hi guys, not sure whether this belongs here but since is mod related i jus post it here. Im a newbie to modding. And have no idea on using those small comsumer level tools. So any suggestions on which tools are more used for cutting steel case and alu case?. thanks guys
dremel - or good clone pillar drill, great for acurate drilling soldering iron + accessories good set of screwdrivers pliers epoxy resin glue this site patience & money really helps too
ah.. but there are many different brands of dremel type rotary tool.. I have a black and decker one..
Yeah also got the Black and Decker rotary tool. So long as it's decent quality and has variable speed you'll be fine. Just check it can take the standard dremal bits as the ones supplied don't normally last long (especially cutting discs).
Jigsaw, Power drill, Dremil clone, files, masking tape. Not done any modding for a while, but thats what I used.
Clamps help, the ratchet kind can be pricy, but if you can afford em, I suggest them. A nice open-out of the way area, well lit, well ventilated, Eye protection, are are also overlooked basics that help with the project, and the wife. I also find that a project helper, (little stand that has a couple of movable clips and a magnifier), and a table/bench that you don't mind destroying the finish on also helps with the project/wife. Also try to research what you are doing first, (knowledge is power bs).
stuff i use every day: # are experence level before you buy 0 high speed rotory tool (dremel) ~$80 2 drill press (craftsman) ~$100 2 belt/disk sander (craftsman) ~$100 3 scroll saw (craftsman) ~$100 1 19.2v cordless drill (craftsman pro) ~$80 3 300 piece mechanics set (craftsman pro) ~$200 4 mapp torch (benzomatic) ~$40 1 soldering iron (weller) ~$120 2 butane iron (radioshack) ~$20 0 DMM (craftsman automotive) ~$40 this is a lot of $, but it helps a lot. # are experence level before you buy
Jigsaw Drillpress Power Drill Table Saw Power sander (I need a new one) Needle Files Tap & Die set Hemostats/forceps (GREAT for soldering) Soldering Iron C-Clamps Wire cutters/strippers T-Square X-Acto Knives Heat gun (for heatshrink and warping plastic) Multimeter Shop-Vac Goggles I have alot of tools
I use "dremel" which costed 15€. It may be noisier and less efficient but with acryl it works fine. I haven't cut metal with it since I have no proper space for that.. Other thing: Jigsaw. My jigsaw allso is cheap one. I think it costed around 20€. With these you'll get quite far. Everything hasn't got to be the best quality ones. Just remember to get stuff with atleast 1year warranty. In 1 year you'll see quite well how stuff works... ummh.. Soldering iron is ofcourse needed if you do _any_ electrical stuff. Solderingstation I use costed 70e and it has been very good. (weller WHS40.. The red one ) And what else.. DRILL! Mine's Bosch. I costed.. well.. a lot, but father bought it Drill bits and dremel-stuff are important.. OMG! How were I able to forget the most important! even this smiley has it! EYEPROTECTION! Allways use safetyglasses when using dremel.. Practicly everything that spins can throw stuff to your eyes! Fingers etc. usually can be repaired but oh boy, eyes are other thing!
These are a few of my favorite things in order, I'm more fabrication than detail oriented and this list definetly reflects that. When I buy tools I get top quality stuff since it really is a good investment both in terms of how slowly they depreciate and how much they expand your abilities. 1. Right angle die grinder w/ 3M Roloc discs - The single tool needed for surface preparation 2. 6" digital calipers - I wish I had a belt holster so the calipers would never have to leave my side 3. Millawaulke handheld metal cutting bandsaw - Does 90% of all cuts a general fabricator needs to do, 100% of what a case modder needs. It does everything from stock cutting to free form shaping in everything from aluminum to titanium. 4. Mini die grinder w/ 1/8" collet carbide tool assortment - Absolutely indespensible when working with and forming small parts and panels. When the dremel doesn't cut it, this does. I use it in place of the dremel. 5. Carbide scribes and Sharpie markers - Can't do layout without them 6. Makita 14.4V cordless drill - I've done everything up to 1" holes in steel plate with this drill. It stops for nothing. 7. 3-in-1 (fractional/aplha/wire gauge) cobalt steel drill index - It makes all the difference to have a high quality drill in exactly the right size 8. Various aircraft snips - Essential for cutting sheet metal. I'm getting a Beverly shear soon though so that might bump these from the list. 9. TONS of Vise Grips - I use them constantly for all my holding needs. Get at least a good selection of styles to start out, they fit each person differently. I'm up to somewhere around 30 pairs now. 10. Soldering iron - For soldering things Of course you need a comfortable pair of safety glasses, you'll be wearing them so much you'll forget to take them off when it's 2am and time for bed. They aren't on the list because they transcend the list.
