The best tool and way to cut a hole in Lian Li aluminum top panel?

[lumpsums]

yeah i need to install some serious mods on my PC-7FW case. Lian Li makes really awesome cases, this one is great and all, but southern california is hot, really hot, its gettin cooler but it will get hot again soon.. want to install a huge exhaust, may mod the side or bottom, even a make shift pci-slot exhaust fan.

Dremel? I've read about a Jigsaw used to cut through computer case aluminum. any ideas? experiences?

 

[Umagalis]

from the perspective of never using a dremel:
best to mark out hole in pencil or something you can see, mark a starter hole just inside the main hole
drill the starter hole and use a jigsaw, traditional way like that is all I know......
the cut will be rough so you will need a file or perhaps the dremel to smooth it over!

 

[Deleted member 217926]

yeah i need to install some serious mods on my PC-7FW case. Lian Li makes really awesome cases, this one is great and all, but southern california is hot, really hot, its gettin cooler but it will get hot again soon.. want to install a huge exhaust, may mod the side or bottom, even a make shift pci-slot exhaust fan.

Dremel? I've read about a Jigsaw used to cut through computer case aluminum. any ideas? experiences?

A dremel tool or holesaw.

 

[dirtmountain]

A hole saw would give a cleaner hole, but cost more to buy. A jig saw would work. Tape up the case so it isn't marred by the saw.

 

[lumpsums]

thanks guys. jigsaw, dremel with sanding tip.

 

[jitpublisher]

Dont forget to tape the whole area over first so you don't scratch up the case, like dirtmountain mentioned.

 

[lumpsums]

ahaa... i was wondering if he meant taping the after-product. i'm so glad i checked back in before i thought anymore into this.. i'ma pretty crafty guy not scared to work with stuff, but i would have totally jumped into the top panel with a sharp blade, naked of tape..

believe me guys i'll have pictures sooner than never, hopefully not for comical feedback !