If you didn't have a Dremel . . . . .

[number1sixerfan]

If you didn't have a dremel what would you use to make a 120mm blowhole? I have access to jigaw. Is that good? I have patience so it doesn't matter how long it takes. I'm looking for the cleanest method. Whatever will give me the best looking result. If a dremel does give the best looking result, I might invest in one(funds aren't there right now). Thanks.

[Mrfreddio55]

A jigsaw will best suit your needs for this application... :)

[epik_x]

Yup jigsaw...I used one to cut all my blowholes :D

[thebove]

a jigsaw will do quite well actually, just make sure it has a fine tooth blade on it made for cutting metal.

[Korndogg]

i like my dremel :)
wouldn't trade it for a jigsaw any day... and it's just the cheap 1-speed version! :p

[Mrfreddio55]

Originally posted by Korndogg
i like my dremel :)
wouldn't trade it for a jigsaw any day... and it's just the cheap 1-speed version! :p

I wouldnt trade it for a jigsaw either... (but you know i want one for woodworking purposes ;) ) But, he has access to a jigsaw, and not a dremel, so yeah. :p

[number1sixerfan]

So a blowhole cut with a jigsaw usually looks better than one cut with a dremel? Anybody got any pics of work with a jigsaw(I know it's a longshot, but what the hell)? Thanks.

[fbs1992]

Originally posted by number1sixerfan
So a blowhole cut with a jigsaw usually looks better than one cut with a dremel? Anybody got any pics of work with a jigsaw(I know it's a longshot, but what the hell)? Thanks.

i have one but i cant post it. i dont use the dremel to cut holes i just stick with teh jigsaw since its in the garage and the dremel is in the house. so i just go outside and use whats out there

[number1sixerfan]

Guess I'll stick with the jigsaw then. I thought it would be a lot harder to use than a dremel.

[talldude]

It's actually easier if you got the right blade on there...All you gotta do is make a starter hole with a nice big drill bit and saw away from there. With the dremel you gotta make multiple passes (assuming it's not some flimsy-@zz metal) to make a hole. Jigsaw it's 1 circle and that's it. Then you need to file the hole down a little bit and get it nice and smooth. Viola, done.

[Big_Mac]

i used a dremel, a high-speed spiral saw bit (metal cutting) and a circle cutter (suction cup doohickey that you put in the middle of the circle, keeps the dremel at the same distance the whole time...

Made a perfect circle, and then just a little touch up with 80 then 220 grit sandpaper and i was done.

[CrawlingEye]

Jigsaw + 32tpi blade + drill (tracer hole, then larger hole to allow the jigsaw blade to fit in) is the best idea. Make sure to tape the entire working area off with masking tape and then use a sanding drum to sand your edges, once you're done. :)

It'll even give you better results than a dremel.

[number1sixerfan]

Thanks everyone. I am now confident with my trusty jigsaw.

btw, I hear people sometimes say to lubricate the tool you are using. Is this true for a jigsaw?

[razz@ksu]

ok i have used jigsaw, dremel, and holesaw :)
for quickest i say the jigsaw is the best
for perfect circles the holesaw worked the best
and when i'm looking for good detail i like to use the dremel especially now that i'm using the reinforced cutting disks that don't disapear as you use theme lol

[TestPilot]

Has anyone tried using a Roto-Zip? They have that nifty little hole attachment that you anchor at the center of the whole and you just run it around. My Mom has one that I could use, I don't have one myself. Anybody here try it before?

[number1sixerfan]

Originally posted by razz@ksu
ok i have used jigsaw, dremel, and holesaw :)
for quickest i say the jigsaw is the best
for perfect circles the holesaw worked the best
and when i'm looking for good detail i like to use the dremel especially now that i'm using the reinforced cutting disks that don't disapear as you use theme lol

So I'm guessing a hand drill would be used with a holesaw. I might have one in the garage, but just in case. Can anyone point out a cheap but good holesaw?

[CrawlingEye]

I would not use a holesaw. They're intended for low density materials, unlike metals. You'll end up chewing your case up more than anything. The only situation I would use one would be with C clamps holding the case side to the table, wrapped in old rags and with a drill press.

[Big_Mac]

Originally posted by TestPilot
Has anyone tried using a Roto-Zip? They have that nifty little hole attachment that you anchor at the center of the whole and you just run it around. My Mom has one that I could use, I don't have one myself. Anybody here try it before?

Dremel has a very similar attachment, so i see no reason to go out and buy a rotozip if you already own a dremel... And if you have niether, i'd still go dremel because it's got so many more things you can do with it...

[number1sixerfan]

Originally posted by CrawlingEye
I would not use a holesaw. They're intended for low density materials, unlike metals. You'll end up chewing your case up more than anything. The only situation I would use one would be with C clamps holding the case side to the table, wrapped in old rags and with a drill press.

Ok. Thanks for the advice from everyone. I think I am set with my jigsaw. BTW, like I asked earlier, you do not need any type of lubricant do you(as with the holesaw)?

[CrawlingEye]

Originally posted by number1sixerfan


Ok. Thanks for the advice from everyone. I think I am set with my jigsaw. BTW, like I asked earlier, you do not need any type of lubricant do you(as with the holesaw)?

I didn't use any and I had no problems. :)

Good luck.

[number1sixerfan]

I'll post picks when everything is finished up. BTW, I'm making 2 top blowholes.

[Big_Mac]

you don't NEED lubricant, but if you're a fanatic, you can use some...

There will probably not be any noticeable difference, unless you're cutting an extremely thick case (1/4" +).

[razz@ksu]

man crawling eye you really don't like the old hole saw at all :p
i made a 92mm blow hole with a hole saw in a drill press with no lubricatant and it came out perfect i will continue to use it for 80mm and 92mm holes and my dremel for all else