Cleaning Up Blowholes

[jabaro]

I am going to add a 120mm Blowhole to the top of my case, and I was wonder a good way to finish it off to make it look cleaner? Any ideas of something to put around the edge to make it look cleaner?

[paki]

One option is to use what is referred to as c-channel molding (also sometimes referred to as U-channel) or a "gasket". You can get a roll of 27' material at a nation-wide automotive chain. It cost $9 for 27' and is for protecting the edges of car doors.

[Stedeman]

I agree with paki but you could use some fan grills many of them will block it out. SVC has them cheap. http://svc.com/fans-fangrill120.html

[jabaro]

Thanks for the suggestions, I already bought a fan grill, so that ones taken care of. As for the c-channel modling, do you glue it on or adhere it to the case in any way? Or should I just kind of set it in place and it'll stay?

[Stedeman]

There are many kinds. I would use the one for car door trim it has a glue built into it. and most of them are soft enough to mold easy.

[teezer]

i've used small split loom (used for sleeving cables) hides the rough edge and acts as a vibration pad for the fans

[jabaro]

Thanks a ton for the suggestions. I'll be going to get the c channel molding sometime this week.

[Electron Chaser]

I am going to add a 120mm Blowhole to the top of my case, and I was wonder a good way to finish it off to make it look cleaner? Any ideas of something to put around the edge to make it look cleaner?

Why not just get a file or a dremel and file or sand the rough edges smooth. It will look much better then if you just hack a hole and try to hide the ugly.

Check out this thread. Blowhole (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=314218)

[jabaro]

Yea... it'll be my first try at a blow hole so we'll see how it goes :) I think I'm going to try and cut the hole using my dads dremmel. When I use the dremmel, would it be a better idea to cut a small hole and then just bore it out slowly with the grinding tool, or try and make cuts as close to the line as i can and then finish it off with the grinding tool? Thanks again for all the advice!

[Electron Chaser]

Yea... it'll be my first try at a blow hole so we'll see how it goes :) I think I'm going to try and cut the hole using my dads dremmel. When I use the dremmel, would it be a better idea to cut a small hole and then just bore it out slowly with the grinding tool, or try and make cuts as close to the line as i can and then finish it off with the grinding tool? Thanks again for all the advice!

Since you will be on your first pass "hogging" out the material. Stay inside the line an 1/16th to an 1/8th of an inch. You will be cutting a lot of material out and it is damn near impossible to hold the line. So don't try to do it just leave a little something for the second pass. After you make the first pass and remove the bulk of the material. Then go back on a second pass and slowly work your way around until you have may a 1/64" of material left before the line. then change bits to a rough sander and make one last pass to finish it up. It takes longer but it comes out perfect. Since you only get one shot to do it right. Take your time! You may save 30 minutes by trying to make one pass. but you will have to look at a messed up hole for a heck of a lot longer.

[Stedeman]

For around $15-20 you can get a hole saw the right size and do it in one pass, BUT make sure you secure it down tight if you use this method I did it with a 114mm saw and held it by hand...I paid the price it took off my finger nail and slashed a few of my fingers and knuckles ;). I was tired and in a rush, and for my lack of patience I had to pay.

[jabaro]

For around $15-20 you can get a hole saw the right size and do it in one pass, BUT make sure you secure it down tight if you use this method I did it with a 114mm saw and held it by hand...I paid the price it took off my finger nail and slashed a few of my fingers and knuckles . I was tired and in a rush, and for my lack of patience I had to pay.

Yea, I'm looking to keep all my fingers as well. I think I'll be using a dremel ;)

[Stedeman]

20 minuets, some bandaids, a towel, and 3 "C" clamps and I had one clean hole (in the work ;)).

[jabaro]

20 minuets, some bandaids, a towel, and 3 "C" clamps and I had one clean hole (in the work ).

haha