PC Case modding - cutting thin metals

[totalnewb]

Hello everyone,

I am seeking some friendly advice on a choice of a tool to cut (with a good amount of precision) thin metals, namely PC cases.

The particular case I am trying to hack up now has steel that is about 1-2mm thick. The shape of the case is a bit intricate thus I need a tool with a blade that is not too big, hopefully about 5cm in diameter (2 in). And the cutting should be done with a tool ideally with a disc, so I can cut surfaces 90 degrees to the direction of the person holding it.

I thought about getting a dremel 3000 from amazon, but I am unsure whether it will do the job.

Here's the link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dremel-3000...8&qid=1388155308&sr=1-216&keywords=multi+tool

Any advice will be highly welcome!.

Thanks

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes it will do the job but =

the composite disks are quite delicate so take your time.
You can get diamond ones but they are all less than one inch diameter.

I am not sure if there is a bigger tool available.
Perhaps someone else will advise.

Also - I would not call 1 - 2mm steel 'thin' metal.

 

[cajar]

I actually dont think a dremel will do the job, and if it does it'll take an extremely long time. Any time I've tried similiar I've ended up with a groove that just gets more polished as I try with no real progress. I have the regular discs that come with the tool. You could consider a jigsaw with a metal blade and go slowly after drilling pilot holes with a hss bit.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I actually dont think a dremel will do the job,

You're probably right but I think the thickness must have been overstated.

If it is 2mm thick then an angle grinder may be needed or as you say a jigsaw.

 

[footprints]

A nibbler either manual,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Expert-35748-Hand-Nibbler/dp/B0001K9TGU

Or for a drill,

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-SNA9821-Drill-Nibbler-Attachment/dp/B003OXBPJA

Might be the answer.

 

[Spark123]

Last time I made up a panel front in an enclosure I used a hole saw to start with and then a jigsaw (with metal blade) to cut out just inside the hole, then filed out the holes to the correct size. Enclosures are around 1mm thick steel.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If they are circular holes, then you are better off with a chassis punch



FOR EXAMPLE

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If they are circular holes, then you are better off with a chassis punch

 

[plugwash]

You can get punches in all sorts of shape but IMO they are really only worth the expense if you need lots of holes the same size and shape.

 

[Ahtyrrell]

Plasma cutter is the only real tool for cutting out intricate shapes in thin metal sheets, fairly neat cuts that can be filed up in a fraction of the time it would take with a dermal etc

 

[flyingsparks]

Plasma cutter is the only real tool for cutting out intricate shapes in thin metal sheets, fairly neat cuts that can be filed up in a fraction of the time it would take with a dermal etc

Laser cutter is even better..

 

[EFLImpudence]

Nah, water jets now.

 

[Ahtyrrell]

Plasma cutter is the only real tool for cutting out intricate shapes in thin metal sheets, fairly neat cuts that can be filed up in a fraction of the time it would take with a dermal etc

Laser cutter is even better..

Yeah bit fancy for DIY use though

 

[footprints]

Jedi light sabre