Cutting fine lines and mounting plexi?

[psyrider]

Hi all,

I'm new to these forums, and some of the images I've seen on the LN site are very close to the sorts of things I want to do. I have two main questions:

1. The cases with the detailed cutouts are made by cutting thin lines (like pencil lines in a drawing). What dremel attachment is used for this? A reinforced cutting wheel? Other?

2. How do the makers of these types of ornate windows mount the plexiglass behind them? Bolts, rivets, silicone sealant, other?

TIA,

Ari

[lechumbl]

Hi psyrider,

First, let me :D :D WELCOME :D :D to Liquid Ninjas.
We are glad to have you aboard and posting.

Secondly, many folks make a pattern on the side of the case with pencil, or whatever. Then, using a dremel tool, cut the pattern.
The tool can be the rotary disk or some use the long narrow bit for cutting.
Whatever you are most comfortable with is the correct tool.

I like to use the cutting wheel for straight lines and larger area cuts and the bit for the tight and small areas.

The mounting of the Plexiglass is done just about any way you suggested.

A note, you might go to the Aquarium store and get the small air hose and cut a slit in it. Then place it over the cut and use silicon or something like it to mount the Plexiglass behind.
The small tubing looks really good and it helps to hide the cut edge.

Take care, and again Welcome.........

[mdzcpa]

If you HERE (http://www.liquidninjas.com/bbs/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2351) , I used a dremel with a standard cutting wheel.

I used a window "kit" which came with the pre cut plexi glass, a template, and a rubber gasket. I used the provided template to trace the hole design and cut it out with the dremel. Then using the provided gasket, I lined the cut out and inserted the window. Not too hard really. The tough part is making a nice clean cut out.

[Player0]

If you check out Tailins photos in the gallery, he draws all his art, and then uses the Dremel and Fiberglass reinforced cutting wheels (these go through steel like butter). He cuts the large lines while the wheels are big, and saves the intricate cuts for the wheels when they wear down to small circles. They go for about $7 a pack, and you should always have a few packages on hand. Take your time, and you wont wear out the wheels so fast. But you will go through quite a few for a large project.

As for the plexy, yeah, everything you said. Some glue, some bolt, some rivit, some use window gaskets. Whatever depends on the look you are goign for.

[psyrider]

I've been looking at Tailin's cases. Very impressive. I wish the cutting wheels were cheaper here in Australia (for Dremel brand, it's $24 AUD for one pack of five). He must use some other bits besides the cutting wheels though to get some of the more detailed parts, right?

Ari

[Player0]

Nope, just the fiberglass reinforced cutting wheels like I described. The regular cutting wheels will work, but they smell really bad, plus they are more fragile and will shatter if you're trying to do precision corners.

He may use a deburring tool attachment. I use one of those to smooth out my cuts. But about the best thing to use when cutting hard metals is the fiber discs.

[WesM63]

hey psyrider,
I've used various things, from Dremel to jigsaw to air nibbler. The Air nibbler worked best (auto body tool used to cut metal.) for straight lines, but did'nt make turns very well, that and not many ppl own one. I would use the dremel, but i did'nt have the reinforced cutting discs and that did'nt work out the best.


Good Luck M8.

[Neo]

I found this and I have read a few review and it appears to be good. All you have to do is drill a starting hole.

Directron (http://www.directron.com/nibbletool.html)

This would be good if you are not a dermil wiz.

[NorthernYankee]

I have one its a nice compliment to the dremel...its good for cutting long stright areas so as to not wear out lots of dremel wheels.

--NY