Best tool for the job??

N00bbuilder79 · 27 Dec 2010 at 14:01

I have a Coolermaster Cosmos S sat around doing nothing so I am planning on putting my new build in it. I want to mod the side mesh panel so that it has a Window which in itself is no big job at all, my question is whats the best tool to cut acrylic without it cracking and splintering?
Thanks in advance.

Scone · 27 Dec 2010 at 14:17

N00bbuilder79 said:
I have a Coolermaster Cosmos S sat around doing nothing so I am planning on putting my new build in it. I want to mod the side mesh panel so that it has a Window which in itself is no big job at all, my question is whats the best tool to cut acrylic without it cracking and splintering?
Thanks in advance.

maybe a dremel?

piggin · 27 Dec 2010 at 15:13

Don't use a dremel as it melts, not cuts.
Use a jig saw with a very fine toothed blade for plastic or a hand saw with very fine teeth.

N00bbuilder79 · 27 Dec 2010 at 15:31

I have tried using a jigsaw before but found the acrylic wobbled and vibrated like hell, guess I will have another bash at it and use better clamps for holding it down.

piggin · 27 Dec 2010 at 16:01

Its all in the blade (more teeth = a better cut for plastic)

Run some masking tape along the line you want to cut, mark out your line & cut away.

You can also cut acrylic but scoring along a line a few times with a craft knife & straight edge.
Then put the acrylic on the edge of a table (along its scored line) & snap the end off. Then clean up the edge with a file & sand paper.

How are you going to hold your window into the panel

N00bbuilder79 · 27 Dec 2010 at 16:31

I am going to use the screws that hold the mesh side panel and fan assembly onto the panel, should work a treat :-)

piggin · 27 Dec 2010 at 17:09

Make sure you put a few washers on the screws as they are longer than you need.
If you fit the screws without the washers you will mark the outside of the case. The screws will continue to tighten & jack out the face. This will cause a 'bulls eye' affect local to this area.

N00bbuilder79 · 27 Dec 2010 at 17:14

Thanks for the heads up on that, I am sure I have some washers kicking about that will fit the bill.

Cheers