Cutting Side Panel - What Tool?

McGuywer · Post by **McGuywer** » 28 Sep 2004, 20:48

Hi,
What kind of tool can I use to cut a hole about 3cm in diameter in my pc's side panel?
Thanx

Post by **maxxis** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:16

If it is 3cm or 30mm then you could use a holesaw attached to a drill.

If it is 30cm then use a dremel or a jigsaw with a aluminium or steel blade.

Just remeber to cover the panel in masking tape to prevent scratches. The tape also helps you to mark the are properly.

Cheers

Asbestos · Post by **Asbestos** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:31

You can use maxxis's good advice if you like to be conventional, safe and sane. But if you want to try methods with more exitement you should try using some of these babies. You will of course need one of these to use them.

If you choose this method, then Good Luck! And remember to post some pictures

Source1
Source2

WoolyBadBaba · Post by **WoolyBadBaba** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:36

Asbestos wrote:You can use maxxis's good advice if you like to be conventional, safe and sane. But if you want to try methods with more exitement you should try using some of these babies. You will of course need one of these to use them.

If you choose this method, then Good Luck! And remember to post some pictures

Source

After clicking the link, I feel like this:

Asbestos · Post by **Asbestos** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:41

WoolyBadBaba wrote:After clicking the link, I feel like this:

Whoa. I hope you don't look how you feel.

WoolyBadBaba · Post by **WoolyBadBaba** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:43

Asbestos wrote:
WoolyBadBaba wrote:After clicking the link, I feel like this:

Whoa. I hope you don't look how you feel.

Judging by the way i feel, i probably do.

McGuywer · Post by **McGuywer** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:51

Thanx for the reply guys. I think I will rather go for the holesaw thing. But, thanx

Asbestos · Post by **Asbestos** » 28 Sep 2004, 21:59

NP McGuywer, but you might at least consider it if you want to do some 'trouble-shooting'

McGuywer · Post by **McGuywer** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:08

Don't you think it is more like trouble looking. But, then agai, you are shooting?!

Asbestos · Post by **Asbestos** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:15

McGuywer wrote:Don't you think it is more like trouble looking.

In Windows it feels more like trouble-excavating sometimes.

McGuywer · Post by **McGuywer** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:23

I cannot disagree there. In Afrikaans: JY WEET DIT!!

Saddam · Post by **Saddam** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:38

laser cutting

if you really want to be safe, and guarantee minimal room for error's, try lazer cutting. you can go to some plastic moulding places, usually the charge R2 per inch and can cut up to 2.5mm aluminium/steel.

that would be my vote, also something you have to consider with a dremmel, jig or drill, with case doors they really thing, and can bend very easily if not done carefully, jigsaws with the cutting action (up & down, sounds funny) can bend the metal both ways equalling a rather shocking cut.

be carefull

McGuywer · Post by **McGuywer** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:43

And that from SADDAM!!!

*Joke*

Screeper · Post by **Screeper** » 28 Sep 2004, 22:47

Yes what Saddam said
Jigsaws are a very good way of cutting panels/windows etc.. but make sure the jigsaw is powerful enough (to weak and it takes strain and buckles the metal)
Make sure you got a fresh new ali/metal cutting blade and turn off pendulam action on your jigsaw (if jigsaw u use has that function)

And marking with masking tape is essential

Tokkle · Post by **Tokkle** » 29 Sep 2004, 14:58

heya,

Because jigsaws are the most common way of cutting panels / metal pc parts, I thought I would give some tips.

When cutting metal plates, it is best to have a backing. At a very least, try and refrain from cutting the cover over the opening of a paint tin etc. This leaves too much "open space" at the back, and it allows the metal to bend, as described above.

However, the BEST way to cut most metal objects (thin plates) is to put a piece of timber at the back of the plate. Put about 5-10mm of wood board behind the piece of metal you are cutting. This will allow a solid base for the jigsaw to cut against, eliminating the jig saw biting into the metal and bending it upwards (or downwards)

This works very well, and I managed to cut my cd-rw cover out on the top (leaving a border of only 5mm on each side) to put a perspex window in it. It does take a little bit longer to cut, but anyone that has almost finished a cut only to have the jigsaw bite at the last moment, bending the whole job, and ruining it, wil not mind the extra effort

Keep using a metal jigsaw blade btw, it will but thru the wood. Chipboard is good backing to use as it is not as dense so cuts easier.

cya

kailinin · Post by **kailinin** » 29 Sep 2004, 15:14

on a similiar subject, anyone know somewhere that does laser cutting in centurion/ pretoria?

naughty · Post by **naughty** » 17 Oct 2004, 06:57

hoo boy - laser cutting and jigsaws for a 3cm hole ?????????????????????/

ROFLMAO

DJT · Post by **DJT** » 17 Oct 2004, 09:05

Try a metal shop

junjun · Post by **junjun** » 17 Oct 2004, 11:33

sounds strange but try pg auto glass coz they luse lasers to cut (thats what i heard) just ask them if they will cut your side panel

nways just my 2c