Case Modding - Cutting Holes

[dragflameson]

When you guys cut a fan into the side or top of your case what do you use to do it? How is the best way to do it? Thanks.

-Drag

[Da_Flea]

i have only done it once....i used a drill to drill the hole then used wire cutters...used to cut aluminum siding....and cut out the holes......My buddies used to put filters over the holes....but i never have.....

[dragflameson]

it came out nice and round? not all crappy?

[rangeral]

The most common tool used for mods is a dremel tool, its about the most accurate and easy to use.

[badgern]

Use a tank cutter, you drill a hole about quarter inch diameter then use an allen key to pull the correct size tank cutter through the hole. No swarf and no rough edges.

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Because were poor we mark out the hole in pencil, then use a drill to drill holes in the centre and around the edges, we then use a rather **** jigsaw to cut through these drill holes leaving a rather jagged blowhole, we then sand like hellto make it smooth-ish... actually substitute We for my dad

--jakk

[Giblet Plus!]

The easiest way is with a drill and a holesaw. Dremel tools or Jak's way work fine if you don't have a holesaw.

[COLN]

What not to use; a nibbler tool. After drilling a starting hole, it works but so slow and you still have to use a dremel or something else to smooth the edge.

[Bovon]

When you want it to look good, with no jagged edges ect...take it to a metal shop.

[dragflameson]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to buy a hole saw and dremel.

1. Do they make hole saws as big as 80mm fans?

2. Can I use a regular hand held electric drill to attach the hole saw to and use that to drill the hole? And then attach the dremel to it and use that to smoothen it? Or do I need a big powerful table drill to mount down the case side to and drill through like that?

Thanks again.

-Drag

[Scavenger7]

Yeah they make 80mm hole saws. and yes you can use a hand drill.. just make sure you clamp it down, or have someone there to help hold it steady..

[bushmaster]

I use an 79.3mm porter cable hole saw and adapter that goes on my 1/2" porter cable drill. make sure you use the side handle because when cutting through metal if it binds it can cause serious damage to ones wrist. ie; use 2 hands.
But that cuts the holes clean and fast. Both attatchments for the drill cost about $30.
I also buy black abs plastic filter covers for 80mm fans that go on the outside of the case and secure with the screws that hold the fan in place and also have a removable bezel that holds a small filter.
My personal cases are antec 1080 amg's and need no further modding for cooling.

[dragflameson]

OK cool! Does anyone know where I can get em cheap online? Thanks.

-Drag

[Da_Flea]

Originally posted by Da_Flea
i have only done it once....i used a drill to drill the hole then used wire cutters...used to cut aluminum siding....and cut out the holes......My buddies used to put filters over the holes....but i never have.....

dremel to smooth edges.....

[bushmaster]

Does anyone know where I can get em cheap online?
Go outside into the sunlight and venture forth to your local hardware store or better yet Home depot, and you'll find everything you'll need and maybe even have some fun along the way. LOL.