Paint and cutting questions

[beginnermodder213]

Hey this is a great forum and i was wondering if you guys could help me.

I have a dell dimension 4700, i know its really hard to take out the motherboards and stuff and mount it into a new case so i decided to mod the case. Luckily i have a dell that has a side that easily slides completely off and can work with by itself. I want to cut a hole threw it and make a window, I am curious of what tools i should use, the panel seems to be made of some realy tough metal compared to other cases ive had before.

Secondly I am wondering what type of paint i could use that is safe and won't rub off a computer case and possibly keyboard/mouse that has a nice shine.

this exactly what my computer looks like

http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/dimen/4700_chassis_front_314.jpg

http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/dimen/4700_chassis_back_314.jpg

http://img.dell.com/images/global/products/dimen/4700_chassis_open_314.jpg

any input, links or help would be greatly appreciated.

[Aero]

Most cases are Aluminium or steel, either way, one word.


Dremal.

Just be carefull to wear protective glasses when working with one. Mark out where you want to cut, then work from the back, to minimize scratches, and cut slowly, take your time and follow the line you made. The cut the plastic from the back as well once you get through the metal. Sand the plastic LIGHTLY so you won't notcie it, or you could just take it off, that would be the easiest.

For the window you could order a pre cut window from a place like www.frozencpu.com or www.xoxide.com. Or you can cut one from a plexi-glass sheet.

[Xato]

If you are going to be cutting any surface which you dont want to scratch... tape up he ENTIRE thing first. Then yes, i would recommend a dremel for a first time modder... especially if you dont have any experience with jig saws or the like. After cutting it you will need to file and sand for a smooth edge. And if the plastics on top of the metal, i'd recommend either taking it off... or using some bondo to fill in the gap between the plastic and metal.
And precut windows are gaymax. There's no point in coming onto a extreme modding site, to put in a premade window.
The other thing i would do is get rid of that ugly ugly heat pipe.

As for the paint... there should be a few paint turorials out there...
http://www.modthebox.com/paintguide.shtml

[Xbrid]

Is that a BTX????:?
Goodluck with the mod

[Xato]

BTX?
why do you say that?

[Rachel]

I think the heat sink is confusing you... It has an ATX power supply (it looks like). Thats just Dell's way of the heat sink. They have been like that forever. Even the very old dell's have something like that. Plus on BTX the fan thing usually goes to the front of the case.

[prosser13]

You from the UK or the US? In the UK, there's a brand called 'Wilko' bought at Wilkinsons which do Clear Glass Paint, for making paint look shiny, and Shiny Paint, in different colours.

[beginnermodder213]

hey thanks for all these great tips and suggestions,

I dont quite understand what is meant by the plastic behind the metal, there doesnt seem to be any plastic on the side i want to cut its just a sheet of metal. I am also wondering if I am going to need a powerful Dremel, or would one of these work http://shop.store.yahoo.com/tylertool/drem750minco.html

Thanks for everyones input,

[Xbrid]

ok

[Malatory]

hey thanks for all these great tips and suggestions,

I dont quite understand what is meant by the plastic behind the metal, there doesnt seem to be any plastic on the side i want to cut its just a sheet of metal. I am also wondering if I am going to need a powerful Dremel, or would one of these work http://shop.store.yahoo.com/tylertool/drem750minco.html

Thanks for everyones input,

You will want one with a cord. As cutting with that one, you will spend more time charging it up.

[MAPolley07]

http://case-mods.linear1.org/category/case-mod-101/

check this out the tutorial is awesome and detailed. look at his results, amazing for rattle cans