[NSRCA-discussion] Cutting through side of metal carrying case?

[Jon Lowe]

The case I got had a thin aluminum skin backed up with something that resembled a cross between cardboard and fiberboard. I used a cheap hole saw that uses a drill bit to center the hole.  I didn't have any problem cutting the holes.  For irregular shaped holes, I use drills to cut around the perimeter with a series of holes, then used a Dremel to even things up.  Protected the area surrounding the hole with masking tape.  I used a black felt tip marker to darken the exposed shiny metal and fiberboard.  Looks great.

Jon


-----Original Message-----
From: Pascoe,Tim [Burlington] [Burlington] <Tim.Pascoe at ec.gc.ca>
To: General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Thu, Jul 5, 2012 11:24 am
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Cutting through side of metal carrying case?



Mainly the holes for a cooling fan, and power. Drilling is no obstacle of course, but with the larger cut-outs, I want to avoid damaging the aluminum skin. The punch would be great, if I could get my hands on one.
 

Timothy Pascoe 
Environmental Scientist
 
Yak Shaving - Any seemingly pointless activity which is actually necessary to solve a problem which solves a problem which, several levels of recursion later, solves the real problem you're working on
 
Environment Canada / Environnement Canada
Canada Centre for Inland Waters / Centre Canadien des Eaux Intérieures
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Burlington, Ontario / Burlington (Ontario) 
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This e-mail represents the opinions and views solely held by its author and in no manner may be considered as representing those of his/her employer.

 

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Stuart Chale
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 9:28 AM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Cutting through side of metal carrying case?

 
Not sure what size holes you want, but small ones just use a drill.  For larger, buy or borrow electrician's knockout punches.  That is what they would use to make a hole in an electrical panel for new conduit.  I have a neighbor who is an electrician and has a pro hydraulic set that I borrowed.  Very cool, requires you to drill a pilot hole but then the punches cut through sheet metal like butter.  

Stuart C.



On 7/5/2012 8:55 AM, Pascoe,Tim [Burlington] wrote:

I’m in the process of putting together a field charging case, and want suggestions on the best way to accurately cut holes in the sides of an aluminum carrying case. Since I’m sure others have gone before me, I’d rather not do it the hard way the first time J
 
Thanks,
 
Tim Pascoe 
 




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