Hi guys, I'm going to dare mod my case very soon. I'm planning to make some case blow holes for some fans. I'd just like to find out what tools or methods you use when making holes? Any tips? One way i've already seen is the 'chassis hole punch'. Code: http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/534/pict89029er.jpg - Vaz
depending on how big the hole, i use a dremel for most of mine. i have this nice accessory that came with it so that i can cut exact holes: http://www.dremel.com/en-us/attachm...accessory-detail.htm?H=188575&G=69679&I=69820 this is really really nice for making holes. im getting ready to use it for some holes i need in my window for some fans.
My favorite methods are: 1. For thicker Aluminum or make a template out of mdf with a wood spindle cutter (it has a drill bit in the center and a blade that spins on the outside) and use a router table with a flush trim bit that rides along the wood. 2. For thinner alu. use the spindle circle cutter thing directly. For steel, probably the dremel method above would be better.
Me too. You can buy a decent holesaw set (which includes about 8 different size holesaws) for £10 - £15
be careful using those hole saws, a mate drilled my front intake holes and the teeth had been stripped down by the time they were done...then again, that was my chassis and not a top or side panel...but still, try and get a hole saw thats suitable for metal rather than one designed for wood
Thank's for the advice guys. I guess i'll be using the drill method. A mate of mine has the circular front pieces for the drill.
yeah it makes a big difference there, a wood holesaw would end up without teeth if you took it to enough metal
Don't use corless drill... Just a tip I learned the hard way... Use a corded drill over a cordless if you have one. It will cut like butter compared to even an 18-24V cordless. And you don't run the risk of smokin' your motor like I did...
Best thing to do is to use a drill press if you have one, or can get hold of one for a lil while. Cordless drills are not realyl much use in this situation, you will either burn it out, or slip and tear nice lil chunks out of your case. Do be really careful as they have a tendancy to snatch at the material, and if it gets spinning you dont want to be trying to catch a side pannel going at 2k RPM. Best of luck Jaz_knos
a circle cutter will work, and leave a nice rounded lip in the metal, but it takes a long time tot cut through
I'f you've the patience, a nibbler will do the job. Really. Scribe a line and follow it. Takes a bit of getting used to, though.
Another sugestion would be to clamp a scrap piece of wood beneath the material you are cutting if using the hole saw method. This will help prevent possible damage to the metal and yields a cleaner hole. Do this especially when cutting holes in thinner metals. I usually prefer to do my fan holes this way.
