Need Help with Dremel and Window Mod

[AMD_RULES]

Hello
I need some help on selecting a dremel bit that can be used to cut a hole for a window on the side of a Lian Li PCA05B chassis.
I would also like to cut a top 120mm fan so is there some kind of hole saw attachment?

I will most likely be using this window kit for the mod = http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3895/win-01/12x12_Clear_Acrylic_Window_Kit.html?tl=g44c11s496

Any links would be greatly appreciated it.
I live in the USA, so any links to Home Depot or Lowes would be greatly appreciated :up:

- AMD_RULES

[Chewbenator]

You can use the regular brown multi-purpose cut off wheels, but you might go through 2 just for 1 120mm fan hole. I would suggest getting a reinforced cutting wheel, which is also safer because you don't have to worry about shattered shards as much as with the brown ones. I got my stuff at Walmart but have also seen the same products in Home Depot or Lowes.

As far as I know there isn't a hole saw attachment but maybe someone can correct me and also point me towards one.

[Vice]

Hole saw is much better for cutting fan holes - the result will be much cleaner.

You can get them from Home Depot or Lowes, I would try Lowes though, usually cheaper.

120mm fan = 4.5in hole saw.

[virtualrain]

Here's my :2cents:

For the window, I would use a jigsaw just a hair inside the actual cut line and then file the edges perfectly smooth to the correct hole size.

For the fan hole, the best tool depends on how clean the hole needs to be. If you are putting a filter/grill over it and the hole can be a bit rough, then again a jigsaw is the fastest easiest way.

You can get a metal hole saw attachment (4.5" hole for 120mm fan). These are expensive but the hole will be perfectly circular.

If using a dremel, I purchased some large super duty reinforced 1.25" cutting wheels with a special screw-on mendrel from Home Depot... they are expensive at $25 for 10 wheels but they last much much longer than the ones typically included in any dremel kit and wont snap or shatter nearly as easily.

[AMD_RULES]

Here's my :2cents:

For the window, I would use a jigsaw just a hair inside the actual cut line and then file the edges perfectly smooth to the correct hole size.

For the fan hole, the best tool depends on how clean the hole needs to be. If you are putting a filter/grill over it and the hole can be a bit rough, then again a jigsaw is the fastest easiest way.

You can get a metal hole saw attachment (4.5" hole for 120mm fan). These are expensive but the hole will be perfectly circular.

If using a dremel, I purchased some large super duty reinforced 1.25" cutting wheels with a special screw-on mendrel from Home Depot... they are expensive at $25 for 10 wheels but they last much much longer than the ones typically included in any dremel kit and wont snap or shatter nearly as easily.

would the jigsaw be easier to handle and cut with than the dremel?

thanks

- Arules

[virtualrain]

would the jigsaw be easier to handle and cut with than the dremel?

thanks

- Arules

I guess it depends on your skill with each tool. For me, I find the dremel a bit more difficult to make a long consistent straight line cut and use it only for small cut or trim jobs or cuts where it's difficult to reach with a jig saw. I also don't have the patience to dremel cut large things. If you can follow a line reasonably straight with a jig saw, it can be infinitely faster and provide a smoother cut than a dremel.

When cutting aluminum with a Jigsaw use an 18tpi or 24tpi blade.

Before you cut your beloved case, get an aluminum sheet from home depot or somewhere and do some test cutting. Draw some straight lines and practise cutting with the jigsaw and then see what you can do with a dremel.

Also, as I said above, always cut slightly to the inside of the line so you can file it down to perfection... (and get a good hand held straight edge metal file) don't rely on your cutting to be perfect... it never will be. It's always easier to take material away than put it back?! :D

One last piece of advice... get some eye protection and if using a dremel to cut aluminum get a dust mask for breathing protection... a dremel creates super fine aluminum dust that creates a cloud around the work area... which can't be good for your lungs.

[deees]

I've wondered if one of these could also work:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69795
possibly in combination with a straight-edge for windows, or with one of these for fan and windows opening:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69820

(I actually owned one of these along with the drill press, jigsaw, etc., over a weekend, before I returned them. But I didn't try cutting any case openings, so I'll have to defer to someone who has).

[nibble]

Here's my :2cents:

For the window, I would use a jigsaw just a hair inside the actual cut line and then file the edges perfectly smooth to the correct hole size.

For the fan hole, the best tool depends on how clean the hole needs to be. If you are putting a filter/grill over it and the hole can be a bit rough, then again a jigsaw is the fastest easiest way.

You can get a metal hole saw attachment (4.5" hole for 120mm fan). These are expensive but the hole will be perfectly circular.

If using a dremel, I purchased some large super duty reinforced 1.25" cutting wheels with a special screw-on mendrel from Home Depot... they are expensive at $25 for 10 wheels but they last much much longer than the ones typically included in any dremel kit and wont snap or shatter nearly as easily.

That's exactly what you want to do, Dremels are just a PITA for any big cutting jobs; takes forever and you get a very rough cut. You can use it for the fan hole too, just make it a square hole.

I've wondered if one of these could also work:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69795
possibly in combination with a straight-edge for windows, or with one of these for fan and windows opening:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69820

(I actually owned one of these along with the drill press, jigsaw, etc., over a weekend, before I returned them. But I didn't try cutting any case openings, so I'll have to defer to someone who has).
I've got one of those, they're only meant for cutting drywall and light wood, I never actually used it though. Maybe for really thin aluminium it work but a holesaw would be a lot better.

[virtualrain]

A jigsaw works great on holes for fans too... the circumference is big enough that the blade won't bind as you turn it in the required arc.

Obviously a round file is the best for perfecting curves after cutting.

[AMD_RULES]

I've wondered if one of these could also work:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69795
possibly in combination with a straight-edge for windows, or with one of these for fan and windows opening:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69820

(I actually owned one of these along with the drill press, jigsaw, etc., over a weekend, before I returned them. But I didn't try cutting any case openings, so I'll have to defer to someone who has).
I actually saw that today at the store as I was browsing and thought to myself if that would help or not :)

I guess it depends on your skill with each tool. For me, I find the dremel a bit more difficult to make a long consistent straight line cut and use it only for small cut or trim jobs or cuts where it's difficult to reach with a jig saw. I also don't have the patience to dremel cut large things. If you can follow a line reasonably straight with a jig saw, it can be infinitely faster and provide a smoother cut than a dremel.

When cutting aluminum with a Jigsaw use an 18tpi or 24tpi blade.

Before you cut your beloved case, get an aluminum sheet from home depot or somewhere and do some test cutting. Draw some straight lines and practise cutting with the jigsaw and then see what you can do with a dremel.

Also, as I said above, always cut slightly to the inside of the line so you can file it down to perfection... (and get a good hand held straight edge metal file) don't rely on your cutting to be perfect... it never will be. It's always easier to take material away than put it back?! :D

One last piece of advice... get some eye protection and if using a dremel to cut aluminum get a dust mask for breathing protection... a dremel creates super fine aluminum dust that creates a cloud around the work area... which can't be good for your lungs.
Thank you for the great tips, I'm gonna pick up a jigsaw later this week along with some metal cutting bits. I think i'll save the 120mm fan hole for another project.

That's exactly what you want to do, Dremels are just a PITA for any big cutting jobs; takes forever and you get a very rough cut. You can use it for the fan hole too, just make it a square hole.
agreed

thank you

[virtualrain]

I've wondered if one of these could also work:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69795
possibly in combination with a straight-edge for windows, or with one of these for fan and windows opening:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69820

(I actually owned one of these along with the drill press, jigsaw, etc., over a weekend, before I returned them. But I didn't try cutting any case openings, so I'll have to defer to someone who has).

Yeah, I tried this... it's horrendus. Trying to cut with a drill bit is insane.

[AMD_RULES]

Yeah, I tried this... it's horrendus. Trying to cut with a drill bit is insane.

ya, jigsaw FTW!!! :up:

[Ashraf]

I am willing to sell my brand new 4.5" hole saw for only $10 plus shipping. If you're interested, shoot me a PM.

[ineedaname]

Its not that hard 2 cut a hole with a regular dremel then u don't even have 2 buy anything extra.

Just draw out the hole cut inside the hole then use a sanding tip to make it circular. I personally find it easier with a dremel. Easiest way is a 12 inch hole cutter but that would b expensive.

And I use reinforced cutoff wheels for my dremel. I like the reinforced ones a lot better cuz they don't tend to chip apart like the regular ones.

[deees]

Yeah, I tried this... it's horrendus. Trying to cut with a drill bit is insane.

Did you use a twist drill or a spiral saw bit?

[sergers]

mini/short handle hacksaw is what I use... faster than a dremel, pretty clean cuts, and only less than 10$

[virtualrain]

Did you use a twist drill or a spiral saw bit?

Hmmm... not sure.

[DarthBeavis]

or pay a shop with a plasma cutter to do it for you

[Lu(ky]

Hello
I need some help on selecting a dremel bit that can be used to cut a hole for a window on the side of a Lian Li PCA05B chassis.
I would also like to cut a top 120mm fan so is there some kind of hole saw attachment?

I will most likely be using this window kit for the mod = http://www.frozencpu.com/products/3895/win-01/12x12_Clear_Acrylic_Window_Kit.html?tl=g44c11s496

Any links would be greatly appreciated it.
I live in the USA, so any links to Home Depot or Lowes would be greatly appreciated :up:

- AMD_RULES


Here is a link to YOUTUBE shows you how to mod a side window what tools you need everything. Also a TOP 120mm BLOW HOLE as well. Also if you use a dremel to cut the side panel of the case for the window use this 1.5 cutting disc fot your dremmel works like a charm and you get 6 of them.
Here is a pix of me using the dremel cutting a piece off in my case mod.
LINKS UNDER PICTURES
http://i.pbase.com/g6/06/629506/2/80982424.cHQ8WC1L.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/g6/06/629506/2/80983065.iAS0sqGf.jpg

Dremel 1.5 cutting disc: http://www.mnpctech.com/DremelDisc.html

SIDE WINDOW INSTALL:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpZoE-zj0-k

120mm BLOW HOLE: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dxlMy0htuVA

[PWRESRGE]

If you really want to use a drumel, the easiest way is to get a long straight metal object (I used a carpenters square) I clamped it along the line that I wanted to cut. Using that as a guide you'll be more able to get a straighter cut with less shavings. It does take a long time to cut but well worth it in the end with a nice clean straight line cut. If you are a perfectionist you can leave the square attached and do your fileing their and get a very straight line.

I just used this method to install my Rad in my computer worked really well. I got the quick attach fitting and re-inforced drumel cutting heads worked great went through 3 disks.

As for the fan hole, you might also want to look into a hole punch that they would use for a door handle. They come with a drill bit in the center to drill the pilot hole and then cuts on the outside, I've used those to cut into fiberglass to install speakers and things in a boat just had to take my time. If your cutting the plexiglass, just put a peice of MDF behind the window and clamp is down as to not spin around when drilling and you'll be fine.

I have the drill bit size at home for the case screws so that at the same time you can drill into plexiglass to get the mounting holes but the easiest thing to do is bring one of the screws to home depot, they have a template to see what size of drill bit you'll need. I'd just go to homedepot with the screw for the confidence factor.

I'd estimate total cost - drumel attachement 22$, hole punch 14$, drill bit for case screws 6$ (note prices in canadian)

[deees]

Hmmm... not sure.

If you tried to use a conversional drill bit, I can understand how hard it can be, (drills are designed not to cut into the sides of the hole). A spiral saw or endmill is. I don't know of the Dremel 561 MultiPurpose Cutting Bits are up to the task, but if they, they would seem to be the ideal tool for these jobs. Hopefully, someone with a set will test this and report.

[wildcard]

I use a Dremel for my window mods and it's not that hard. A little messy, but it's not that bad. It took me a few times to get the cuts straight and clean. Once you master the dremel, there is no mod you can't do.

Just make sure you have a high-end 2.0 amp heavy duty dremel tool (or similar like the Black and Decker RTX).

[IFMU]

Few things from my perspective.
1, I used this, ~ http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=69679&I=69795
and never really cared for it.
As for this one, ~http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=69679&I=69820
I've never tried. I could see it being handy, but not sure right off hand.

I use the dremel for pretty much anything and everything on case modding.
Windows, fan holes, cable guides, whatever.
There are a few tricks to it though,
1, take it SLOW. The slower you go, the better the holes shape is, and the less amount of disks you go through. If you go fast, it will burn through the disks alot faster.
2, as with everything, measure twice, cut once. Hell, for that matter, measure 3 times and cut once! lol
3, take your time on every aspect of it. Make sure what it is you want will work with other mods you are interested in doing on it.

I actually cut a hole in a case once for a window and once done, the window molding got int the way with the drives casing so the side panel wouldnt shut all the way. Ended up having to jury rig it to get it to lay right. Turned out to be a real pain.

[Jedda]

Few things from my perspective.
1, I used this, ~ http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=69679&I=69795
and never really cared for it.
As for this one, ~http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachme...=69679&I=69820
I've never tried. I could see it being handy, but not sure right off hand.

I use the dremel for pretty much anything and everything on case modding.
Windows, fan holes, cable guides, whatever.
There are a few tricks to it though,
1, take it SLOW. The slower you go, the better the holes shape is, and the less amount of disks you go through. If you go fast, it will burn through the disks alot faster.
2, as with everything, measure twice, cut once. Hell, for that matter, measure 3 times and cut once! lol
3, take your time on every aspect of it. Make sure what it is you want will work with other mods you are interested in doing on it.

I actually cut a hole in a case once for a window and once done, the window molding got int the way with the drives casing so the side panel wouldnt shut all the way. Ended up having to jury rig it to get it to lay right. Turned out to be a real pain.

That's why the old adage is -
Think thrice
Measure twice
Cut once.
Most important is think thrice.
One good way to cut fan holes is to turn up with your case and a six pack at any panel beater's workshop on friday arvo. There's tools called panel punches that slice through our cases like butter cutting perfect circles.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/sulk/chpunch_dia.gif