-2mm X 5-6mm piece at a time. If the case was think metal like some Antec cases .. I am sure you would bust the tip a couple of times before you finished.

[Sliceman]

Ok, thanks for the info and tools guys!

The case is aluminum too, so it should be easy.

Also, when it comes to cutting acrylic, what should I use?

[Sliceman]

The edit button wasnt working... what are those little metal screw things you see on some windows? too hold them on? Their usually on the outside of the metal?

[CanaBalistic]

well to hold anything tightly together you need pressure on both sides, hence thoes fasteners.

Im going to try hot glue for mine, if it works as planed it will give a more stealthy effect than fasteners or channel lock

[Sliceman]

post back if it works for ya

[The Modfather]

I'd suggest the Dremel method, you'll get cleaner cuts by far. And I'm very familiar with cutting Lian Li cases, they are NOT easy to cut, they're harder than any other case I've ever cut, their alu is a much heavier guage. You're going to need A LOT of heavy duty cutting discs. Go SLOW and steady, the less you have to sand and grind to make it smooth the better and with that case it's gonna be difficult.

Do you plan on using any kind of trim or do you want to rivit the window in place? If you're trimming you can get away with a slightly sloppier cut but for riviting you want a very clean cut.

For cutting the plexi, same rules apply, go slow, but also take breaks in between because the tool will get hot and it'll gum up with the plexi, so stop every couple of inches, wait for things to cool down and start again. Patience is the most important thing.

[Sliceman]

Thanks for the really thorough reply Modfather! This will help me alot when my dad decides he can pay for the case.

[DaveW]

Well...I find the jigsaw is the best for thicker metals. Just remember to lube the blade every few minutes.

-Dave

[The Modfather]

Yea the Jigsaw would be QUICKER but, it wouldn't be as clean. Jigsaws tend to do a rather jagged cut compared to the Dremel with the HD cutting disks. If you're using a rubber gasket, well, you might get away with the jig, but yeah, do lube the blade, and stop every few inches to let it cool down. Slow and steady.

[Sliceman]

i would use the dremel, looks funner.. haha... and i would be using rivets

[nil8]

Rivets are easy, and give a good industrial look if you paint them when you paint your case. You just have to watch the sanding of them.

Dremel tool would definitely be the clean way, but also very slow.
Faster than a nibbler.
If you do use a jigsaw, be prepared to file down the burrs and practice on some thick pieces of aluminum first to understand how it cuts.

LL cases aren't cheap and screwing up on one isn't much fun.

In any case, good luck.