What do you guys think of this for cutting out a window: http://www.compusa.com/buildyourown/product_info.asp?product_code=293589&pfp=BUILDYOUROWN ? I want to make a custom shaped window (I hate my enermax "flower-shaped" window), but I don't really have any power tools other than my drill. This tool looks like it might be kinda tough to use, considering I'm trying to cut through metal. I've never cut metal before. What would you guys suggest using? P.S. My neighbor probably has a jig saw or some other power tool I might be able to use. Also, I'll post up some sketches of different windows I'm considering.
it will work, but plan on taking a long time about it, i cut 2 120mm holes in my YY cube with one of those and it was one of those things that you do for a couple hours a few nights in a row while watching telly. mind you my case was steel, and much thicker steel than most cases, but it took ages. if its an alu case i would imagine that it would go through quite easily, i wouldnt reccomend a jigsaw though, would tear through it rather than amek a nice cut, a rotozip or a dremel would be good. or the nibblers if you dont mind if it takes a while
thats funny i'm quicker with one of those than a dremell...ware a gloove when u cut so u dont get BAD blisters. remember you don't have to fo in rows just cut a close outline then file the res off till its perfect. don't wory bout it they work great i did allot of my first ones with one of those nibblers
i didn't know compusa sold computerparts... i liked this one though... http://www.compusa.com/buildyourown/product_info.asp?product_code=301467&pfp=BUILDYOUROWN
You will often hear this tool being referred to as a nibbler. Reason being is "nibbles" at the material you are cutting. Very small cuts at a time. I use mine for small cuts or when I want to cut a straight line...for example when I cut the side tabs off of my bay insert to stealth my cd-rw drive. If you want to try to cut an entire window with one of these, make sure you wear a glove and have lots of tylenol in the house. Cause your arm is gonna be sore for a while afterwards.
These tools are great. Although they take a little longer than some other tools the finish is great. This is a window I did, took a couple of hours but the cut is perfect and looks like it was made that way. One thing to watch out for, on my tool anyway, is that the part of the tool that goes against the metal scratched the surface (luckily it was a test piece) so mask the area this goes against and/or make sure this it is against the side you can't see.
Also, would you recommend putting that tube stuff around the edges of the windows or just getting the edge as smooth as possible?
Well I didn't want to use that tube stuff so I took my time and got the edges smooth, though if you are using that stuff then you could just hack away and get it done in half the time. Personally I think the tube stuff looks out of place on most cases...
i agree with that tube stuff... it looks more proffessional without... you need to be patient with the finish though... when i cut my window (see sign.) i filed it down and even finished with 1200grit sandpaper... i recomend that... you get a real nice finish then,....
When you sanded, did you need to do any paint touch-ups? Also, Whats the best way to put your window shape onto the case? (So you cut at the right spot)
I've decided it would just be easier to get a dremel. I've looked at a few dremels. What do you think would be a good dremel to get for a cheap price?
i have a black and decker rotary tool which i have used for 3 windows through nice thick steel and it has given me no problems and is quite a bit cheaper than a dremel
I had the older version of the B&D wizard and it broke after a few windows, just after the warranty. It didn't last long really and I wouldn't buy again.
I bought the very same tool from directron with the idea of cutting all my windows. About 40 minutes later and a crippled hand later, I was in the garage using my dremel. I did use it to cut the round corners for my windows. I would recommend a jigsaw above all else if you have access to one. The nibbler is a great tool (since then I have bought a pnumatic one) but only for small jobs unless you have popeye arms and/or a whole lotta spare time.
I have used a nibbler and it worked great for straight edges. Just because I don't think enough people have mentioned it Wear Gloves!! I had massive blisters all over my thumbs and I couldn't mod for a week!
For those of us in the UK, I noticed while out food shopping on Saturday, that Aldi will be selling a "Rotozip" like tool for £25 this week.
