Help me cut out the front/rear fan grills from my LX6A19

Enclosures and acoustic damping to help quiet them.

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mshan
Posts: 413
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 2:26 pm

Help me cut out the front/rear fan grills from my LX6A19

Post by mshan » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:15 pm

Hi all:

I have just purchased a Compucase LX-6A19 computer case and a pair of Wiss M1R tin snips.

I've read the tin snips FAQ and am looking for specific tips on how to proceed to cut out the front and rear fan grills of my LX-6A19.

I have some U-molding to line the cut surfaces after I'm done and I don't plan on overdrilling the fan screw holes.

Thanks in advance!

Katana Man
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Post by Katana Man » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:19 pm

There's not much to it really. It's not as hard as you'd think. It generally takes me about a minute per hole. Since it already has holes, I find it's not necessary to do the spiral technique that is mentioned in the tin snip post. However, since it's your first time, I do suggest the spiral technique. Your confidence will build fully by the time you've made it to the outer edge. You may find that some of the edges get bent a little due to the cutting. You can use some pliers or similar to bend them back. Then add your trim.

I would suggest practicing first. Try to find some similar material, or even practice on the front bay covers.

mshan
Posts: 413
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 2:26 pm

Post by mshan » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:34 pm

I was planning on doing the front fan grill first.

Make a couple snips in the middle for practice, then cut closer to the edge.

Any tips for how to get the cleanest "edge" around the fan grill?

Should I attempt to snip away all bits of the grill mesh or will my U-molding cover everythng up nicely?

Katana Man
Patron of SPCR
Posts: 350
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:14 am

Post by Katana Man » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:40 pm

A spiral will give you the cleanest end result cut. There will be less bending of the edges if you spiral. Th U molding will cover alot. Just cut in a circle, and ignore everything else. The U molding will make it look sweet.

mshan
Posts: 413
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 2:26 pm

Post by mshan » Tue Dec 28, 2004 6:51 pm

Hi:

Are you saying just to cut right along the edge without spiraling or to spiral from the inside out to the fan edge for the cleanest result?

Katana Man
Patron of SPCR
Posts: 350
Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 11:14 am

Post by Katana Man » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:00 pm

Spiral from the inside out to the fan edge for the cleanest result.

mshan
Posts: 413
Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2003 2:26 pm

Post by mshan » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:06 pm

Thanks!

ONEshot
Posts: 257
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2004 11:37 pm

Post by ONEshot » Wed Dec 29, 2004 2:12 pm

Remember to use duct tape or masking tape to cover the outside edges. It will greatly reduce the amount of small knicks that could gather on the outside.

Sorry if that was incoherent.

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