Any tips on using Dremel tool?

[windwind]

I'm about to get a Dremel tool for modding my LianLi PC60. I haven't used these handheld powered tool before so have a few questions to ask.

1. What kind of head/drill should be used for cutting through aluminum?

2. What RPM and cutting speed recommended?

3. How to have a real straight cut?

4. Anything else I should know?

[N803]

wind²,

From the Dremel user manual:

your tool came with cutting disks, install them according to the manual.
use max speed (33k rpm) for cutting metal
use the tool's speed to cut, hold it steady and let it do the job for you. There are acessories you can buy for a real straight cut.
use appropriate protection (eyes, hands, etc)

Edit: just found this link to The Dremel Guide (http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=104549). Enjoy. ;)

[sifu quoc]

id wear goggles when cutting metal.... but since i dont have any.... i wear my glasses....

[Tismedt]

Take your time. If you try to rush you risk slipping and scratching the s*** out of your case or whatever your cutting. If you are cutting fan holes I suggest a hole saw. They are costly but do a great job. Make sure you have plenty of disks and whatever you do wear proper (Z-87 shatterproof safety glasses) eye protection. You only have one set of eyes and these things can throw some metal. And if the disk breaks lookout. pieces flying everwhere.

[windwind]

Thank you for all the advice. These are some great guides. Basically I have no experience with Dremel tools at all. I'll try to get a few pieces of scrap metal to practise before trying on side panel.

And shall I buy dremel tool with kit which including a lot more bits? Cost is a little bit concerned.

[Archangel8]

And whatever you do, DO NOT try and touch the little bits as they spin, not even the buffers:)

BTW Ace Hardware usually has a good assortment of plastic blade guards in different sizes, and other better bits for the dremel than you can find at other places. You would be amazed how much one of the steel cutting blades hurt when they break and pierce the flesh.:)

[srwven]

I don't use maximum speed. I start out about halfway and let the cutter do the work, don't apply alot of pressure. If you get alot of sparks, turn the rpm's down, if it bogs down, turn it up a little. This way you don't go through 4 discs in 1 inch. This was recommended to me by a guy who does tractor restorations. I was going through a lot of discs to cut off frozen bolts. I then used his recommendation and wala, I could go through a grade 5 bolt with 1 or at most 2 discs. I have found that the same applies for sheet metal.