Hacking My own Case Mod for USB

[The_Hulkster]

Why would you make such a big opening for a standard USB cable? Just wondering...

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Why would you make such a big opening for a standard USB cable? Just wondering...

A, the cable for the USB drive ill be buying is a double usb cable, and B, its just easier this way

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Ok so i need some serious help, I dont know what I can use to cut through the plastic. Where should I look, the hardware store, a craft shop, an electrical store?

 

[smash_brew]

Get a dremel tool. That'll cut it.

 

[wchill]

Go buy a Dremel for this project and for future projects. I'd go ask at your local hardware store.

 

[wolffangalchemist]

want it to look pretty and professional? get a set of exacto knifes.(i think that's what they are called)
don't care so long as the job gets done? any sharp knife will do, but preferably a small one.
maybe you could get a hold of a scalpel?

 

[oldmstnggt]

There are lots of things that can be used a sharp knife, a plastic knife aka hot knife, or even a hack saw ... best bet is the plastic knife as it leaves a nice edge if done right. It kind of looks like a soldering iron but with a flat blade.

sorry wrong addy try this one

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/291220-to...r-228085-1.html

 

[clownz]

I would suggest a dremel. thats the most common tool people use for modifying and cutting openings with. you might be able to find a cheap one at a walmart in the hardware section.

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

I would suggest a dremel. thats the most common tool people use for modifying and cutting openings with. you might be able to find a cheap one at a walmart in the hardware section.

No Wal-Mart in Australia, fortunatelly I have a giant Bunnings Hardware store on the outskirts of town

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Apparently ive been told by my annoying parents that cutting into this plastic could cause it to crack, so im wondering if tahst exactly true, the plastic is about 2.5 mm thick.

 

[thebobinc]

Apparently ive been told by my annoying parents that cutting into this plastic could cause it to crack, so im wondering if tahst exactly true, the plastic is about 2.5 mm thick.

could be true , i didnot tried with this but made several mod on plastic thing and if you put little bit to much of pressure it crack, if you have a dremel make sure tu use the slowest you can , use otherwise some precision knife for crafting with low presure an you should be fine

 

[ThetaSigma10]

what about the issue of overheating?

 

[Chaos Punk]

what about the issue of overheating?

i dont think a 160 gig hdd would overheat, my 320 gig one has no fan and i play it hours on end without over heating.

 

[m00k]

a well made hard drive shouldnt require any extra cooling unless you are houseing it some where which produces heat and that has no ventilation.
I wouldnt have thought that you would have a problem by the looks of what your doing.

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Right now this mod has been put on hold until I can find a way to cut through the plastic properly

 

[Matt93]

Hey just found this thread again! Glad the drive will work!

Maybe I can help again. I've cut plastic before. Used a hacksaw. I don't see how it could crack this way because you are sawing away the material. Making a kerf. Not cutting and wedging into it. Worked fine for me.

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Hey just found this thread again! Glad the drive will work!

Maybe I can help again. I've cut plastic before. Used a hacksaw. I don't see how it could crack this way because you are sawing away the material. Making a kerf. Not cutting and wedging into it. Worked fine for me.

Its very thin plastic, 2.5 mm thick not to mention its apparently molded plastic whatever that means

 

[rustybanana]

A dremel will be fine on that plastic, The plastic will crack if you go at it too hard and fast. Practise a bit 1st on something similar until you get the knack of it. Also the older ipods use really nice 1.8" hdds, It might be worth looking for one of those with a knackered screen or something!

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Just need to find one then lol

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

I think ive found the solution;

At my school we have something called a hot wire foam cutter, my teacher said it could cut thin molded plastic, so anyone have any opinions onthat