What else besides a dremel can I use? I'm at a stand still.

[Junior77]

I'm using this round brown thing here. But it seems like i'll be here forever. Its taking so long. Can I use a jig saw or something else? Damn, i just spent $75 on this chit.

 

[Generalen]

I find the dremel most useful (if U use it as it should be used) let the rpm do the work.

 

[Generalen]

I made a 120mm hole today took less than 20min and the edges became so nice. Diden't need to use the grinding bits so much.
Use the fastest speed on the dremel!!!
U got the exact same model as I have and I got no problem making holes in metal. Just hold it steady over a spot where U should cut than gently put a little pressure on it and cut away a bit down then move it alittle bit away and do it again, then restart at the same spot U begined on and cut it through the metal than continue. I take some time to make it work but once U get it U should cut it pritty fast 15-20 min for a 120mm hole ( thas what it took for me)

Good luck!!

 

[KouklatheCat]

A jig saw will rip and cut the metal and in my experience it will "bounce" and dent and scratch your metal.

You can use a hole saw but actually the dremel is best give it some patience. Go to Home Depot and buy the fiber glass reinforced cutting wheels they are pretty darn cheap like $3-5 for a bunch of them. It does take some time but it comes out best.

Also do not force the cut it will break a whole butt load of wheels. I did that my first few cuts.

Once you get the cut going it gets faster.

 

[Junior77]

Thx. I'm going to finish this at work where I won't be afraid of these flying sparks. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to getting my modded case going.

 

[KouklatheCat]

Yes please let us know how all goes. PLEASE (I cant say it enough) wear safety goggles, I caught a piece of shrapnel from one of the cutting wheels in my safety glasses. Also take your time.

 

[Cheetah8799]

Dude, I just did mine with a hole saw. I got mine at Menards, but Home Depot has them too. Basically you hook it to a drill press or a hand drill and it chops really nice holes in the case.

 

[Cherub]

I want to second what KouklatheCat said - USE SAFETY GOGGLES (and also a nose/mouth mask).

I merely wiped my eye with my finger by accident after I finish working on my case (wearing goggles the entire time), and my eye developed a nasty yellow bubble, about 1/2 cm in diameter!

Also, I compared the reinforced and heavy duty cutting wheels, and found that a 120 mm hole took about 2.5 reinforced wheels or 9 non-reinforced wheels.

 

[Generalen]

<< Also, I compared the reinforced and heavy duty cutting wheels, and found that a 120 mm hole took about 2.5 reinforced wheels or 9 non-reinforced wheels. >>


Wow how did U do that???!!!:Q
I made a 120mm hole with 1 regular cutoff wheel. And i'm sure I can use it to another one!

 

[Phunktion]

Since you have a dremel that can sand the holes nicely you could use a metal nibbler ($10 @ Radio Shack btw) to make a rough hole and then finish the hole with the Dremel's metal sanding bits..
It's worked nicely for me since I don't have a jigsaw or holesaws..

 

[caino]

I used a jigsaw earlier today to cut out a 92mm hole in my HX-08..It worked great..just make sure you are very steady with your hands, and make sure you keep the blade speed up to keep it from bouncing and going crazy..

caino

 

[mechBgon]

I used a jigsaw with fine-toothed blades made for cutting sheetmetal. For 120mm holes, it's not too bad if you're careful, but cutting the tighter curve for an 80mm was difficult. Let me take a number and wait in line so I can also say: wear saftey goggles!. Two eyes per lifetime... maximum.

 

[KouklatheCat]

I agree with Cherub, I had a similar experience with the cut off wheels not lasting to terribly long. I forgot to mention the mask, metal/dust from the cut off wheels tastes NASTY.

I also agree with Caino, you can do it with a jigsaw but keep the speed up and use a decent jigsaw. I am not that good with a jigsaw so dremel was easier.

 

[NEWKILLA]

holesaw on low speed and lots of CUTTING OIL,
i do an average of 10 to 20 holes a week,
yes im spoiled with drill presses but not long ago
i was clamping to ply wood and going to town
with the 1\2 inch drill, oil is the secret to nice clean
holes,plus you can double the life of the bit, a dremmel
with a reinforced wheel is second,high speed and a steady hand
just take your time and have some fun thats what its all about
and if ya make an OOPS thats what molding is FOR,LoL
be -good
killa