I'm new to whole "modding" scene.. My only mods are installing lights, painting inside of case, and well, that's about it (except for building computers and repairing software issues).. but I want to start doing some of my own work and not relying on "pre-made" cases. My questions are these:
1) What kind of cut-off tools should I use for a dremel?
We have the regular cut off wheels, and I'm just wondering if these are good enough, or if I should get something else..
2) What kind of extra tools do I need to do acrylic cutting, wire sleeving, cutting plastics, ect. ect.

Thanks to everyone for answering the questions..

Also, ANY advice is appreciated. Just looking into getting into the scene, and seeing what I can do.

Quote: Originally Posted by Error404 1) What kind of cut-off tools should I use for a dremel? We have the regular cut off wheels, and I'm just wondering if these are good enough, or if I should get something else.. 2) What kind of extra tools do I need to do acrylic cutting, wire sleeving, cutting plastics, ect. ect. Thanks to everyone for answering the questions.. Also, ANY advice is appreciated. Just looking into getting into the scene, and seeing what I can do.

RIGHTY!

First - get some GOOD SAFETY GLASSES and some REINFORCED cutoff wheels. They won't snap and fly at you when you cut metal (MNPCTech has the 1.5" ones that last longer)
I use the regular ones for plastic only

Acrylic cutting? maybe a superfine hacksaw/jigsaw - just make sure there's a whole lot of teeth on the sawblade

Wire sleeving will just require a lighter, sharp knife and a set of cheap jewellers screwdrivers (or the special pin removal tools that you can buy)

There are some good tutorials here too - have a look around - failing that - have a google

EDIT: Have a look here too http://forums.pcapex.com/showthread....hlight=toolbox

Thanks bro
You always seem to be very helpful..

I just wanted to ask, before I go and start cutting and screw up or whatnot =P

Thanks agian

a realy good all purpose tool is this.

its great for heatshrink becuase it wont leave a burn or black mark as easy as a lighter would on softer colored tubing and you can solder with it too.

i use the exhaust vent to shrink my heatshrink tubing when i sleeve my wires.
a kit with verious needle nose and regular pliers is a must in a modders tool kit also.

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbum86 a realy good all purpose tool is this. its great for heatshrink becuase it wont leave a burn or black mark as easy as a lighter would on softer colored tubing and you can solder with it too. i use the exhaust vent to shrink my heatshrink tubing when i sleeve my wires. a kit with verious needle nose and regular pliers is a must in a modders tool kit also.

Good advice bro
I use a similar one that has separate blowtorch, heatblower and hot knife attachments (perfect for cable sleeving!) but it cost a bit - I always used to do it ghetto with the lighter before though

I'm surprised you didn't reccommend Mrs Nibbles the nibbler!!

And if you're going to be cutting any kinds of plastics or acrylics, I would highly suggest you get a respirator mask like masterp has in his avatar. It'll set you back about 30 bucks, but trust me you DON'T want to be breathing in toxic fumes/particles from some of those materials.

Acrylic is awfully stinky when you cut it. You can use the regular old Dremel for it (actually cutting acrylic is a good time to pull out those regular cutoff wheels), but keep the dremel at a lower speed. You might need to stop and clear the bit occasionally because acrylic can "spool" around your mandrel.

How expensive is a dremel?

give or take 20 to 40 bucks.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nerdz give or take 20 to 40 bucks.

WOW That's cheap - dremel brand tools go for close to 100USD over here!!!

...but i guess you mean a generic "rotary tool" - right??

Yea, we got ours for 99bucks.. o.O

Where'd you get yours for 20-40 bucks? O.O

Thanks to everyone to their advice, new computer case and mods coming soon

I got mine as a present, but I think walmart had it for that much..

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...304053-5768720
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&s=hi&v=glance
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&s=hi&v=glance
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&s=hi&v=glance

Mines the Vairable Speed one. It came with a couple things, and with the flexshaft.

of course one day I was working with it, and I turned the flexshaft upside down my accident, and then whole rod came out and landed in the dirt. I tried to clean it off as best I could and still have some of the oil or what ever is in there on it. I havent tried it since.

I use a "generic" one now... but I'm going to get a real Dremel for my Birthtday!


Reinforced cutting disks, grinding bits, sanding bits, etching bits... are on your "wish list" as well
as working gloves, eye protection and respiration protection....

Protection equals life-span & quality of living... that's no joke... a friend of mine once got a metal
splinter in his eyeball... after removing it he lost 30% of his eyesight in that particular eye....

Take that as a warning...

Plus you want to have your "work piece" firmly attached to your workmate or work bench....
Use some plywood as a backer...

A good set of wet & dry sandpaper, sanding block and a good set of key-files can save the day!


And I, for one, love "composite metal" holesaws... ok... they cost a few bucks.. but if you use them
with a variable speed drill & some drilling/cutting lubricant... they make perfectly round holes with a
minimum of effort!

Have Fun Modding!

TDR.

Thanks alot Dragon!

I have eye protection, and gloves.. so all I need is a respirator? (Like MasterP has).. Is that like a painters once, or is that different kind of protection?

Quote: Originally Posted by Error404 Thanks alot Dragon! I have eye protection, and gloves.. so all I need is a respirator? (Like MasterP has).. Is that like a painters once, or is that different kind of protection?

This link will show you some excellent half face respirators. I don't think you need a full face, safety glasses can be worn comfortably with the half face. I use the 6000 series everyday. I suggest using the #60921 organic vapor cartridge. This unit has proved to be excellent; I cut large quantities of graphite, acrylics and fiberglass. Remember, you might find cheaper, but your health is not something you want to bargain with.

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediaw...8XXXLhFH6bNNtt-

Also, don't forget the hearing protection when using a dremil or any high speed grinding tool. No one has touched on this...

MAX foam ear plugs from the Howard Leight company are the best. I even use them out on the range without "mouse ears".
http://www.howardleight.com/products/products2.asp?id=4

Quote: Remember, you might find cheaper, but your health is not something you want to bargain with.

Amen! (If I may say so...)...

TDR

Thanks alot guys. Appreciate it!