Custom Case takes forever!

**brandondere** · 01-18-2001, 07:52 PM

I have started my plexi case and so far I have great results. WHat ways can I cut the plexi? I dont want to use a saw because i dont want to crack it and my dremel gets tired after cutting for a while. It heats up and I have to let it cool for like hours.
This project is taking forever!
Has anyone had problems like this?

**Arby** · 01-19-2001, 09:35 AM

Dunno, mine took a few days too.

**ToxicPoison** · 01-19-2001, 10:12 AM

Do you have a variable speed dremel?
I set my dremel on one of the lower settings (either 1 or 2) and I don't have to worry about the plastic melting. It takes a bit longer then if I use 4 or 5 but the dremel doesn't heat up.

mc · 01-19-2001, 11:24 AM

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Arby:
Dunno, mine took a few days too.</font>

why do you always respond with a smart *** reply

**Aaron Cake** · 01-19-2001, 11:29 AM

Mine took three weeks to make.

------------------
Aaron Cake
London, Ontario, Canada

Player: Cyrix 200, 32MB RAM, 10.2Gig Quantum HD, Onboard EtherNet/Sound/Video, Custom Lexan Case, Arise DC-DC, Win95 Kernal w/Custom Player
Car: '86 Mazda RX-7 w/Basic Performance Upgrades

**Craig Chatterton** · 01-19-2001, 12:24 PM

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">I dont want to use a saw because i dont want to crack it </font>

You can easily cut Plexi with a saw. Just buy a blade with small, fine teeth. You have to cut slowly, but you can go faster than using a Dremel!

I built a Wet/Dry filter system for my 150gal tank out of plexi and I cut it with a fine tooth saw blade. Worked fine.

---

I'm referring to a powered rotary saw here, NOT a hand saw. I don't know if a hand saw would work very well.

[This message has been edited by Craig Chatterton (edited 01-19-2001).]

**Callahan** · 01-19-2001, 01:31 PM

Your dremel should run ok for quite a while without over heating. I'd check the way you are holding it. There are vents on the side of the dremel and you should NOT be covering these with your hand and blocking air flow. Its a quick way to ruin the brushes in the motor or overheat it. And like others said, cut at a low speed and dont force the wheel through, just let it do its thing. It can take quite a while to cut anything bit with a dremel but it does a nice job if you take your time.

**brandondere** · 01-20-2001, 12:23 AM

thanx people for all you input, I finally got all my pieces cut perfect! I just used the dremel slowly and blew in the holes to keep it cool. The dremel sander works great too for fnishing the edges!
More to come....

.

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**johnram** · 01-20-2001, 01:29 PM

What thickness of Plexi is everybody using? The Lowe's and Home Depot near me only have 1/8"

**Szech** · 01-20-2001, 03:03 PM

When I have had to cut plexiglas, I set it on a flat surface, and put a straight edge over where I need to cut. I score it repeatedly with a razor, and after about ten good swipes, it cracks along the line when I bend it.

I have tried using a rotozip to cut plexiglas, but have had bad results. When I go too fast, it makes a jagged cut, and when I go too slow, it melts it.