Ok, so it's time to cut... Question is, what to cut with. Here is what the final design is going to be for the side panel on my Project: HIVE case:

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Soooo, here is my question for all you "Cutters" out there... Which tool would be best to use on this baby? In the left corner we have the ever handy Dremel. But, in the right corner I have a new toy I found in my Step Pops garage...

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Nice. Are you gonna put an orange window behind it for that whole hive theme or not? Also, have you considered cutting the hexes down nearly to the end of the panel instead of stopping those few inches short? Maybe its just be but I think it might come out better like that.

Looks great though. I'm interested to see how it turns out regardless.

As for the cutting tool...you could always cut one hex with each and see which feels better. Personally I think I'd use a dremel. I don't like to use those for anythingn but acrylic.

Edit--Just thought of something ...orange stained-glass windows. I don't particularly like stained glass but I think yours is one of the few rigs that could incorporate it pretty well....if you're going for the whole beehive/honey deal. mmmm...honey.

I thought about extending the hexes to the sides but in my mind it wont work. There is the handle on one side and I want it to have as much support as possible and on the orther is some plastic that is on the front and it would cover up some of atleast one hex.

Tell you what though, I think I'm going to leave all my modding stuff and projects over at this house. My Step Pops has more tools than I can name...

EDIT: Here is a link to my project feedback/suggestions post on this poject...

http://forums.pcapex.com/showthread....&threadid=5774

How about an air nibbler? I used to use them to cut auto body panels.
They take some practice, but can make some clean cuts when used properly.
(And would be faster than a dremel too)

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the cut off tool might yeild good results. and is affordable if you already have a compressor.

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The advice I can give you between the two tools is from experiance. When I cut the window I have now i was talked into using a jigsaw like yours, because I was convinced by my dad that that would give me more control, but after doing it i didn't have the precision I wanted and honestly I hate my side panel; when I look at it now. Just look at how messed up the cut is!
At a recent lan party I went to i did a very complex flame design for my cousins case, and using a dremel I found I had much more control and didnt do any damage to the side like the jigsaw.
So it is my experiance reccomendation to use the dremel. Just keep in mind while using the dremel to go slow-I say this every time someone asks a dremel question-Don't rush!

I like the Dremel Pro series (35000 RPM max) that comes with several cutting discs and accessories, it retails for $55 at Wal-Mart (it was on sale). Great all around cutter, takes more time than some of the tools above though.

i also use the dremel like g. i think it is very easy to use and good for complex designs or simple cut outs. it makes the experience more enjoyable imo. i got it from home depot for 60 bucks (not on sale )

i would use a dremel on this project you have goin. i used a dremel to round the edges on my window, and that worked great. the dremel is so versatile, your probably gonna use a dremel on another modding project.

If those hexes had round corners (which they don't) a jigsaw would be ideal...as it would be ideal on straight cuts in making a large hole. Since' you've got several holes, it'll be a real pain in the ass to cut with a jigsaw; especially with the 120 degree angles of the hexagons (maybe 110 or something, can't quite remember my geometry at the moment)...where you'd have to go back and finish the corners anyway. The other obvious downside to a jigsaw is how you cut holes with a jigsaw...being that you have to cut a starting hole anyway big enough to fit the blade in. Altogother none too friendly.

So I'd also say stick with a dremel for it's versatility and the ease of making a good finished product. And of course, take plenty of time...I picked up a dremel myself and damn that thing gets hot quick! My hand still hurts from having it on too long (carving wood).

I'd use a combo myself. I'd go jig-saw to cut the long stretchs, just drilling a hole for each side (which is a PITA job but ohh well) and use the dremel to finish it up into the corners. It'd be faster, you'd hardly use any discs, and have nice sharp corners. Best of both world.