Cutting through that cheap plastic

[gregor7777]

Quick question, as I'm not a tool guy. What is my best bet for cutting through that cheap plastic that is on the front of alot of cases? You know, the really flimsy looking stuff.

I'm hoping to put in a duct in the front of my case, but I don't know what tool will do the job without ruining that plastic (ie, chipping).

Thanks.

 

[Lizardman]

I used a dremel it worked like a charm.

 

[mindslash]

I have used a dremel and a box-cutter/craft knife (pick either tool up at your nearby hardware store). I prefer the knife even though it literally requires a heckova lot more elbow grease. The advantage being that I can cut along a edge (ruler/thick cardboard cutout) and so the shapes come out cleaner looking than what I had managed with the dremel.

 

[MoFunk]

I use a dremel to get close to the edge I want and then use a big file to grind it down to the exact edge and shape I am looking for .

 

[gregor7777]

Hmmm, the boxcutter is much less expensive then the dremel, but I can use the dremel for many more uses.....hmmm.....

 

[Dan]

I used a jigsaw for the plastic bezel on the front of my Enlight 7237. I thought it would be a snap but it proved to be the most difficult cut of all. The reason? The jigsaw blade cut through the plastic like a hot knife through butter -- too hot, in fact. The damn plastic would immediately melt and fuse back together behind the blade!! :disgust:

I had to go over the same cut many, many times and work at it with a box cutter. Fortunately, a 92mm plastic grill and filter can cover a multitude of sins.

Link

 

[THUGSROOK]

a big circle drill bit

use the drill in reverse direction. (for plastic)

it will cut thru it like butta! perfect circle in less then 3 seconds

 

[SinfulWeeper]

<< a big circle drill bit

use the drill in reverse direction. (for plastic)

it will cut thru it like butta! perfect circle in less then 3 seconds >>



Just so the sales person does not look at you wondering WTF you are saying. Call it a whole saw. I nearly blew my cool with the saleswoman.

 

[THUGSROOK]

SinfulWeeper - lol! i can imagine you readin my post, then going to hardware store and saying "i need a big circle drill bit".

 

[kzochert]

Ooo, I want to get a dremel, but where can I get one for an inexpensive price? And which brand is the best? (and by dremel I mean multi purpose rotary tool, kind of like the rollerblades of inline skates... ranting)

 

[HouRman]

lol, well when choosing which brand dremel to get you have to consider many options... first would be to make sure it says "Dremel" on the side of the box.

Also if you buy a battery charged one it drains batteries pretty fast so if u don't have patience to wait for recharges then get a cord dremel.

When I used my dremel and grinding bit at 30,000 rpm, that cut through the plastic like a hot knife through butter... it steamed and gave a funky smell which I think was my black laquer paint burning. A dremel is for a sturdy hand.. keep that in mind if u decide to port/polish an engine like me I was successful my 2nd attempt at least.

I can't really think of another cheaper option.. dremels are $30-60 at home improvement stores.