Hi, im new to modding. I want to mod my computer case, its the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC03 case. I want to cut a 80 MM fan hole in the top, and a side window out of it on the left side of the case. Im just afraid of messing up my case..... What are the best tools to use to cut out a perfect 80mm circle and a good window. Somethign that won't scratch my case in the process. Also any tips on cuttig would help =)

thanks.

Obviously you need Masking Tape. You can use one of many things for cutting a hole. You can use a dremel or a Jigsaw. If you have a jigsaw use that, but besure to use the proper blade. Use a blade that is for metal, ie, 28 or greater TPI (teeth per inch) I myself get better results with a jigsaw, while other people may get better results with a dremel

As with the dremel you will need reinforced cutting discs.

For both you need some files (to get rid of burs and such) and some 220 Grit Sandpaper will give it a nice Finish. You can also use a bit of coaxial cable or some other thing to hide our cuts if they are a bit sloppy.

Oh yes, Safety glasses is a must. Oh also, use Fan Templates too, so that the holes are nice and even. You can trace around a fan guard, but it might be too big or small depending on the angle you trace.

Oh welcome to PCApex!

You are the 1st NEW Person since the change has occured.

Quote: Originally Posted by Italianninja8706 Hi, im new to modding. I want to mod my computer case, its the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC03 case. I want to cut a 80 MM fan hole in the top, and a side window out of it on the left side of the case. Im just afraid of messing up my case..... What are the best tools to use to cut out a perfect 80mm circle and a good window. Somethign that won't scratch my case in the process. Also any tips on cuttig would help =) thanks.

dremels are nnice for windows but i dunno about the 80 mm hole..

Dremels work well for blowholes in my opinion.

http://guides.pcapex.com/modding/diy:_blowholes.php

Check out this how to on blow holes. It's written well, and there is a link in the article for fan templates.

A good quality holesaw & drill are my tools for a perfectly round hole..... since I only have
an 80mm holesaw I use the Dremel for larger holes... When using a holesaw, use drilling
lubricant, mask your work with tape, make sure it is very firmly attached to a workbench or
whatever you use... in some cases it is best to use plywood as a "backer"... don't apply
pressure, let the saw do it's job!

But... most important.... wear eye/respitory protection and some thick working gloves when
you use the holesaw! "backlash" of the drill can be pretty painful!

TDR

As dragon said i would use a holesaw an 80mm one. for window the jigsaw would be perfect a dremel if you have to. but make sure u use making tape!!!

I would go with the drill and holesaw, that would give you the cleanest cut, I used it on my custom case, just use the fan grill you have to mark the holes for the mounting screws and then use a ruler from each of the four conrners to mark the center of your hole. That will give you a nice dead center spot for the holesaw.

Read our guides on the subject.I tried holesaw in past and found it distorted the metat from heat and pressure.Now I use drimel and/ or die grinder...Jo

Quote: I tried holesaw in past and found it distorted the metat from heat and pressure

Had the same thing... until I discovered drilling/cutting lubricant... that stuff really works!

TDR

If you have a case that already has a fine finish to it and are afraid that a power tool or even a dremel may harm the finish, the best way is to mask of the area with blue 3M painter's tape, draw out your lines, drill a starte hole, and cut by hand with a case nibbler.

Like this one:
http://www.crazypc.com/Merchant2/mer...duct_Code=9140

Takes few more minutes time, but there is no risk of a runaway hole saw doing damage!!

BTW, Welcome to PCAPEX, (whoa, I almost said welcome to PimpRig....)
Lots of talented people here to help you out!

Italianninja8706 and DaRtH XtC:
WELCOME TO PIM...
*ahem*
WELCOME TO PC APEX!!!

As everyone else has pointed out:
Use a dremel (read the guide linked), a holesaw (preferably a drill-press mounted one), a nibbler (slow) or a jigsaw (that would be my leats favourite method)
Tape up the panels with masking tape (double thickness around the outside of the hole in case the tool jumps) - ideally, cut slightly smaller than you want and finish by filing

Oh... and SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS A MUST!

Quote: Originally Posted by Italianninja8706 Hi, im new to modding. I want to mod my computer case, its the SilverStone Lascala SST-LC03 case. I want to cut a 80 MM fan hole in the top, and a side window out of it on the left side of the case. Im just afraid of messing up my case..... What are the best tools to use to cut out a perfect 80mm circle and a good window. Somethign that won't scratch my case in the process. Also any tips on cuttig would help =) thanks.

.......Italianninja8706

thanks guys for all your input. I will let you know how it goes.

A word of advice: if you choose to use a holesaw, DO NOT USE AN 80MM (3 inch?) HOLESAW. Look for a smaller holesaw, a 76mm at the largest. Keep in mind that the outermost edges of the holesaw will still cut a little bit more out of the metal, and that the 80mm size of the fan is measured from one outer edge of the fan casing to the opposite one. It is NOT the diameter of the fan bore (the circular opening where the blades turn). This applies to just about every holesaw and cutting material (steel, aluminum, plexi, etc.) Using an 80mm holesaw will leave you with a hole that is too big for the fan, by at least 1~2mm on either side of the outer edges of the fan casing.

Mask the area with at least TWO layers of masking tape, so if the bit slips at all, it will have a tougher time chewing through the tape and scratching the finish.

Once you have the area masked off, make sure to measure, mark, re-measure, fix any stray marks, and then drill a pilot hole with a bit just a tad smaller than the one used with the holesaw.

Go slow at first, and once you have a good circular groove going on, then you can pick up the speed a little and finish the job.

Once the hole is cut, you can use a couple things to smooth up the edges. One that I have not tried but have heard works wonders is a piece of about 2"x2" scrap wood. Run it along the inside edges of the hole to catch those stray slivers, before you start with the files...

Finish off the cut with some edge molding and you're done.

Good luck!

Dremel for precision window cutting and drill with holesaw, definitely. With the dremel use reinforced cutting disks of course, be careful and don't go too fast - patience is key to a good, clean cut and finish. With the higher RPM settings the disk can run away on you, so be careful (could cause some awful scratches, sure you wouldn't want that, it's happened to me ).