Hello, a customer of mine wants a new computer and of all the cases I showed him, the Silverstone TJ07 is the only one he wanted... No problem, however he wants a window in it, but he ordered the non-windowed version. The RMA time is up so we are stuck with what we have. Now I do not mind putting my half dead dremel to a case that will only cost me the cost of a replacement side panel and shipping if I screw it up, but not the TJ07. Some of you might know that the TJ07's top, bottom, and front panel are all made out of one solid piece of aluminum. Well the problem is that this design forces Silverstone to custom fit the side panels which are made out of the same sheet of aluminum as the actual body. Since these side panels are custom, so I can not purchase a replacement, and they are 4mm thick, they might finally kill my dremel, a do-it-yourself job is looking rather dim... I have read that Directron will mod and cut any side panel you send them. My question is how well do they do, and what is the process involved in getting this side panel to them? What do you guys think about Directron's services, I really could use some advice! Thank you so much.
Blood Raven, I frequent Directron often, at their showroom, and I've seen their 'window kits'. The kits have this really thick rubber ring that holds the acrylic window to the case panel, not asthetically pleasant. IMO, the best thing to do, granting your cutting is perfect, is to cut the acrylic window a bit larger than the cutout and fasten it from behind, using a strong epoxy, much like the ones that you have to mix two parts to activate. Check out the link, click on the $2.99 kit, the picture isn't that large, but you can still see the thickness of the rubber grommet used to fasten the window, also visible if you click on the already modded cases in the same page.
Hope this helps your decision.
instead of a dremel, use a jig saw with a darn good bi-metal 24 tooth blade. Use several. I paid $10 or so for 4 of em. Use lots of painters tape to protect the panel.
If you have compressor to blow air, have a friend help you by blowing air onto the blade which will keep it cool. This will help stop the aluminum gumming up. Go slow. I have a hard time going slow, so I cannot stress enough of going slow....
