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Help me get started?

I

iha

Limp Gawd
Joined
Aug 18, 2004
Messages
407
I don't know the first thing about modding. I have a case that I want to mess around w/. If it gets ruined I don't care.. it's extra. It's a cheap cheap one too.. I think it was like $40 shipped. Anyway, what tools would I use and what materials if I wanted to cut a window in the side of it? :D
 
You could use a dremel with cutoff wheels, but that would take a long time - Most people use a jigsaw for regular shaped windows, start the hole with a drill and put the jigsaw bit through that hole and start cutting! You can either "glue" the window in place with Silicon caulking, epoxy, or whatever you want to use, or bolt it in place with ~4 bolts per side of the window. But before you put the window in, be sure to file down the edges of the cut and maybe touch it up with a paint pen so you don't have the bare metal showing.
 
just use regular glass for window? or that plastic looking glass type stuff?

and how much are jigsaws? .. u think my dad might have one? lol

I'm only 18, and have almost 0 experience in cutting stuff..
 
Use plexiglass or acrylic, whatever you can find in a big enough sheet. Jigsaws aren't expensive, maybe $20 for a cheaper one - I don't know what kind of tools your dad has :p

And I'm only 17, so age doesn't make a difference :p
 
Grizzy said:
Use plexiglass or acrylic, whatever you can find in a big enough sheet. Jigsaws aren't expensive, maybe $20 for a cheaper one - I don't know what kind of tools your dad has :p

And I'm only 17, so age doesn't make a difference :p
Click to expand...


Is this what a jigsaw is? http://www.ant-computing.com/img/jigsaw.jpg
that looks expensive :eek:

edit: but i see one on ebay for $9.99 :)
 
yeah, that is as jigsaw, but if you want a cheap one, look into the black and decker series at your local home depot, sears, menards, etc.... almost any woodworking shop would have one.... I've noticed that Black and Deckers have become very cheap, although the quality of the is very cheap as well. I do alot of custom wood working and the first black and decker jigsaw i bought was wasted in about 2 weeks, but for what your doing, it would be great.

Oh and the plexiglass/acrylic could also be found at almost any of the local stores as well. The bigger ones that I mentioned would be best.
 
My plexiglass was Lucite Tuf brand from Lowe's, ran me about $10, but it's durable stuff.

I'm 16 years old and I like to think the cut I made for my first window (done with a dremel) is very nice. I HAD 0 cutting experience also, but man, tools these days sure make it easy.
 
so do you draw the line on the case, use a stencil type thing, or just go at it w/ out anything to trace or follow? :D
 
What kind of window do you plan on putting in, a square, circle or design (which is much harder but if you take your time it will get done). I went with the design type and it is just taking your time and having a good stencil or guidleine to work off of.
Also I am assuming that your case is metal if it is plastic you may or may not be screwed.
But you deffinetly want a clear layout of what is to be cut out, and always cut a little bit inside of the final cut line, since once you go outside of it there is no going back.
Another recommendation is that you place your guidlines on the inside of the panel especially if your using a dremel. It may jump and score or mark your case, but if this is on the inside who cares?
Hope all that makes sense.
 
ninethreeeleven said:
What kind of window do you plan on putting in, a square, circle or design (which is much harder but if you take your time it will get done). I went with the design type and it is just taking your time and having a good stencil or guidleine to work off of.
Also I am assuming that your case is metal if it is plastic you may or may not be screwed.
But you deffinetly want a clear layout of what is to be cut out, and always cut a little bit inside of the final cut line, since once you go outside of it there is no going back.
Another recommendation is that you place your guidlines on the inside of the panel especially if your using a dremel. It may jump and score or mark your case, but if this is on the inside who cares?
Hope all that makes sense.
Click to expand...

Thanks that was very helpful. I just want a big squeare window.. where most of the side is a window. Case is metal
 
I would recommend a jig saw for that. Also if you dont want to put molding around the window, you will need to file down the edges so thier not so sharp. That one is either held on by rivets or screws (cant really tell) if you use screws its easy, if you want rivets (also easy) you will need a rivet gun (not too costly).
Good luck and make sure you cut from the inside. also that there is a peice of scrap wood under the case side so you cut into something. Start it off with a drill hole near the edge but not on it, since you want to cut out so much you can practice your skills in the middle then make the final cuts.
 
ninethreeeleven said:
I would recommend a jig saw for that. Also if you dont want to put molding around the window, you will need to file down the edges so thier not so sharp. That one is either held on by rivets or screws (cant really tell) if you use screws its easy, if you want rivets (also easy) you will need a rivet gun (not too costly).
Good luck and make sure you cut from the inside. also that there is a peice of scrap wood under the case side so you cut into something. Start it off with a drill hole near the edge but not on it, since you want to cut out so much you can practice your skills in the middle then make the final cuts.
Click to expand...

k, thanks. i'm going home this weekend and will try it if my dad has a jigsaw, otherwise i'll have to order one of the net or go buy one from homedepo or something :)

also, what if i glued the window on the inside like the first guy suggested? i guess that's not secure enough?
 
I'm just starting my first mod as well, but what i'm going to do is use a silicon caulk to keep in in place, and then use a rivet in each corner and the middle of each side to secure it..... But if you want the plexi glass to be removalbe, I would strongly suggest using screws only, although rivets would be possible to remove, but would take a bit effort. In my metal working/wood working expirience, rivets work great for a whole lot of stuff....
 
I was just at home depot, the rivet gun is around $19.99, so the screw method is alot cheaper, you can get bolts and nuts that would work just as well. Also Home Depot has only really cheap wiring sleeves, and heat shrink that is over priced.
 
my dad does have a jigsaw, but i dont think ill have time this weekend to get started :(
 
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