Dremel, RTX, or RotoZip??

[oblivi0n]

Which do you all think is the best for case modding.

Thanks.

[Crazy Jayhawk]

I've only used the Dremel for that purpose. I don't know enough about the other two to make a recommendation, though.

Cutting large pieces out of a case panel with a Dremel can take a while; be advised.

[TheGhengisKhan]

I had an RTX, and after about a month of heavy modding (case panels, plexi, etc...) the motor in it burned out. I just don't think B&D made them for heavy duty use. They'll last a normal person 6months to a year, but anyone who uses them as much as modders do, you'd be better off going with a good quality Dremel.

[DJ Spike]

I think you should go for a dremel, works great, but indead, take your time when you are cutting a big window out!

[UberBlue]

I love my Dremel, just wish it had more torque.

[ElectroX]

I also am a dremel fanboy, but I cheated on the last window I did. I gave up after 20 minutes and 6 cutting discs and bought a $30 JigSaw. My god what a difference, it'll go through an Antec panel in no time, and effortlessly too :D

[godzilliga]

I would have to go with the dremel, I use mine all the time.

[Captain Slug]

A variable speed Jigsaw with a blade assortment, and a nice variable speed power drill are all you need.
You can use any brand of etching bits in a power drill for small detail work, and a jigsaw is simply the best option for cutouts.

[cyber mouse45]

I've done all my modding with a Dremel, an 18V cordless drill and a jigsaw. You don't really need much more than that.

Oh, and I'd get the Dremel. It's the best bang for your buck imo. Here's the one I got, (http://www.dremel.com/html/home_fr.html) along with a bunch of other extra bits. I've been very happy with it.

Um, the link didn't work right. Anyway, it's the #3956-02 Var.-Speed MultiPro® Kit w/Flex-Shaft one.

[Soja]

Originally posted by TheGhengisKhan
I had an RTX, and after about a month of heavy modding (case panels, plexi, etc...) the motor in it burned out. I just don't think B&D made them for heavy duty use. They'll last a normal person 6months to a year, but anyone who uses them as much as modders do, you'd be better off going with a good quality Dremel.

:eek: I hope mine lasts a bit longer... I replaced a dremel for it because of hearing how much more torque it had and also being 2/3's the price.

[[OC]Lucifer]

They are quite nice for making detailed cuts in lexan. Also, it cut the openings needed for my briefcase PC quite nicely.

[JesDer]

Dremels are the best out of the three .. but that is my opinion. The RTX is fine, however they never felt right in my hands. I suggest the digital dremel. They give you much more control over the speed and also will actually increase the power to maintain whatever RPM you set it too. They also dont have a problem with metal dust like the MultiPro (tends to short out the speed control making it always run at max speed).


The RotoZip is far too bulky for detailed work. So I would say either a Dremel or an RTX. JigSaws are more cost effective if you dont want fine details.

Other tools that are nice -

ScrollSaw - Better detail than a Jigsaw, just as fast. Problem is you are much more limited in the size of the item you can cut (varies depending on what model scrollsaw you are using).

Jeweler's Saw - The king of very fine cutting. However since it is a hand tool, I dont think you would want to do much more than fine details with it.

Needle files - A must no matter what you use to do the initial cuts.

I wont get into anything like plasma cutters since the cost is way too high :)

[Aaron L.]

I got an RTX works fine for me but it’s only for details and the like jigsaws are for big jobs.

Also I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with just a rotary tool, cordless drill, and a jigsaw.