Any Dremel experts here? Case cutting question?

[Space Monkey]

Hi guys,

I want to cut a larger window in my case side panel on my Silvertstone FT02.

I've never used a Dremel before so I need to know what am I going to need? The case panel is either steel or aluminium if that matters?

Is the Dremel 3000 any good as I've seen it with a 15 piece kit for just under £40, would I need cutting discs as well and if so which ones please? (As much detail as you can give me would be great)

Not sure what else I need to do or know but feel free to enlighten me

 

[iB CoMpL3XiTy]

I'm no expert but I've had some experience with the Dremel 3000, it's a really good rotary tool and I would recommend it however the discs it comes with are pretty crap, I used 3 on a 40x40cm window in aluminium.
The official dremel disc's (manufactured by dremel) are much stronger, got mine from BnQ.

Make sure you mask the panel to prevent scratches and cut on the inside of the panel rather than the outside for a cleaner looking cut.

Go slow at first just to score the metal and try to make many light passes with the dremel rather than trying to cut straight through on your first pass, the discs will last longer and the cut will be more accurate, it'll also help prevent the dremel from getting stuck or flying out of control.

Wear safety glasses! when those cheap discs shatter you don't want part of it in your eye :/

 

[Space Monkey]

Thanks mate, some very useful info there

What were the extra discs called or are they all the same?

 

[panyan]

look here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=18875071&postcount=30

The official dremel disc's (manufactured by dremel) are much stronger, got mine from BnQ.

+1

the dremel carbon fibre cutting discs are fantastic

Wear safety glasses! when those cheap discs shatter you don't want part of it in your eye :/

+1

i also have a respirator because you REALLY dont want to be breathing in those fine particles of metal and paint

before i got a respirator i was coughing for days afterwards, eyes watering, black snot...

 

[iB CoMpL3XiTy]

Thanks mate, some very useful info there

What were the extra discs called or are they all the same?

These are the ones I bought: http://www.dremel-direct.com/acatalog/copy_of_690JA_-_SpeedClic__Cutting_Set.html

I would say though if you only plan on cutting a side panel window then the cheap discs that are included with the dremel are probably enough, depends on how much modding you want to do I guess

 

[Space Monkey]

Thanks chaps, really useful, think I'm sorted based on what you've posted

I only need a square-ish hole that is larger than what I have now, just to show off more of my modded internals

 

[iB CoMpL3XiTy]

Thanks chaps, really useful, think I'm sorted based on what you've posted

I only need a square-ish hole that is larger than what I have now, just to show off more of my modded internals

No worries

Happy modding

 

[jaybee]

On an FT02 the front, base and back of the case is one large aluminium "U" shaped piece curving underneath the bottom fans. The rest of the case - including the side panels - are steel.
The standard window in the FT02 windowed side panel is pretty big and I am intrigued that you want it even bigger. I suppose if you wanted to show your drive bays internally you could extend it but... drive bays aren't exciting really. Is it watercooled?

 

[Space Monkey]

Hi Jaybee,

Yep, watercooled and my drive bay has been modded and painted orange to match my orange theme, so it'll look rather nice

Thanks for the info too