How do you cut a round hole in plexi-glass ?

[jose]

Hi everyone, I'm thinking of getting a case to mod.
I'd like cut a 120mm fan hole in the front of the case. Cutting the metal hole is no problem, but the case also has a plexi-glass front plate to it also. So how do you cut a round hole w/out shattering the plexi-glass ?

Thanks for the info.
Regards,
Jose

 

[bunker]

The same way you cut wood. With a hole saw or jig saw.

 

[jose]

That would shatter/crack the plexi-glass.

 

[Tiamat]

If you have access to a milling machine, use a circle cutting tool (swing arm with blade, affixed to a drill bit) and set the milling machine to go SLOW - like 1 rotation per second.

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: jose
That would shatter/crack the plexi-glass.

Never has for me <shrug>.

Link

 

[computer]

What size hole? Just use a hole saw if the hole isn't too large. I use one of those spiral cut roto zip tools for larger holes in metal. They are pretty expensive though and may not be worth it to cut only one hole. MCM Electronics and Harbor Frieght Tools used to have "adjustable hole cutters" or "adjustable circle cutters" for 5-15 bucks. They are not hole saws, but radius type cutters. They'll cut wood and plastic, and thin sheet metal.

 

[fibes]

Originally posted by: jose
Hi everyone, I'm thinking of getting a case to mod.
I'd like cut a 120mm fan hole in the front of the case. Cutting the metal hole is no problem, but the case also has a plexi-glass front plate to it also. So how do you cut a round hole w/out shattering the plexi-glass ?

Thanks for the info.
Regards,
Jose

I used a dremel. It takes awhile, but I think it's the safest bet.

 

[HardWarrior]

Plexi is brittle, so if you use a hole saw be very carefull. If you have a choice go with Lexan.

 

[jose]

I've shattered plexi-glass before w/ a hole saw. I'm trying to make a 120mm fan hole in the front of a AMS 1006 case. It already has a 120mm fan, but the
front benzel (1 layer metal + 1 sheet of plexi) don't have any holes. Anyway not enough to let the 120mm fan breathe.

Regards,
Jose

 

[HardWarrior]

Well, you could take it to a local metal fabrication shop and have it cut for you. That's the easiest way and will yield pro results.

 

[fibes]

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Well, you could take it to a local metal fabrication shop and have it cut for you. That's the easiest way and will yield pro results.

What's the fun in that? If you have a dremel, it should be fine. Just take it nice and slow. It took me approx. 20 minutes (with a few breaks in between) to make my 80mm hole. My Antec Lanboy's plexiglass is very thick. It had to be atleast 1/2" thick. That's probably why it took so long to make the cut.

 

[HardWarrior]

Originally posted by: fibes

Originally posted by: HardWarrior
Well, you could take it to a local metal fabrication shop and have it cut for you. That's the easiest way and will yield pro results.

What's the fun in that? If you have a dremel, it should be fine. Just take it nice and slow. It took me approx. 20 minutes (with a few breaks in between) to make my 80mm hole. My Antec Lanboy's plexiglass is very thick. It had to be atleast 1/2" thick. That's probably why it took so long to make the cut.

You're right, I didn't consider the "fun" aspect of it. I spent $400 on a case with factory cuts because I wanted it to be as close to perfect as possible. Just my hand and a dremel wouldn't have yielded results like that. 1/2 inch? Wow! Is the sheet secured with rivets?

 

[Zap]

I've used a jigsaw on many plexiglass cuts. Just use a fine tooth blade and go slow.