Do nibblers do a good job on case modding?

[Cybordolphin]

Wondering if nibbler tool will do a nice job on creating side windows?

Anyone who has used one..... please comment.

Thanks

 

[CurtCold]

Nibbler might be hard to use. I have used Tin Snips, which work pretty well, but my fav is a jig saw with metal cutting blade. All you need to do is drill a small hole, then use the jig saw for the rest. I would reccommend some ear plugs as well, cause it's pretty loud cutting the metal. TinSnips will work very well providing your cutting a pretty large area.

 

[SWScorch]

Nibblers are a great economical way to do some modding, but at the cost of lots o' pain. They take very small bites, so it will take a while, and chances are your hand will be cramped and sore after a few minutes. The results are very neat, clean cuts, however.

 

[chizow]

I've found nibblers to be an excellent and efficient way of case modding. Much easier to control than a dremel or jigsaw. The key is to drill lots of pilot holes with a drill bit. Then just play connect the dots with the nibbler. Obviously, the closer the holes, the easier the work is with the nibbler.

Chiz

 

[xXgambitXx]

i used a nibbler to put a window in my case and it was a pain. my hand was all cramped up for like 2 days afterwards. on the plus side...the tool is only like $10 and it makes a clean cut. the next time i had to make a window, i ended up borrowing a dremel from a friend.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: xXgambitXx
i used a nibbler to put a window in my case and it was a pain. my hand was all cramped up for like 2 days afterwards. on the plus side...the tool is only like $10 and it makes a clean cut. the next time i had to make a window, i ended up borrowing a dremel from a friend.

:Q :Q :Q Yah man! That's a lotta nibbling!!! For large cuts like that, I use a dremel or jigsaw for the "straightaways". Then I bust out the nibbler for the curved corners.

Chiz

 

[Cybordolphin]

Seems like the dremel would not be very accurate.. and make a huge mess.... along with an outrageous noise factor?

I am looking for as clean a result as possible. With as little "hide" work in the end.

I personally think the 1/2" window molding looks.... well.... damn ugly if you ask me. (Sorry to those that have gone that route). I am looking for either 1/4" or smaller molding if any molding is needed at all. The nibbler looks like it leaves an almost finished cut?

Do you still need molding after using a nibbler?

I can stand to stretch out the project in hopes of saving myself from hand cramps.... or minimizing them.

I like the dremel idea.... if it can create a nice end result that is accurate. I don't want to have to use a huge ugly piece of window molding though. The case can be painted later if need be.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Lars]

If you take your time a Dremel can make really nice cuts. I did not even have to use any molding and just glued on the window from the inside of the case. Looks very nice.

 

[Cybordolphin]

Hmm... ok.

Do you have any pics of your modded case? What are the downside(s) to using a dremel? Any?

 

[ctk1981]

Bah....I was trying to figure out what you guys were complaining about. Then I realized we werent talking about an AIR Nibbler like I used to cut out my case window holes. Very easy. Made one pilot whole and nibbled the rest out in seconds. Screw using a dremel (ive done it that way before too).

 

[Lizardman]

You can see some pics dolphin of my dremel work. Just check sig. The front bezel was a pain and didnt end up as well as I had hoped because teh dremel melted through the plastic instead of cutting it.

 

[TimberWolf]

This topic comes up so often that it should just be pinned at the top of the Case Mods Forum . . .

The small Radio Shack nibbler is made for cutting gauge or switch holes in thin aluminum panels. Yes, it will cut .030 - .040" steel panels common to most cases; But you should wear gloves, or expect blisters, and reschedule any important appointments for a few days later.

Dremel's tool and cut-off disc combo falls into a similar category. I have far more important things to do (including, but not limited to, "relaxing"), than attempting to carve an opening for a typical case window with literally "a handfull" of 1" discs and a miniature drill motor that does not have adequate bearing support for the prolonged side-thrust imposed by multiple projects. Using this method to cut a blow-hole borders on the absurd.

Jig saws and / or quality aviation snips (not those $5 "metal scissors" you found in the bargain bin at WalMart) are preferred steps in the right direction, as are the purchase of appropriately sized hole saws for fan ports. Consider doing similar jobs for others (for a modest fee) to offset the expense of good quality tools.

Yes, there is a nibbler available from Eastwood that does a good job, doesn't take forever, doesn't ruin your hands, and doesn't permanantly deflate your wallet. Search for Item # 28012 . Windows are easy, blowholes down to 80 mm are no problem, if you can follow a line. My last full tower window took just over 30 minutes to complete.

Unfortunately, there are those who wouldn't think twice about spending $300 for a video card, or would invest many hours attempting to install a $30 lamp into a case so others can see it, that will still whine about spending $20 + shipping . . .

These unfortunate people suffer from a perverse desire to prove that wasting time attempting to complete a task with marginally effective tools and / or $0 investment is some kind of "virtue" . . .

Whatever . . .

 

[Lizardman]

Dremel's tool and cut-off disc combo falls into a similar category. I have far more important things to do (including, but not limited to, "relaxing"), than attempting to carve an opening for a typical case window with literally "a handfull" of 1" discs and a miniature drill motor that does not have adequate bearing support for the prolonged side-thrust imposed by multiple projects. Using this method to cut a blow-hole borders on the absurd.

i disagree with this statment. Isn't the whole purpose of a having a dremel is to do jobs like this. Such as sanding wood or cutting off nail heads. Think about what kinda of forces are involved in that and its pretty obvious that the dremel was designed to do jobs like this one. Are you certain that the dremel "does not have adequate bearing support for the prolonged side-thrust imposed by multiple projects ?"

 

[deerslayer]

I would have to agree that using a dremel to cut out a large window is pretty crazy if you have a jigsaw. If you don't, and don't want to buy one, then go ahead and use your dremel. I listened to the majority of you when I put my window in, and I started with the dremel, but ended up using a jigsaw to cut it out.

I've never tried to use a dremel for blowholes. I borrowed my brother's holesaw. I can't imagine it being too easy to cut a circle with a dremel, but i've never tried.

 

[TimberWolf]

Lizardman, et al:

Dremel tools are effective when the user relies on the inherant 25k - 30k RPM capability for material removal. That requires patience, and a light but firm touch to control the tool. Unfortunately, many (if not most) users lack the patience to use it properly, and just bear down until they finish their task.

An abrasive cut-off disc is meant to be held perpendicularly to the surface you're attempting to cut. When held at an angle, the discs tend to flex, which causes them to break. When held at an angle while cutting through sheet metal, the discs tend to bind, which causes them to break. Holding the discs at an angle also forces more of the circumference of the disc into contact with the material being cut, which dramatically increases the amount of heat - the disc becomes even more brittle than it already is, and breaks . . . (are we starting to sense a pattern here?) . . . Since the discs are about 1" in diameter, and the tool is roughly 2" in diameter - attempting to cut into a flat panel requires you to hold the tool at an angle . . .

Dremel tools are highly overrated. Don't misunderstand me - there are a limited number of tasks that only a Dremel - type tool can accomplish; But they are definately not the whiz-bang, do everything, "everybody needs one in their toolbox" wundertool the Dremel folks would like everyone to think they are. I've been using them for over 30 years, and own 2 of them - the oldest of which has had it's bearings replaced twice, because I bought it back when I was far more impatient, and far less experienced at caring for expensive tools. The newer one is doing just fine with it's original parts after 10+ years; I would argue that longevity is a byproduct of wisdom . . .

I use the Dremel for deburring only. I have a cylindrical stone with a deliberately ground notch in the center so that it deburrs both sides of a sheetmetal cut in one pass. The only problem is that with the nibbler I referenced, and my hole saws, I seldom need to use it . . .

 

[Lizardman]

I agree with you on that last statement wolf. I dont think dremel tools are the end all and be all of a home tool, but just give it the credit it diserves. Of course a jigsaw is much better for long straight cuts. I mainly use the dremel when cutting out fan holes. I had to use it for all of the cuts on my case mod because I didn't have a jig saw at the time.

You mentioned how the cut off discs are very brittle and can break easily. That is why it is very important to wear your safety glasses... just for anyone who didnt already know.

 

[RKS]

Dremel takes too much patience. Jig saw can be difficult to control and is loud. Manual nibblers are too much work. Take the case panel to a body shop and ask them to cut the outlined pattern with their plasma cutter for a baby smooth and precise cut in just seconds...

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: Lizardman
You mentioned how the cut off discs are very brittle and can break easily.

Do you guys know that Dremel makes reinforced 1" cutoff wheels? They have a fiberglass reinforcing matrix woven through them. These are what I use and have never broken one yet (knock wood). They also don't wear out anywhere near as fast as the regular cutoff wheels. They cost around $6 for a package of five wheels. I'm still on my first package after two or three years. Prior to that, I used those tubes of fifty wheels up like there was no tomorrow.

 

[BeauJangles]

While Dremel's may not be intended for modding, with patience they can do a wonderful job. I agree that a jigsaw is better, but it also requires a lot of skill and care.

 

[TimberWolf]

I want to justify my purchase os a $90+ tool as much as the next guy; But all this Dremel chatter misses the point of the thread (and my post) completely:

Eastwood has an automotive grade nibbler that's well designed, durable, will cut down to a 1.5" radius, and costs $20 + shipping. It makes a clean cut with minimal burrs, and it's faster than a jig-saw. It's worth getting for only one job at that price . . .

 

[Cybordolphin]

Ah.... cripes..!

I read all this too late. I just bought myself a Dremel. I was afraid I would find out what Timber is pointing out (hope you don't mind me shortening your call sign)...

Oh well.... I am sure I will find a use for the Dremel (yea right).

I will check out the nibbler mentioned. I am afraid the Tin Snips would cause me to bend the he!! out of the side panel in my attempts at cutting the lines straight. I agree the jig saw makes quick work of the thin metal.. just not sure of the control. I suppose I could use the jig saw for the longer straight cuts.... and the nibbler for the rest.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: TimberWolf
I want to justify my purchase os a $90+ tool as much as the next guy; But all this Dremel chatter misses the point of the thread (and my post) completely:

Eastwood has an automotive grade nibbler that's well designed, durable, will cut down to a 1.5" radius, and costs $20 + shipping. It makes a clean cut with minimal burrs, and it's faster than a jig-saw. It's worth getting for only one job at that price . . .

$90? Granted, it's not a cheap investment, but it can be had for $60, or the big kit is $77. Sometimes they show up on the FS forum for cheaper, and of course there's always eBay. You likely won't just use the thing for the computer; it can be used all over the place in the house. It's handy for cutting or sanding just about anything.

I will back up Curtcold's recommendation of earplugs with either a Dremel or a jigsaw; I can't stand the loud noise. The squishy foam earplugs work nice for me; very formfitting and effective.