Hi All, Just wondering somebody who has cut up an Ali case can give me some advice.. Whats the best way in cutting it? I've got myself a new Ali case which needs some modding I have a dremel and a jigsaw.. I've dremeled my other cases ok but was wondering as it's so light and a bit thinner if their was any other issues?? thanks. Kong.
I think you just need some confidence and reassurance. If you've already cut up some steel cases, you'll be fine. I would'nt recommend the jigsaw over the dremel tho. In my experience, I find it much easier in every respect to cut aluminium cases. Just don't be too agressive and make sure you mask up your case. I very much doubt if your aluminium case is painted, so be careful of scratching it.
A jigsaw is probably your best bet. It should be much easier to keep to straight lines than with a Dremel. As mentioned, as long as everything is masked (I also mask the bottom of my jigsaw as well) you should be fine. Get some good quality HSS metal cutting blads for the saw with fairly fine teeth and should have no problems. Oh, and maks sure the side panel is well clamped down when you cut it, to minimise vibrations.
Masking the jigsaw too - that's a good idea, I like that. That last post made me think a bit so I just wanna mention mention that I always use a flexable hose with my dremel grinding disks. I guess I take it for granted a bit. Cutting straight lines must be pretty difficult with the way you grip the dremel tool by itself.
its not really harder to make a straight line without the benefits of the flex shaft, it just makes it harder to get the cut perpendicular ... ie.. more filing later ...
when i cut my cm's up i always mask both sides of the panel and do the cut on the inside - ie if u do scratch it - it won't show on the outside .... use a normal jigsaw(set speed-ie not variable) and normal hss metal cutting bits(look like a junior hacksaw blade) finish up with a set of needle files and wet and dry - sorted
thanks for the replys. I think I will be going for the jigsaw as I`m cutting rectangles out of the case. Then finishing off with plenty of filing Good idea about masking both sides and cutting on the inside. I think that would be the best way. Kong.
ohh very nice I want this particular case to have as much space seen inside as possible for future modding . I`m looking at possibly adding some kind of display to the window maybe an LCD or LED type display. Then if it all gets too hot then I may have to drill in a fan so I want as much of the case open as possible A friend of mine has got the CS logo cut in the side of his case, it's pretty cool but you can't see that much inside... Kong.
