Cutting the Case

[mrlucifer]

Whats the best way to cut into the case? I am making a hole so i can install a fan. I am looking into cutting into the side panels... Please help. What tools do i need....

[lil Jimmie]

Plasma cutter, jigsaw, hole saw, and Dremel come to mind.

[Cricket]

Hi mrlucifer,

I've been using a Dremel Tool with the reinforced cutting wheels to make my fan openings.

You can also use a hole saw or a jigsaw. Someone suggested using a roto zip tool too.

Cricket

[tigstah]

i used a dremel to cutout a window, fan holes.

[jaga]

Hi Mrlucifer, You would get the neatest hole with less effort by using a jig saw and drill.Rotary tools will work but they are harder to control.Start by tracing the outline off the hole to cut on the case,drill a 5/16,3/8 hole (depending how thick the jig saw blade is)inside the lines where the waste is going to be in two opposite corners,this will allow you to make two cuts per hole.When choosing a jig saw blade use a bi-metal blade with at least 18TPI.Take your time don't rush and you will have a nice clean cut .

[jamesrpm]

If the hole you want is a standard size ie. 1/2 ,3/4 ,1"............
electricians have hole punches for cutting neat clean holes in sheet metal.

[Tuf]

I have seen guys put out some pretty serious effort to put a hole in a case. If you don't already have the tools to do it and don't plan on doing it all the time you can save some money and time by just taking it to a sheetmetal or machine shop. The sheetmetal shop here will put a standard size hole with a GreenLee Punch for a Dollar. If they have to cut the hole it runs from three to five dollars. Takes them about a minute and you get a perfect hole right where you want it.

[Charger]

Nice suggestion, Tuf. I forgot about the Electricians Greenlee set. That would be awesome for a fan opening!

Or a metal hole saw (fits on your drill motor).

[homer15]

cricket mentioned the roto zip. that's a great little tool. i cut a 10 by 10 hole in my case in like 15 minutes.