Dremel to mod case side

I'd like to use a Dremel to put some holes in the side of tower so it'll run cooler and maybe mount a fan on the side like I've seen in newer cases. Is a Dremel pretty straightforward to use for such a task, or is there a trick to it? Is it dangerous for a novice like me? TIA.

 

shadowhawk,

I've been using my Dremel for about 30yrs for a variety of tasks. So I'd say it depends on what model you have on hand.
Mine is a variable speed up to 25000RPM (I think and boy does it "Sing ") and I have a large selection of "Tools" from cutters to dental type tools.
So Have at it.

 

shadowhawk,

I agree with irdreed as long as your wearing safety glasses and gloves (got a minor burn grinding one time so I'm never grind without gloves anymore ) I think you'll be fine. I used various types of grinders over the years and as long as your careful (making sure all is tight before using) you will be fine.

 

Better yet - purchase a hole cutter for a regular drill and put a piece of plywood or some other scrap behind the side of your case (removed side panel of course) then have at it. Even a hole cutter made for wood will work. This will give you a cleaner cut than you can manage with a dremel. I'm currently away from home, but I want to say a 3" hole cutter is about perfect for 80 mm fans - 25.4 mm to an inch. You can then add a grill and 4 mounting holes to finish it off perfectly. If cutting into plexiglass or lexan, you'll need a variable speed drill and a little experimentation to achieve the correct rotation speed and avoid chipping on the slow end or melting on the high end.

 

Hmmmm, this involves more than I'd anticipated. Would a hardware or computer store be able to make these mods for me?

 

shadowhawk,
To help your decision,Here's a detailed blow by blow pictorial of the procedure:
http://www.tech-pc.co.uk/elitecase-1.php

Hope this helps

 

Ugh, looks like a lot of work. I'm gonna end up getting a new mainboard one of these days anyway. I'll just wait til then.

 

Guess I missed something - Lot of Work?????????

Takes all of about 5 minutes to do a circular side panel cutout and mount a fan with a grill. No exaggeration, no understatement - 5 minutes, beginning to end. Actual cutting time is less than a minute.

 

Well, why do I need to put plywood behind the side? Can't I just get a drill and cut?

 

Hole saws tend to do several things. They often cut through faster on one side than the other (because it's hard to keep a drill perfectly perpendicular to the surface and because sometimes the material being drilled will flex), and they will sometimes hang on an uncut section. They also leave a pretty rough edge on the inside of whatever is being cut. The plywood behind it (snugly against the surface) will help prevent the rough edge, allow you to easily see when you start cutting through, help prevent hanging (and the drill trying to break your wrist) and keep you from following through into the cabinet once the hole is cut completely. As Rockster2U said though, it is quick and simple to do.

 

Sheesh - take off the side panel, put a piece of wood behind it and go ............ don't even think about doing this without removing the side panel from the rest of your case - you're going to have metal filings and sawdust all over the place. If thats too tough, you can do the dishes tonight and let your wife work on the cutout.

 

I'm a girl, so I don't think I have a wife. I know to take it off the case. It's been off the case for the last week now so I can keep it cool to play UT. But why do I need plywood?

 

Forget plywood if you wish. Anything that you use is acceptable if you don't mind the hole it may make. It's what one calls "backup" to the item you are drilling the hole in. It makes for a smoother cut.

Take a board off your house, your neighbors house, the Courthouse, pick up a piece from the junk yard, anything you can find. Any other material that is not metal would do. You could use a thick piece of foam, something that was used to pack your PC or printer, etc.

A backup to drilling is good. If you don't completely understand why, accept their suggestion. It is a good thing to do.

 

OK thanks.