I got a hot new dremmel for x-mas, and it is friggin sweet and i was hopinh i could get some pointers, and a few questions answered.

First off for etching, can i etch plexi glass (I couldn't find acrylic at my local hardware store) and with etching, what attachments do you recomend and is there and techniques recomended (All my etchings look more slashed than etcehd.)

And what attachment is best at cutting aluminum.

for cutting just use the normal cutting disks, or reinforced cutting disks.

as for techniques :

slow and steady,
easy does it,
you dont have to go to fast,
to get to where you want to go,
keep it steady keep it slow.

dont know about the etching never done it before

If you want plexi or acrylic sheets to make windows from, check out a glass shop, they're more likely to have it (at all), and in a much better variety than a hardware store will.

Depending on the size of the etch and the level of detail, you need to stop by the closest WalMart (or anywhere you find the Dremel bits on sale) and pick up at least one each of the engraving bits. There are some really small ones that you can use for minute details, and some really big ones, to save time on thick lines, etc.

"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." (<<== take your time and do it right the first time)

as its been stated above for the metal just use the cutting disks. try to use both hands to steady dremel and dont try to force the disks if not they'll break. (not fun). aslo for the engraving.. im not really too shure since i'm new to PR also, but check the guides index. I think i saw one there on engraving w/ dremels on acrylics.

One word of advice.. stay away from "normal" cutting disks, use "fiberglass reinforced" ones instead...
They cost a bit more but they are well worth it, imho, as they don't shatter easily...

I cut plexi using a jigsaw (and tape both sides of the sheet!). You can use different bits for
engraving, I suggest you buy a couple & see what effect they have on a piece of scrap plexi...

TDR

Plexiglass is acryllic (it's just a brandname ). Generally, you'll find 2 types of plastics that are relatively available: Acryllic and Polycarbonate. They both look the same, but Polycarb is more expensive and pretty much shatterproof (you can also cold-set/bend it without heat....something that you can't do with acryllic. Although, bending with heat yields better results). Acryllic is less expensive and is generally the choice for most folks.
Always make sure to wear eye protection. The Dremel is a bit different than most other tools...it runs at very high RPM, but has very little torque, so the key to using one effectively is to do what the other folks have been recommending: take it slow and easy, let the tool do the work and don't try to force it. Here's a beginners guide to etching acryllic. Take a look in the Worklogs forum and check out some of the awesome work there. mnpctech_guy has some pics of some etching that he did on the World of Warcraft case (post 42). He also has a couple of pics of the detail work that he did on the dragon (post 3).
Practice with some different bits on some scrap plexi until you get comfortable with the tools and find what works for you. Have fun with it and post some pics

I've been modding my case for a few weeks now and the dremel is definately the best thing to use. For cutting use reinforced #426. These will not break and will amazingly cut through almost anything. They last a while longer when you go slow also. Look into getting the flexible handtool if you don't already have one.

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Best pointer I can give you is to WEAR SAFETY GLASSES/GOGGLES!

I got a Dremel for xmas too and got some reinforced disks with it. Just to test and see how much of a difference the reinforced ones made I tried cutting my side panel with a regular cutting disk first....WOW, the reinforced ones are unreal.

Best way to describe it would be to imagine trying to slice through a cold stick of butter and then warming up the knife and trying again.

I found the 2 handed approach worked best too...and be prepared to go through a couple cutting disks at least, depending on the size of the cut.

Reminds me of one thing... always keep the "worn out" reinforced cutting disks, you know... the small ones.
I read it in a guide here, and tried it, these small ones are just sweet for cutting curves!

TDR

yeah...i'm gonna be getting a dremel soon...gonna mod my crappy dell optiplex case...the case reminds me of an office...

Whats really cool about the reinforced disks is that you can use it to clean up the jagged edges with the side of the disk by holding it at 45 degree angles. Also use a grinding stone for rough jagged edges. Also I agree with feral, I had glasses on and a little chunk of metal flew at my eye and freaked me out. So you definately need glasses unless you want to live the rest of your life with people making bad pirate jokes. haha also wear some thin gloves and a mask to breathe through. If you don't you will taste metal all day and have black boogers.

yeah, i got some hot saftey glasses from my ee classes. And i <3 those reinforced disks, I tore up an old computer case with them no problem.