Cutting Case

[schman]

I want to cut a pattern into my case. it's an old steel case about 1/16th of an inch. I was wondering what the best tool for doing this would be, or if i should just cut a larger window and but my design onto the window instead of trying to cut the pattern into the case. Thank you for your help!

[Alaron]

Dremel tool. http://www.dremel.com/en-us/tools/tool-category.htm?H=188091

[Stuey]

I'm not going to disagree with Alaron, but I want to offer an alternative choice: a jigsaw.

If you have to cut through a lot of steel, the dremel most likely will frustrate you. That said, there is no single best tool.

Your options are: angle grinder (gigantic dremel-like overkill tool if you didn't already know), jigsaw, dremel, or a rotozip rotary cutout tool with an angle grinder attachment.

[schman]

what type of bit should i use in the dremel?

[Alaron]

Reinforced cutting wheels, such as these: http://www.dremel.com/en-US/attachments-and-accessories/attachment-accessory-detail.htm?H=188549&G=66367&I=66371

You can use standard bits too, but you'll go through a large pack of them.

[hitchface]

The last angle grinder I used was for cutting stone to for retaining walls and concrete facings. Hence I got a little worried when you said that, but then I remembered that there are smaller ones out there. :rolleyes:

[tigstah]

dont forget eye protection.....

[glfredrick]

I'd use one of these:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=75449&group_ID=836&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

But only because I have one... :D

One could also use this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ParkerMP-40Amp-Plasma-Cutter-Dual-Voltage-110-220_W0QQitemZ140106878330QQihZ004QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But you need to have it also...

BTW, the plasma will cut through just about anything if you place a piece of sheet metal over it and cut through the metal first. :D

[whubbard]

I personally was cutting up some old computer cases this year and the Dremel works like a charm. I have a few suggestions for you though:

1) Wear a mask and eye protection. (The metal dust in the air is toxic, and it smells terrible. Also I had some hot sparks that when into my eye when I got lazy, and it wasn't fun)

2) Buy a lot of the cut-off bits. (As you keep cutting they get worn down faster than you would think, and as they get smaller I had a bunch just break off)

3) When cutting I found the best technique to be that you make many cuts down on the metal, instead of across, then ultimately make one sweep across to break all the little bridges that appear from cutting down. (I found, while a bit slower, this helps preserve the cutting wheel longer and it also makes it less likely that it will break off. If you have a large supply of wheels, and time matters...just make one cut down, and push across.)

ENJOY


Also the dremel will be the best for a small design, but the cutting wheels are big. If you need to make tight cuts, I recommend that you grind down the wheel on a rock or something first. Its a bit of a waste, but it will allow you to do what you want.