What tools for Modding?

[Undeadlord]

Hello all,

I want to start doing abit of case modding and I am wondering what tools I should buy? I will most like be doing a side panel cut out, like I saw with the shamrock in another post. I know everyone seems to love their dremels :) .. Any brands I should look at? and what kinds of tips should I be looking at?
What other tools do you guys reccomend? I have a ton of cases sitting around, plus my work throws them out on a weekly basis :) So I can always snag more. My only problem with modding is I know NOTHING about electronics so adding LED's and whatnot seems out of my league :(

Undeadlord

[speedman]

When I did my cases I tried the dremel route because I aready had one....

Of course being a machinist and CNC programmer all of my adult life I immediately decided this was not the way to go....

Anyway here is how I did mine....

Tools Needed for the hole.

Wide Masking Tape.

Hand Drill.

Saber Saw.

1/8" Drill Bit

3/8" Drill Bit

Small file or sandpaper.

Blades for the Saber Saw fine tooth for metal cutting.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mask off both sides of the cover then layout the hole where you want it.

Drill a 1/8" hole 3/16" in from the inside of the line.

Followed with the 3/8 drill.

Stick the saber Saw in the hole turn it on and let er rip.

Remove the masking tape and file the burrs off.

I use Lexan for the window that I get at Home Depot for around $2.00

I went to the local windshield repair shop and got rubber molding that fit on the Lexan.

That is the only part that is fussy fitting the molding to the lexan and the hole, But it's not that hard it just requires a little thought.

All of this will cost less than the Dremel tool alone.

I have been doing these for my friends on occasion.

And now Comp-Usa carries Window Kits to make it even easier.

[Undeadlord]

Speedman, thanks for the tutorial on that, however my only problem is that I don't think I would be making windows. I would be doing mostly cut-outs so that light could shine through and show what I have cut out. Thats why I thought the dremel might be easier than a saber saw.

Undeadlord

[speedman]

In your case the Dremel is the correct choice. Just be careful when using it, These things can grab and jump real easy.....:)

[Undeadlord]

Now I just have to figure what brand of dremel to buy and what tips I need :)

Undeadlord

[Dazbo666]

For the past year or so, I've been using the Black & Decker (RT650 model, I think).

I can honestly say it's every bit as good as the brand-name Dremel, it can use B&D and Dremel accessories, and best of all it was less than 2/3rds of the price of a Dremel!! (and I think it looks better!!)

The prices of both have dropped since I bought mine, but the B&D is still slightly cheaper (but still great quality!).

[a Bill]

I can't recommend using a Dremel type tool since it really isn't designed for this type work. It will do the job but...

I use hole saws and nibbling tools. Add to that your standard assortment of number one and two philips, torx bits, drill motor, sanding drums, soldering pencil (15w), masking tape, pencils, Sharpy marker, tape measure, square, straight edge etc. I'm a firm believer in using the proper tool for the job. Not only does the work go faster and the finished product look better but it's safer. Blood is a nuisance to clean up :)

[Centurion]

well - its not the blood - but rather the colour which really tells how the job went - green means that you really hit something - blue means that you have too much money for doing this yourself - and red indicates - that you shoulda used the saber saw.

LOL - C :)

ps - mini grinder works really good too - just make darn sure that you have heavy safety glasses on at all times.

[fshanda]

My addition to this thread is simple.

If you have never done anything like this (metal working or woodworking for that matter) dont learn how to do it on a case that you want to keep. If you can get one of those throw away cases practice on it. In fact, cut the crap out of it and drill and saw away untill you get used to how the tools behave. I have trained many many people how to use industrial and hand tools over the years and this is very good advice. The look in someones eyes the first time the tool there using does something unexpected is something i've seen over and over again. Practice and when you feel comfortable with the tools get out the good case and have at it.

Routers are one of the most eratic tools i've used. They can do all kinds of nasty things when handled by someone that has never used one. Especialy when their scared of getting hurt.

[speedman]

Ditto that..........................:D

[Dazbo666]

Originally posted by a Bill
I can't recommend using a Dremel type tool since it really isn't designed for this type work. It will do the job but...

I use hole saws and nibbling tools. Add to that your standard assortment of number one and two philips, torx bits, drill motor, sanding drums, soldering pencil (15w), masking tape, pencils, Sharpy marker, tape measure, square, straight edge etc. I'm a firm believer in using the proper tool for the job. Not only does the work go faster and the finished product look better but it's safer. Blood is a nuisance to clean up :)

I take your point... and yes I do use a lot more tools than just a Dremel - I've got an extra toolbox just for my modding kit (holesaws, soldering kit, screwdrivers, allen/torx keys etc etc)

...But when it comes to cutting tight curves, angles and intricate designs in the sides of my case, an angle grinder/disk cutter is too cumbersome, and my jigsaw doesn't give the finish I want, so I use my Dremel (very carefully, and with safety equipment, of course :D ;) )

Thanks for the advice:p