Using a Dremel, Advice?

Jay85

Jay85

Jay85

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I just bought a dremel kit and tomorrow will be doing some work on my panels.


any advice when using these? I've watched a few videos and learnt a fair bit but if any forum members would like to share their experiences with using this multi tool, please write it in here. Would love to learn more so i can open up new ideas and try out new things in terms of modding rather than the same generic thing we see so much of these days.
 
Mastergrip 130W


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Not bought an actual dremel brand haha, can't afford the premium price tag but this one works really well. Done a few tests cut and it's really steady with the speed control.
 
Going to be cutting the front panel like this:



IMG_1502.jpg




The holes will be filled by a plexi window with cut outs for more direct airlow. I also want to experiment with Light tape
 
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Yeah practice on something useless first of similar material to what you want to cut - plastic/perspex for example cuts differently to a metal case. Take your time also! Good luck with your modding. :)
 
I have some old plastic at hand so will give that a woosh tomorrow.


sorry just realised i posted the wrong picture in my 2nd post. Does anyone know if plexi is hard to cut?


what shall i use to hold stuff down because i dont have any clamps!
 
Plexi is a pain to cut as it melts while you cut through it, so just go slow on it and don't force it too much. I didn't use any clamps when I cut some things out though, guess it depends what you're cutting.
 
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Do you just lay it down on a cardboard box, rest your knee on it or something heavyish and go from there?
 
SouthEastBlue said:
Yeah practice on something useless first of similar material to what you want to cut
Click to expand...

+1

also, even though your not using a dremel-branded tool, id still get some of the dremel easy-snap carbon fibre cutting discs (as long as the mandrill fits)

they are expensive but theyre worth their weight in gold!
 
Jay85 said:
I just bought a dremel kit and tomorrow will be doing some work on my panels.


any advice when using these? I've watched a few videos and learnt a fair bit but if any forum members would like to share their experiences with using this multi tool, please write it in here. Would love to learn more so i can open up new ideas and try out new things in terms of modding rather than the same generic thing we see so much of these days.
Click to expand...
use the fibre reinforced cutting discs. I found the normal non reinforced discs tend to shatter if you accidently twist while cutting. Goggles would be handy.

I got the same one, got mine from woolworths.
 
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Pretty sure I rested the perspex either on my lap some how or against the wall with one hand supporting it, when I cut out some metal from my case I just laid it on the floor.
 
Cheers for that guys, will have a look in homebase tomorrow or local hardware store to see if i can get hold of some reinforced disks.

I have goggles, they're in the shed i think
 
Having used both I find the proxxon grinding tools better than the dremel tools. They have a smooth whir rather than grinding roar, probably due to the brushless motor (also no graphite brushes to wear out). The proxxon cutting discs also seem far longer lasting. Do cost more though.

If the case is thin aluminium it will be very easy to cut and won't take too long, steel is a pain though.

Plunge cuts are the most useful but also most difficult, if you change the angle of the disc to the cut it will quickly bite in and usually shatter. You can do a plunge and then a straight line bit not a curve. For curves I usually run the grinder around the whole curve without penetrating and then go round doing plunge cuts till the piece falls out and then clean up with sanding discs. Resting the little finger on a surface with the hand holding the drill can make it much easier than completely free handing.

You sould do some practice cuts on the bits you are removing as the material is identical and will give you the best feel for the proper cuts.
 
Seems like it's all down to experience from what you're saying. I'll see if i can gather some materials together aswel and try everything tomorrow.




While a little off topic, does anyone know where i can buy some U channel from for hiding the rough edges?
 
I used a dremel to cut perspex and the thickness made it a NIGHTMARE task!

When cutting plastics etc do not use too high a speed or it will just melt.
 
Sin_Chase said:
I used a dremel to cut perspex and the thickness made it a NIGHTMARE task!

When cutting plastics etc do not use too high a speed or it will just melt.
Click to expand...

So low speed and gently touch the plexi? Would adding water while cutting help?
 
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