Hey Bit-tech! For a period i have been considering of either modding, or building a scratch case and right now i'm planning a scratch case. Anyways, it will be my very first casemod, and i may be giving myself a too large challenge, but what the hell.. i'll go for it! But i need some advice. To build a kinda simple casemod, which tools should i have? i am going to be cutting out peaces in a green acryllic window.. thinking this: http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop...-3mm-Acrylic-Sheet--Green-Tint-pid-14056.html And to do this, i need at tool that won't make it melt. Should i just get a dremel for this, and cut it out? if yes, is there anything i should do to not make it melt? Becides acryllic, i will be working with some pretty thick peaces of aluminium, and maybe steel, still, should i just be using a dremel for cutting out in it? becides all this, i just need some advice for some first time modding anything i should be prepared for? in advance, thank you.
For making rough cuts in acrylic I personally like the jig saw, and then use files and/or sandpaper to fine tune the shape. Metal cutting jig saw blades have given me decent cuts with polycarbonate. Later use fine sandpaper and flame-polishing to get a really nice glossy edge, if needed. When it comes to cutting metal, I prefer the angle grinder, the dremel is good for fine(er) cutting. On the cheap side, Hacksaw and nibblers are great. How thick is pretty thick ? A few tips from my personal experience: Have a plan/schematic of your build. Have patience. Better if you have a lot of it. Wear your safety gear. Have fun.
Yeh used a dremel for all my work due to budget only allowing one tool lol! For the acrylic use a jig saw with wood cutting blades there is a rally good thread in here that'll give you tips on working with plastics a must read for any modder. Dreel managed fine with 2mm alu but it took a while hope that helps alittle.
okay, thank you.. this will help alot when i get started And "pretty thick" is about 5 mm thick. okay, so i actually need a bunch of tools.. good i have my granddad.. he own's a car shop, and have some contacts so that i can get tools quite cheap
I use a rotozip router with a dremel 1/8" drill bit for odd shaped cuts. this can also be done with a dremel. For long straight cuts I LOVE using wet-cut tile saws. No melting or chipping, and they can cut really thick stuff. I've cut 1 1/2 inch thick material with one.
As mentioned before a jigsaw is really a must if building a scratch case, you can get one cheaper than a dremel. A dremel is a handy tool it's a jack of all trades but master of none. A cordless drill or drill press is also pretty vital. For building a scratch case here is a list of handy tools. Jigsaw - Get a half decent one my one a ryobi. Cordless Drill/Drillpress - I have a bosch 12v drill and a toolmaster drillpress Set of files - any metal set is good Sand paper of various grades. Rivet gun Optional Tap and die set, if using screws rather than rivets Dremel - I actually dont own one, I sometimes borrow my friends. Good for making tight cuts and cleaning up cuts quickly.
#8 okay okay then, i'm starting to put some ideas together now, and even though i suck at drawing both on PC and IRL, i'll give it a go on the pc... but which program should i use??
Google Sketchup is a free program that lets you do 2D Drawings and 3D Models, Loads of people use it so there is alot of support for the program and best of all, It's easy to learn and use. Go have a look Don't forget though, Even if you just start sketching things on paper it means your ideas are recorded to remind yourself of any good ones you may have later
