I'm planning on modding a Lian-Li V1000 case to custom fit it with some aqua computer gear. This will be my first mod project ever, and I plan on doing a good bit of research before I actually start cutting into a $200 case. This mod took a lot of inspiration from the "Black Narcissus" mod by modsquad (superb quality mod), and will end up with a similar style except it will be silver aluminum with blue acryllic (as opposed to black aluminum with red acryllic). (link to black narcissus) http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=62286&page=1&pp=20 I'm totally new to a lot of stuff, and even though I've been reading the stickies and "how-to" guides, I still have some n00b questions. I plan on taking a silver aquatube, and mounting it on the top of the case like it was done in the BN mod. Here's a pic to reference what I'm talking about: http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v281/jeffrey9/resfinished5.jpg I read that he used a hole saw to cut the hole. Now, I'll definatly be investing in a Dremel to do a lot of the small cuts and the acryllic cuts, but this is the only "big hole" I need on the case, and it would seem like a giant waste to buy a hole saw just to make that one hole. How much would it cost me just to take the case to a machine shop and get them to cut the hole perfect? Some guy I know who used to be in the Navy said that Home Depot could probably cut something like that. Ok now another question is about drilling screw holes. Could I use the dremel to do that, or should I buy a seperate drill with some screw hole bits? Any recommendations on what sort of drill and bits I need for that one? I will also be useing blukhead style compression fittings to allow the tubing to go through various pieces of metal in the case. Here are some pics (from the BN mod) to illustrate what I'm talking about: http://photobucket.com/albums/v281/jeffrey9/final_flow1.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/v281/jeffrey9/final_flow4.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/v281/jeffrey9/black/red_washer13.jpg Could I make the cut with a dremel, or do I need to use a hole-saw for cuts like that as well? thanks in advance guys!
ok. firstly, stop. stop before you do any damage to that gorgeous, and more importantly *expensive* case. If you've never modded anything before, buy a steel case for 30-40 bucks and make it look pretty. not saying you'll definately screw something up - but it's more that something will go wrong that you dont want to do to that case. as for screw holes, yes it would be better to get a normal power-drill for that, and a tap&die set, or borrow them. The 'bulkhead' fittings on the other mod are most likely a rather thick drill bit, rather than a very small hole-saw. Good luck with whatever your first casemod is - just remember, it's a lot more fun to take a cheapo piece of garbage and make it into something that's gorgeous than destroying a 300 dollar case
lol Thanks for the advice. I certainly have no intention of screwing up a V1000 which is why I'm asking you guys first. So it seems that what I really need is a quality drill (with the proper bits) rather than a dremel? That would also be good because I could attach a hole saw bit to the drill and make that cut at the top. and yeah I do plan on buying a cheapo case and screwing it just for practice.
Yo Buy a drill, the brand could be BOSCH or Makita. That's the best drills u can get. I also have 2 BOSCHs and a Makita And try on a normal piece of metal before u destroy your case Have fun
Yah... Practice. Find a old computer case and turn it into swiss cheese. Dremils are awsome for small work but you need a steady hand. Before you buy tools, Which are allways going to come in handy, borrow some. You gota know someone who owns a drill. I don't think you need the best drill or dremil but i do belive in spending money on the drillbits/holesaws. Thats whats cutting through the metal. Try shaving with a butter knife. Let us know how things go. G-luck.
