Cable managment hole cutting help antec 300 illusion

[blazing angel]

hello all. I've got a antec 300, and am fully utilzing the hole behin the hdd bays for cable managment, but want a bit more "managment." I'd like to cut a few holes so i can run cables behind the "backplate." i'd like to use a holesaw, but have a few questions in advance. if i do cut holes, wouldn't the edges of the cut holes be rigged and sharp, which cold plausably damage my cables? how would i soften up the holes (without sandpaper)

Would something like this work?
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=904156&Ntt=904156&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber
its bi metal

or this
http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=913359&Ntt=913359&catalogId=10051&langId=-15&storeId=10051&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber
its carbon and cheaper
***my 300's a newer version with a cut out backplate for the cpu, but i doubt this would weaken it right?
***i posted this in another section (wrong one: computer cases: sorry)

 

[jryan388]

Both of those links are broken

 

[Motopsychojdn]

not tried your links, but as someone who regularly hacks holes in pc's I reckon I can help
If you are using some sort of holesaw, take everything out of your case first,
a better option is to drill a couple of smallish (10mm) holes and then use a hacksaw,pliers or sheetcutters to join them up, a file will smooth off any rough edges you do create
you might want to look at the first link in my sig, the other two are just pc's I've hacked up a bit
Moto

 

[blazing angel]

ok, links fixed

 

[blazing angel]

not tried your links, but as someone who regularly hacks holes in pc's I reckon I can help
If you are using some sort of holesaw, take everything out of your case first,
a better option is to drill a couple of smallish (10mm) holes and then use a hacksaw,pliers or sheetcutters to join them up, a file will smooth off any rough edges you do create
you might want to look at the first link in my sig, the other two are just pc's I've hacked up a bit
Moto

holesaw ideas not really effective i guess? or its just the burden of taking everything out your case?

anyways, i have a metal file, pliers, and dill bits. i was planning on buying a hacksaw.jigsaw too. i kind want to do the holesaw method, because i will be upgrading my case soon, and will take everytihng out regardless.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Holesaw idea is just as effective as any other method,
I prefer the smaller holes joined up approach as it gives you more precise control over things,
btw you must remember to support/clamp the part your cutting into to avoid deforming the case/tray
Have fun man,
Moto

 

[jsc]

Here's what I did to my Antec 900 cases:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/264112-28-antec

I used a combination of cordless drill, metal nibblers, and a Dremel tool.

Then I used window molding from frozencpu:
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5096/mol-04/Slim_C-strip_FanWindow_MoldingGrommet_Edging_-_Black.html?tl=g44c355s338
on the edges of the holes.

 

[Ubrales]

For making holes in sheet metal, try one of two ways:

1 - Use a "Greenlee" punch setup - this will explain more - http://www.mygreenlee.com/Products/main.shtml?greenlee_category_id=2&product_category=134&adodb_next_page=1

Most electricians have this tool (some plumbers too)

2 - Hole saw after you firmly clamp the sheet metal between 2 pieces of 1" thick (or thicker) wood.

3 - After the hole is punched/sawed, use rubber grommets to neatly finish off the jagged edges. These rubber grommets are availale in the electrical section of Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc. - there are also flexible plastic molded wraps available for this purpose. If you want to improvize, slit a piece of 1/8" tubing and use that.

 

[blazing angel]

One more question: lets saw i want to make cable managment holes, would i set the case on the ground sideways, and place pieces of wood around the location where i am cutting the hole? to preent deforming? Also, can you explain the greenlee punch setup?

also, how difficult would it be to cut said holes? with a holesaw. i dont have a fancy 2 handle drill, just a regular one

 

[ZoSos]

Dude you need to support the area that you are drilling into. You need a holesaw for metal. The bi-metal will cut it. You dont need a two handle drill. You might get some of that door edge guard used for automobiles and sold at Advance and other parts stores. You could place that on your rough opening to prevent chaffing of the wires.

 

[Ubrales]

One more question: lets saw i want to make cable managment holes, would i set the case on the ground sideways, and place pieces of wood around the location where i am cutting the hole? to preent deforming? Also, can you explain the greenlee punch setup?

also, how difficult would it be to cut said holes? with a holesaw. i dont have a fancy 2 handle drill, just a regular one

Here is how to use a Greenlee punch - http://www.ehow.com/way_5615047_greenlee-knockout-punch-instructions.html

This is what it looks like - http://www.mygreenlee.com/GreenleeDotCom/Products/main.shtml?greenlee_category_id=2&product_category=134&adodb_next_page=1&portalProcess_2=showGreenleeProductTemplate&upc_number=02408

The 'washer-like' piece leaning against the punch is what the Greenlee punched out from the sheet metal. Greenlee punches are safer to use than hole saws.

Hole saw setup - http://www.mygreenlee.com/GreenleeDotCom/Products/main.shtml?greenlee_category_id=2

Whatever you end up using, please wear eye protection! Absolute must!