Starholdest

Hi, I have this case:


I know they sell it on newegg with a side window, but when I bought mine, it came with two fully enclosed side panels (no windows).

My dad has a milling machine that he converted to use CNC a year or so ago. I was just wondering, I would like to cut out a window on the side of my case because my airflow over the 2 years i've had it has gotten worse and worse.

The thing is, I asked him if it's possible, and he said yea, but he said that it would scratch up all the paint while it's cutting. I was just wondering, what would I be able to put around my "window area" that I want to cut out, so the paint doesn't get scratched?

Also, what do you guys do exactly? Do you get a piece of lexan and just cut a piece out and put it on the inside? or do you cut out a piece that fits exactly into the window you just made and then glue it in there or something?

What do you say I should do?

Thanks for your help guys,
Elliott

Firestorm252

i've no CNC experience and don't know what kind of nicks it'll leave on the paint but if you get some of this window molding then you may be able to hide the damage as well. but good rule of thumb is cover the panel w/ masking tape to prevent minor scratching

and methods of putting the window vary from person to person. Some people like using the window molding (guide here), Cyberdruid has an older write up here, some people decide to bolt the thing down (guide here).

I didn't like the look of the molding sticking out or the bolts sticking out, but the glue made me uneasy as, well, i have the gluing skills of a kindergardener. so i found some of this heavy duty double sided tape that works well. looks bad, but no one ever sees it so i did't care.

and the acrylic size depends on the manner you attach it to the sidepanel.
the molding size is the size of the cut minus the size of the molding
the other methods require the hole's dimensions plus anywhere from 1-3+ inches larger than the hole to allow for a secure attachment.

good luck on getting your mod! take pics, we <3 pics ^_^

__________________

Starholdest

Thanks for the info + links! I didn't know that's how they did it (putting the plexi inside the case and putting the molding over it and over the case!

Thanks for your help, Rep++!

Any help from you CNC fanatics? About the paint cracking/scratching?

Thanks,
Elliott

ThePope

CNC like the water Cutting machine right? If so then yes it can be done. I had my dads shop cut mine and it turned out awesome. Before you take it to be cut, put tape on were the window is going to be cut so it wont scratch the paint..

__________________

Starholdest

Ok thanks...and no I don't mean with water though.

jar3232

Just make sure you use a small, 4 flute bit when cutting, Nothing bigger than a 3/16...I would, if you don't have it already, invest in some good cutting fluid, but 10W40 works just fine...I always find that having a small wood backing board (1/4 Pine) underneath helps give me a smoother cut...The backing board helps the thin pieces of metal from bending and bouncing during cutting...

Good luck with the cut...Post some picks when your done...

I wish I had a CNC machine at home...Manual machines are so much more work...

ShadoX

you could always just repaint the side if it gets scratched, just get it paint matched

or mill it from the inside out so you'll probably have a lesser chance of scratching up the existing paint (since the inside has no paint and you don't see it when its on anyway)

__________________
There is no signature

RedSix

If the CNC has a decent vacuum table, I'd place the panel good side down. It wouldn't hurt to tape the hell out of it, in any event.
A water jet wouldn't leave a mark, out side of maybe chipping the paint near the edge of the cut, but any other cutter is likely to do the same. There again, masking tape is your friend.