Hacksaws/Jigsaws

[Hani]

First of all, are they the same thing? Also, are there different types of hacksaws? Or are they all the same? I mean, is there a special hacksaw for wood, and one for metal, or is it the blade that decideds the material?

I want to get myself a modding tool. Too bad Dremels are expensive where I live. Actually, anybody knows a good store that has such equipments (Dremel, RTX, Hacksaw) fir a good price and international shipping?

And which is better, a Dremel/RTX, or a hacksaw? I found a 3000 RPM hacksaw, is that good enough? But the improtant thing is the question related to whether there are different types of hacksaws or not.

Thanks

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

I'm not a tool expert by any means (think I got a C in woodshop ) but a hacksaw is generally used to cut metal. It looks like this. The blade determines the material to be cut, but you won't see many blades for wood for a hacksaw. Other saws such as cross cut, rip, miter, coping, and keyhole saws are usually used for wood. Such a handsaw would be extremely awkward for cutting a case. I haven't worked with the electric hacksaws though so maybe they're usable.

I think a jigsaw would be much better for case modding, and I've used both jigs and dremels for my case mods. Here's what a jigsaw should look like. The blades determine the material...large teeth for wood, smaller teeth for metal. Dremels are by far the most accurate way to cut a case, but they will take a long time with cutting wheels. Especially if you have a large hole. Dremels also have about a million uses, so they're a good investment. Whatever you choose, be sure to include safety glasses in your purchase. Those things can literally keep you from going blind. Good luck!

 

[Hani]

Thanks a lot! I really appreciate that! See, I was visiting a large wholesale area, and they had some jigsaws for less than 20$. I was going to buy it, but the guy standing there (it was like a shack of some sort) said it was only for wood. That made me wonder if it's the jigsaw or the blade that determin the material. So it's the blade, huh? Too bad I didn't buy that jigsaw.

Oh, well, I guess I have to go look for some at the local shops. I think I will get a jigsaw, since it's cheaper, on the long run. I don't want to use several wheels just to cut a small hole, and besides, I have a lot of other uses in my mind (cutting a heatsink). Actually, the local shops don't have Dremel wheels or accessories, so I have to get these from a far place, which isn't what I have in mind.

Thanks again! I'll go search for a jigsaw tomorrow. Anything I should keep in mind? (RPMs, Watts, Special features, etc...)

 

[Jerboy]

<< First of all, are they the same thing? Also, are there different types of hacksaws? Or are they all the same? I mean, is there a special hacksaw for wood, and one for metal, or is it the blade that decideds the material?

I want to get myself a modding tool. Too bad Dremels are expensive where I live. Actually, anybody knows a good store that has such equipments (Dremel, RTX, Hacksaw) fir a good price and international shipping?

And which is better, a Dremel/RTX, or a hacksaw? I found a 3000 RPM hacksaw, is that good enough? But the improtant thing is the question related to whether there are different types of hacksaws or not.

Thanks >>




Hacksaw is a MAJOR pain in the ass if there is metal cutting involved. Jig saw is kinda PITA too since you'll have to have a clearance for the blade to go up and down underneath the blade and its path. I'd love to get a bandsaw


I have a Black and Decker variable speed Sabre saw(same as jig saw). The hardest thing is creating blade clearance underneath the cutting area.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

The jigsaw I linked to should be about what you're looking for. Get one that has a variable reciprocating speed. Get some metal cutting blades too (duh). My jig saw has a nice little compartment in the back for storing many blades. You will first need to draw the hole on the case, then drill a few holes into it with a drill, being careful to not drill the hole past the border of the hole. These holes will be used to "start" the jig saw cut.

 

[Hani]

So I should look for a Jigsaw with Variable speed?

ST4RCUTTER, I would love to get that one, but the problem is that I live outside the states. I don't know what brands do the shop have, but I will try to stick with my favourite, Black & Decker!

For the clearance issue, I guess you will also need some clearance (although less) when using a dremel, right?

So is clearnace the only dis-advantage of the jigsaw? Is it hard to control? I don't want to mess the case you know. Ofcourse, I will use masking tape, but generally speaking, is it easy to cut with a jigsaw? Will it take a lot of time to cut through the metal?

Thanks

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

Not only is clearance an issue, but you'll need to have the panel secured. You can use C-clamps or a person to hold it steady while you rip through it. And I want to underscore rip because the vibrations can get pretty strong. I used two horses and some C-clamps. The jig should make short work of the project though...it's much faster than a dremel. Good luck!

 

[Hani]

Thanks for the help. I will probably get a couple of cement blocks or something to hold the metal in plate.