Dremmel Vs Jig Saw

[Mrbluee]

So i'm modding a Bitfenix Prodigy and I need something to cut the hole in the case and the see through acrylic, whats better a dremmel or jigsaw to do this job. Not too fused with the rough edges they will leave  will use a finishing foam. Should I make the acrylic flush and inside the side panel or behind the side panel  ? Ask me if you dont know what i mean

[gts250ftw]

well singularity computers (a pro modder) uses a jigsaw

[Mrbluee]

well singularity computers (a pro modder) uses a jigsaw

Whats wrong with a dremmel because with jigsaw i havent got a vice to hold it

[rashdanml]

Personally, Jigsaw. Since it's heavier, it's easier to control. You don't need a vice to hold it, just need a stable workbench; you can use your own body weight to keep the panel stable.

[ZombifiedPyro]

well singularity computers (a pro modder) uses a jigsaw

He also says the dremmel is better for small jobs and is more precise. (If I remember correctly). It depends on how skilled you are with either tool. Use the one you are most comfortable with and it will probably turn out fine.

[joelthezombie15]

If its a large area, jigsaw if its tiny, dremel thats kind of the rule with everything.

[target39]

I use the dremel way more than the jig saw. It's easier to get rounded edges with a dremel than a jig saw. For cutting holes (I'm assuming for fans), A jig saw would be too cumbersome and not precise enough. You would have to finish the job off with a dremel if you used a jig saw before using a file, or finishing foam. If you are cutting a big circle, or long straight lines, then a jig saw would be more efficient. I would have to see what kind of cuts you are going to make before I jump to a decision, but you can't go wrong with a dremel either.

[Mrbluee]

Also should I have it flush where the acrylic sits inside the side panel or behind it so its simpler?

 

and i was thinking of a    x

type of shape but fat and rounded if you lnow what I mean

or would a mock up picture explain it better?

[target39]

Also should I have it flush where the acrylic sits inside the side panel or behind it so its simpler?

 

and i was thinking of a    x

type of shape but fat and rounded if you lnow what I mean

or would a mock up picture explain it better?

I would recommend to have the acrylic sit behind the side panel since it would be easier. It would only sit about 0.5-2mm behind the front of the panel (depending on the panel's thickness), so it would appear flush anyway.

 

Also, I would definitely recommend a dremel to do that job, if I understand the job correctly. Those small rounded edges of that X shape would be too much to ask out of a jig saw. A dremel can do rounded edges very well if you take the cutting disc and put it at an angle to fit the radius. You could then finish it off with a file.

[Aphexx]

a nitrous fueled drag racing car vs a balanced car or a rally car. one is great to go fast in straight lines the other is great on twists and curves. 

[Mrbluee]

what should I look for in a dremel when buying? speed, watts? e.g.?

[target39]

what should I look for in a dremel when buying? speed, watts? e.g.?

Get a good variable speed dremel that is actually made by Dremel. I recommend getting the best for your budget. The three of the best dremels are the Dremel 4200, 4000, and 3000. Some kits are more expensive than others even though they are the same series simply because they come with more accessories. All you will need is a couple of reinforced cutting discs and you are set to go (the brown ones have been crap in my experience). I used a standard (non-reinforced) cutting disc once, it had trouble cutting some metal perforated sheet and within 30 seconds, it broke into 20 pieces, one hitting my forehead. I have not used one since and probably continue not to. I highly recommend the reinforced cutting discs in this kit: http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Accessories/Pages/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=EZ688-01

 

 

Make sure to change the discs once they get too small (around 1/2 the original diameter).

[concinnity]

Black and Decker dremels tend to have better motors IMO. Dremel brand are still very good.

[Winther]

For a larger hole I suggest a jigsaw, I find it kinda hard to make a nice straight cut with a dremel..

[Hoppa]

With a jigsaw you have a lot more control for straight lines and curves. You will need a dremmel for intricate cutting or in spaces where you can't get fit a jigsaw in.

[JordanMac]

For a large cut out use a jigsaw, a rotary tool isn't designed to do long cuts it's designed for small detailed work. Use the rotary tool for the tight corners and then connect them with the jigsaw. If you are buying a rotary tool I would recommend a black and decker rotary tool rather than buying a dremel, they're cheaper and work better in my opinion. For mounting the acrylic just cut it to a rectangle that is slightly larger than the x shape and use either scotch 4010 or unibond mounting tape.

[Protoss]

old but relevant, this is how i started modding.

 

 

 

edit: here some more ideas,

 

[AraSarkisyan]

Yeah, save yourself some money, get a black and Decker dremel, because it is cheap and has the same performance as a Dremel 3000.  Get yourselg some DREMEL breand cutting disks as those are quite good and you are set 

[AraSarkisyan]

For a large cut out use a jigsaw, a rotary tool isn't designed to do long cuts it's designed for small detailed work. Use the rotary tool for the tight corners and then connect them with the jigsaw. If you are buying a rotary tool I would recommend a black and decker rotary tool rather than buying a dremel, they're cheaper and work better in my opinion. For mounting the acrylic just cut it to a rectangle that is slightly larger than the x shape and use either scotch 4010 or unibond mounting tape.

But you have to use a rotary tool to make the initial cut, right? 

[JordanMac]

But you have to use a rotary tool to make the initial cut, right? 

you can use a rotary tool and its the easiest thing to make the initial cut with so i would use it if you have one but if not you can drill a hole on the the scrap side of the cut that is large enough to get the jigsaw blade in.

[enRodjavel]

Personally i use a rotarytool (dremel,but mine is a compresses air powered profs tool xD) when i do small cuts and often to thinner sheetmetal. And the jiggsaw for woodworks and cutting up thicker metaltubing, rods and so on.

Both tools and metodes work fine, just mask it up on both sides and the cuts will be smoother.

[gatecrasherlok]

I have both but it really depends on the job. For larger kcuts I prefer the jigsaw whereas the smaller things I would use a dremel. If you are going to use a dremel for primarily cutting large areas, make sure you have many cutting wheels as they wear down very quickly.

[Matacks]

ohh I cannot see a jig saw being very precise to cut acrylic but I have never done it.. maybe with a really fine blade it works ok. I think the best thing would probably be a scroll saw but thats at least a little over a 100 bucks and is a big saw that has its own stand and everything.

I have been wanting a scroll saw for a really long time but have avoided getting one because its a big clunky thing that know will only get used very sparingly for little projects like that..

[Scheer]

If you don't own either of them I would spur for the Dremel as later on it will be the more useful tool. Either one will work in my opinion.

[soulreaper]

I use the dremel way more than the jig saw. It's easier to get rounded edges with a dremel than a jig saw. For cutting holes (I'm assuming for fans), A jig saw would be too cumbersome and not precise enough. You would have to finish the job off with a dremel if you used a jig saw before using a file, or finishing foam. If you are cutting a big circle, or long straight lines, then a jig saw would be more efficient. I would have to see what kind of cuts you are going to make before I jump to a decision, but you can't go wrong with a dremel either.

I agree but I like to use hole saws a dremel is just too sloppy