MNiceGuy

Hey!

I have been sandbagging my Rocketfish mod long enough and have finally started to put some ideas together. Here are the unanswered bits:

1. What gauge aluminum sheeting do you use? Rocketfish is approx 1mm but a common gauge when buying is 1/16". Nothing I'd be using it for is "load bearing" and it seems that even 1/16" is a little too much. Is 1mm rigid enough for basic internal panels such as the stealthing panel as seen on Project: Dark Desire?

2. Should you need to tap such thin aluminum, just tap it and forget it? It seems like the thin metal wouldn't allow a lot for threads to grab onto. I noticed the factory holes are "punched" or something which leaves some extra material on the backside for extra threads.

3. Is there a good way to bend aluminum sheet without a full-blown brake? I saw some various techniques but am curious to know how you guys do it.

That's all for now. Thanks for the wisdom guys

marcus000

2) Na you won't be able to tap such thin metal. The little inserts Lian Li and other manuf. use are called Pemserts.
M4 Pemserts require a hole cutout of 5.35mm IIRC (might wanna confirm that yourself if you intend to use them).

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CyberDruid

Good answer. If you are US then check McMaster Carr for the thread-serts or whatever they like to call them. The come in metric and standard and yo9u will likely need a drill bit specific to the thread-sert.

They simply press into the hole you make.

THin gauge stuff may look ripply..so choose carefully.

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shinji2k

On the thinner gauge and for short spans, like less then 12" (maybe longer if you have patience), you can get by with a couple clamps, a block of wood, some elbow grease and maybe a rubber mallet to get the bend you need. For longer spans you will need a brake to get a nice bend. If you do need a brake I've seen guys make decent ones out angle iron and a piano hinge for a fraction of the price it would take to buy one.

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phillipjos

for a false floor like mine i used .118 witch is just under 1/8 inch,just drill and tap that,for my back i went to .62 you can also tap but really fine threads tho,i drilled andused standouts fof my back plate,3 togather is about 3/4 inch gap for wire manegement.