I'm new to these forums, so i hope this post is under the right section, so please bear with me. I just started getting myself into customizing my PC case, but not full fledged modding (yet). I'm planning on affixing a side window onto my case, the window being a sheet of plexiglass from home depot. I'll be using a jig saw with a metal cutting bit and a dremel tool to cut the metal to the shape of the window. The problem is, i could only get a certain size of sheet as I don't know the exact design I'm going to cut. My main question is, what tool do I use to cut my plexiglass? I have a dremel with cut off blades used for metal, and the jig saw with metal and wood blades. Will the powertools just butcher the plexiglass, in which case i would use what? Or is there a nifty attachment for my dremel? Any help is appreciated, thanks.
Welcome to the forums A jigaw or a Dremel will do the job. You'd be better to use the jigsaw for the main cut though. But whichever you decide to use... don't rush it!! Take your time during the cutting - else you'll end up melting the plexi, rather than cutting it
Thank you! I'm planning on making some cuts this weekend after I plan the Design (which wont be complex, just something that will fit on my door and not inerfere with the latches and hinges. Anyway, which type of blade should I use? Metal cutoff or woodcutting?
I've actually never used a jigsaw for any plexi cutting I've done (never been big enough cuts to warrant it)... and I only ever use diamond cut-off wheels for my Dremel (Dremel part # 545)
The jigsaw with the metal cutting bit will work great on the plastic as well. Wood jigsaw blades have too low of a tooth count. I don't recommend using any kind of rotary tool for cutting plastics. Abrasive bits are especially bad. If Home Depot has it available get 1/8" thickness Polycarbonate (they usually only sell the GE Lexan brand). It will be much easier to cut than anything else you can find there. The supply of plastics at any given Home Depot is extremely variable and most of the generic transparent plastics sold there are junk. For more read the guide linked in my signature.
Your guide was very informative, thank you for the adivce. I've already purchased my material, which was not labeled as LEXAN. I know what LEXAN is, its a bit more expensive, which is Why i just purchased the GE brand of plexi. Home Depot only labeled each as 'good' or 'hobby', but I'm sure this is plexi. It is about 1/8th of an inch thick, so I'm hoping it will be fine. Its only 7 dollars, so if i ruin in i won't beat myself up over it. I'll be using gorilla glue to attach it to the case after cutting. I think Ill be using the jigsaw after you adivce, as my cut will be large on one side. However, for the smaller cuts I may use the dremel. Thanks for the part number Hazardous,I might be dropping by sears tommorow for it. I'll post some pictures when I start it. It is a humble 'mini-mod' if you will, but I believe the end result will be nice. What im doing is basically expanding the window I added a few montsh ago, which for my tastes is too small. Heres some pictures of it now. When im done i might post it under the worklog area, although I don't really think its large enough of a project to warrant that.
