Coolermaster Conundrum

[gntlkilr]

Ok, here's the issue. I have a coolermaster CMstacker (STC-T01, thats the bigger one...LOL). Ok, at the bottom of the case between the 5 1/4 bay rails and the lower PSU plate is a 12" x 4" (close enough measurements) that used to have a filter over it for air exhaust. Don't ask me why they did it that way, but they did. I like the idea actually, with a little change to it. I want to mount my dual 120 radiator over that with the fans on top of it, blowing the air out. Seems like a great place for it actually. Anyways, I'm having trouble cutting the plexi to the right size. What is the most reliable and easiest way to cut plexi? I saw that Defyant mod with the frosted plexi and i love it, so I want to use frosted plexi for that and my custom res. The res is not a big deal. Clear PVC pipe from the hardware store, frost it. No worries. But the damn mount for the Radiator is a B%^& to work with. I have about a 14" by 5" piece already cut with a 12.5" by 4" hole in the middle to mount the radiator. No big. Its the sides that are about 3/4" thats killin me. I can't get a slow moving dremel or jigsaw to make a clean cut with that size. Help please?! I'm almost there. Thanks. :?

[chedabob]

dremel? but make sure you put plenty of coolant near the blade. stop it from melting the plexi

you could also score the plexi, then snap it. use a scoring tool to draw the first line, then bend it over the edge of a desk, with a perfect right angle edge (not curved). make sure you score it until it is about halfway through.

or, if you got a few things that need cutting, get it sent to a laser shop. ive seen quite cheap prices.

[.Maleficus.]

Welcome to the forums!

Well, I usually use a Dremel, but you said you can't get clean cuts with it. What do you mean by that exactly? Are you trying to hold the plexi with one hand and cut the other, and can't keep things steady? Is the 3/4" cut in the middle, and you can't get to it easily?

If it is #1, then I would get something heavy to set on the plexi so you can use both hands to keep it steady.

If it is #2, then I would get a small cutting disk, and just go straight down at the line.

If it is neither, then I'm probably not understanding something.

Hope that helped!

[gntlkilr]

chedabob wins first prize for guessing the issue, it gets too hot. :D (ding ding ding, here's your toy, now go away kid, ya bother me, j/k!) What's a decent coolant? Plus, the reason I got into this (this being modding) was because it looked cool and somethign decent to pass the time. It's hard to draw a straight line let alone cut one. :( But I'm addicted, I cut my first wiindow then BAM! I have dreams about new modding ideas.

Then I found out that everyone already did them! Ah well.

Maleficus, the scoring method is awesome for this idea, but like I said, its hard enough to cut a straight line, I'm gonna keep thinking on it, altho Plexi isn't too expensive here in germany. Having to buy 220v tools, now that is expensive. :p All my good ones are still back in the states but they're 110v. ish

[progbuddy]

There are various ways of cutting without it melting. Use a jigsaw, laser, wet saw (for larger pieces), or dremel (all you have to do is go at a lower speed or use a different bit).

[Omega]

When cutting plexiglass with a dremel always wear saftey glasses and go slow. The glasses so that if you're going too fast the moten plexi won't get into your eyes. I learned this the hard way =/

[gntlkilr]

too late on that last one, i already had that scare. So what bit are ya'll using? those cutting disks get way too hot way too quick.

[gntlkilr]

Well, I figured it out. My dumba*# was using the wrong kind of blade, i got a blade made for plastics, and then I started using water (finally, a use for that old WaterPik my mom wanted me to use 12 years ago! LOL), and it works awesome. Thanks for all the help ya'll