Case mods, are they difficult to do?

[thomas]

I want to mod my case, I'd like to fit in a 2nd window but . . I want to know what tools should I use.

[Atomic Mitten]

Is your case Aluminium or steel plate ?

If it's either make sure you take the side panel off to cut it.

Remove all burrs on the cut edges, and make sure no filings get anywhere near the main case.

If you mark it out, use a Jigsaw cutter with a fine metal blade in it,and maybe a file to remove the burrs.

Another tip if it's an Alu case, use masking tape over where you intend to cut, and mark your cutting line on top of the tape,cut through both the tape and the Aluminium, this stops scratches and if you slip it's not so bad.

Make sure the panel is held firmly so that it doesn't move, whilst your cutting, use newspaper to protect the case panel from scratching.

Hope this helps.

[scotsman]

I would use a plunge router with a steel cutting bit. The foot of the router has a square edge for use with a guide when long straight cuts are required. The fast cutting bit will stop any chipping of the enamel paint around your cut edge and reduces burring. Atomics idea of masking tape works well.

[thomas]

would a dremel work well?

yea it's alum.

[Atomic Mitten]

Yeah depending on the attachment you use, but it might take a long time to do,it depends what size cut out your doing ?

[Dunenewt]

I recommend a Sledge Hammer. :D

[thomas]

I'm not sure about the cut size because I haven't gotten the panel yet, it'll probaly only be about 8"x8"

[gryphon]

I wasn't into case mods myself at first. Now I have a mod in most of my computers. Just scary dark blue neon lights in the servers [ red ones in the compaq server, looks real good with the red / black compaq design ] emitting a dark blue glow from behind the grills. To see-through windows in my pc's at home. Red and dark blue neon on the indside. I doubted to buy a transparent case a few months ago. . didn't do it though.

Anyway, on case mods. . . as you might have guessed. . I prefer to buy them .. don't like the drilling part and such myself.

[Cybopache]

Some links ,go to Virtual hideout.net.Look under guides to find both dremel and window kit guides.

For a start

Cybo

Here are some more stuff ::)

Cutting with the saw:

In case you have never used a jigsaw here are some pointers.

It is best to have your case laying on its side so you can push the saw down. Do not put a lot of pressure on the saw, just enough to keep it flush against the metal. If you can remove your side panel, place it across two crates. This is a good way to cut a hole in your case without shavings falling onto the components.

The jigsaw blade will have to be inserted into the metal before you start. Therefore, you will need a drill to make a hole that the blade can fit into. It is best to make a hole inside of your cutting area and then work the saw to the outer edge. This will save you from making a mistake.

Move the jigsaw slowly. If you move it too fast, the blade will snag and possibly break. Breaking the blade is not going to harm anything, just frustrate you a bit when you have to buy a new blade.

Do not try and turn the blade sharply. The blade will bend and snag causing it to break. Plan to cut in straight lines with a slight angle to them. You can cut a circle if the diameter is large enough. Remember go slow when cutting a circle.

If you stop in a section and want to continue cutting along the same line, put the blade in at the beginning of your cut. Run the saw and move the blade down the cut again. If you put the blade in where you want to continue and turn the saw on, the blade could snag. This is because the side of the blade can catch the metal on startup.

Conclusion:

Using a jigsaw was the easiest way I found to cut a hole in a case. I have tried to use a Dremel. They make unprofessional looking cuts and take a lot of time to cut a hole. With a jigsaw, I cut an 80mm hole in my case in about 2 minutes.

Look at this article with Dremel:

http://www.gideontech.com/lucite01.shtml

And here is somethink to think about: ::)

http://www.gideontech.com/guides/clean/

Cybo

[thomas]

51 degrees celsius??? DAMN that's hot mine is hardly ever above 30