Can I use a "dremel type" to cut a basic hole for a window?

[Naruto]

I plan on cutting a square hole with rounded corners on my side panel. I only plan on doing this on my two computers. Should I get a dremel multipro that goes for $70 or can I simply use a cheap dremel "type" or a one speed dremel old model for this? I don't plan on cutting stencil designs or anything, just these two square holes. Thanks.

 

[cheapgoose]

how big are the holes? I tell ya, it'd be a lot easier with a cheap jigsaw.

anyway, it's always nice to have a dremel around for something. but harborfreight usually has a dremel like tool for about $10.

 

[myocardia]

Well, if you're looking to save money, don't use any Dremel type tool. Not only are they expensive, but they break if you even look at them too hard, much less try to use them. I would use what I always use to cut computer cases with-- a hand-held jig saw. It works like a charm, and they only cost about $20 at Wal-Mart, plus $3 or so for a package of metal blades. Just don't make the same mistake that I made, the first time I cut a computer case. You have to tape some cardboard (I use posterboard, because it's cheap, and easy to cut) on the outside of where you're cutting, or you'll end up with a case with hardly any paint left on it, like I did on my first attempt! Actually, you can just tape a rag to either the left or right side of the platform on the saw, then it will follow wherever you cut. But, probably the main reason you wouldn't want to use a Dremel, is the amount of time it would require. Have you ever used a Dremel for cutting metal? I'm sure it would take many hours, if not days, for each case. Try the jigsaw.

 

[Naruto]

A jigsaw requires you to drill a hole at the start point right? Also, how good does the jigsaw follow the guidelines or outlines?

 

[myocardia]

Yeah, sorry about that. I have thousands of tools. Couldn't you borrow a drill? They're cheap too. Anyway, they follow better than anything I can think of, and they follow WAY better than a Dremel, for sure.

 

[cheapgoose]

i'll agree with you on the use of jigsaw, they are easy to use, and cut pretty straight. I usually just use tape to prevent pain from chipping off.

I don't know how you use your tools but I've been using/ staring at my dremel all month and it's still working. maybe you're looking at it a little too hard.

might as well just get a cheap set of tools, drill, jig, cheap dremel wannabe. You never know when you'll need it again, it comes in handy.

another thing you can do to ensure a straight cut with a jig is by clamping a long straight edge "x" inches away from the actually cutline. then just cut away with the jig pressed against the straight edge.

 

[syberscott]

I've done 2 steel cases with a dremel. It worked great for me. I had straight edges, nice corners, and a really good finish on the edges. It's just a little scary when the discs shatter and fly all over though.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: myocardia
Well, if you're looking to save money, don't use any Dremel type tool. Not only are they expensive, but they break if you even look at them too hard, much less try to use them. I would use what I always use to cut computer cases with-- a hand-held jig saw. It works like a charm, and they only cost about $20 at Wal-Mart, plus $3 or so for a package of metal blades. Just don't make the same mistake that I made, the first time I cut a computer case. You have to tape some cardboard (I use posterboard, because it's cheap, and easy to cut) on the outside of where you're cutting, or you'll end up with a case with hardly any paint left on it, like I did on my first attempt! Actually, you can just tape a rag to either the left or right side of the platform on the saw, then it will follow wherever you cut. But, probably the main reason you wouldn't want to use a Dremel, is the amount of time it would require. Have you ever used a Dremel for cutting metal? I'm sure it would take many hours, if not days, for each case. Try the jigsaw.

You must have had bad luck with a Dremel or something. My Dremel's held up quite well. Now granted, for long straight cuts, I will use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade, but for anything else I'll use the Dremel with fiberglass reinforced cutting wheels. Anything less should be used for cutting plastic, or maybe feathers. The reinforced wheels are great though. I use them mainly for fan holes, or to remove the "stamped" fan grilles that most cases have - they tend to reduce airflow, so I cut them out and use chromed wire grilles instead.
I think I only had a reinforced wheel break on me once, when my hand decided to take a quick nap or something, and the thing dropped a little bit as I was setting it down after turning it off. As someone else mentioned, the Dremel is also good at removing burrs and taking care of super-sharp edges on the case. Plus, you get a lovely shower of sparks when you're cutting metal with it. I would recommend against a one-speed rotary tool though; adjusting the speed can be very handy depending on the amount of detail you want to do, and your skill level with such a tool.

 

[Naruto]

How good is a jigsaw for rounded corners?

 

[Vonkhan]

I've used both to cut fan holes, both work equally well. if u wanna save time and dont care about jaggies on the edge, go for the jigsaw. else use a dremel - it takes a while tho

 

[Icewind]

I jigsaw will be far easier, but you will have to mask the entire window to prevent scratching. Yo'll also have to grind the edge down as jigsaws don't do smooth cuts in plexiglass and such.

 

[EvilScooby]

I would use the dremel. I have a craftsman clone of a dremel and it works fine(1 speed)

Here is the lesson I learned by using a jigsaw.
MAke sure the panel is firmly vised down. otherwise the jigsaw will pull and push and it will bend and dent your panel.
I use the dremel for the whole project, just make sure you have enough cutting discs. buy the good discs, and you will use about 5 cutting out your window.

 

[Jeff7181]

I've use a dremel with a bit that looks like a drill bit, but is designed to cut sideways... I'm sure you've seen advertisements for that thing on TV... that's basically what a dremel turns into when you get one of those bits.

 

[cheapgoose]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
I've use a dremel with a bit that looks like a drill bit, but is designed to cut sideways... I'm sure you've seen advertisements for that thing on TV... that's basically what a dremel turns into when you get one of those bits.

that's what I used to make my new case, but I didn't know the bits were rated to cut steel.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Icewind
I jigsaw will be far easier, but you will have to mask the entire window to prevent scratching. Yo'll also have to grind the edge down as jigsaws don't do smooth cuts in plexiglass and such.

I'd recommend against a jigsaw for plexiglass; it put tiny cracks, about 1/8" to 1/4" long, all along the edge I was cutting, no matter how slow I'd move the saw through the piece. This was a very fine tooth blade, like maybe 24tpi. Then I tried it on my bandsaw, with a rougher blade, 14tpi I believe, maybe 10. Excellent cuts - no cracking, no jagged edges.
And all it'd take with a jigsaw is a little slip, and the thing will grab the plexi and give it a nice big crack. You've got two pieces that can move after all - the saw AND the piece being cut. With a bandsaw, the saw is stable; only the plexi will move. You can also cut better curves with a bandsaw blade (in my experience anyway) as they tend to be more flexible.

 

[huesmann]

Well, if your piece of plexi is not held down tight, yeah, you will get those cracks. That's because the jigsaw oscillates, whereas the bandsaw doesn't--it keeps going the same direction: down. When the jigsaw goes on the upstroke, it stresses the plexi to come up with it, then slaps it back down, if it's a little loose. To get it nice and tight you would need to basically saw with a piece of plywood underneath it, sawing both the plexi and the plywood at the same time. The plexi should be covered with some kind of paper or tape to keep the jigsaw plate from scratching it. Press the jigsaw down firmly to keep the plexi as tightly to the plywood as possible.

Edit: Not everyone has access to a bandsaw, you know.