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Best way to cut anodized lian-li?

post #1 of 8
6/4/12 at 8:23am
Thread Starter 
img04672.jpg
This is not the exact case I'll be cutting - its my rig in its current state.

I've ordered the red spider edition of this case (I love the design) and a RX120 radiator. I plan to install it in the bottom, where the HDD cage currently is.

The problem only isn't cutting the aluminum, without marking or damaging it - its cutting anodized aluminum, without marking or damaging it.. or at least, minimally so. The best way I can think of is having the hole plasma cut, but having 2 years of welding (involves plasma cutting) under my belt, I know it leaves some slag on the edges of aluminum and is alot of trouble to remove.

Unfortunately, there aren't any other ways I can think of. I know that not using heat to cut the metal is potentially the least damaging, but how would I go about doing that?
Edited by Dirtyworks - 6/4/12 at 8:26am
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post #2 of 8
6/4/12 at 8:28am
corundum is one of the most scratch resistant material only 2 known material are harder!but it shouldnt be too hard to cut!
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post #3 of 8
6/4/12 at 8:31am
Thread Starter 
If you've seen the way the slag sticks to the edge of the plasma cut, then you'll see that it will scratch when removed.

P1010005.jpg

EDIT: Just because a material/substance is harder than another doesn't make it impervious to scratches - I've scratched tungsten carbide with mild carbon steel.
Edited by Dirtyworks - 6/4/12 at 8:39am
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post #4 of 8
6/4/12 at 9:47am
I use 3m green painters tape to cover the metal, and a fine metal blade on my jig saw. Use a step down drill bit for your pilot holes. Comes out good every time.
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post #5 of 8
6/4/12 at 9:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OIburnedit View Post

I use 3m green painters tape to cover the metal, and a fine metal blade on my jig saw. Use a step down drill bit for your pilot holes. Comes out good every time.

+1 on the painters tape and GOOD quality metal jig blade. Other option would be a NEW Hole Saw on a Quality Drill, and some patience. Tape the area off VERY well and you should be able to avoid just about all scratches.
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post #6 of 8
6/4/12 at 1:53pm
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Hmm. I didn't even think of having a round hole lol
I wonder where I can find a hole saw that big in this town? rolleyes.gif
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post #7 of 8
6/4/12 at 10:28pm
You'd want a 4 1/2" holesaw for 120mm fan cut-outs, I just got a decent Bi-Metal one at Home Hardware, but with the mandrel it wasn't cheap.
Surprisingly, Canadian Tire only had up to a 4" size available.
I guess you'd have to have one shipped out to you, up there!
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post #8 of 8
6/5/12 at 4:42am
I use a Dremel with this attachment for my fan holes, it also acts as a straight edge guide.
http://www.mytoolstore.com.au/products/Dremel-678%252d01-Circle-Cutter.html
Good luck with your mod.
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