Shopping for aluminum

[w0lv3r1n3]

I'll be getting my Lian-Li V2000 Plus II next week, and I'll
be needing to buy some cheap but good aluminum Sheet's,
angle's.. well lot's of different shapes..
Does anyone know of good sources for this?
Thanks everyone !

[Computer-Geek]

here u go

[elbarto241]

if your looking for a place local, just go to a near by scrap metal yard. most of those places sell their spare pieces veeeeeeery cheap.

[crazybillybob]

here's a place that I've used allot.
ASAP Source

If you call and talk to them you maybe able to get what's call a Drop. There odd length pieces let over after the cut things for other customers...At A BIG discount. They're nice guys and they have helped me out allot.


CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Another question.. What type of Alum should I
be looking for? Like what Alloys and types are good for
case building-modding?
Thanx

[crazybillybob]

If your going to cut, drill, tap, or machine it allot you want 6061 if your going to bend it (tight radius like for corners) go with a 5052. You can do all these operations on any kind of aluminum, these are just better for each.
To cut the aluminum I recommend a Jig saw and Bosh metal cutting blades (T118AF). They are not cheap $6-$11 for a 5 pack (internet and Big Box available) But they are worth every penny! I've got a decent 19.2V Cordless Variable speed Jig saw (craftsmen). For cutting metal the variable speed is a must!! a cheapy Jigsaw that's variable speed is fine, but get the good blades! With my setup I've cut .375" 6061 Alum, like it was butter, I've also cut through 16 gauge carbon steel (normal PC cases are 18 gauge...like wire higher gauges in metal means thinner) like no body's business. I've made some complicated an intricate Case windows for myself and others with a jigsaw... Can't beat the control it gives you... and no Dremal cutoff wheel will let you get that tight.

If your bending the Aluminum and it's thicker then say 16 gauge you'll need to score the inside (this is done by running a Dremal cutoff wheel across the fold line on the inside of the fold) best take a look at Tribaloverkill's Blackout Work Log For Great examples of scoring and how to make your own folding rig...It's early on in the work log, but I highly recommend reading the whole thing start to current, but you may want to pack a lunch..it's an epic novel!! of a work log. You can also check out my R2-Srv Worklog, not Quiet as Epic as TO's but it's got some very cool stuff on metal working in there...Alum and Steel I'm a equal opportunity kind of guy (some places Steel is a better choice due to loads and easy of fabrication..that's the whole engineering side case moding )

If you can't figure something out...ask Myself and TO answer all of our PM's, even though it my not look like we post much out side of our work logs (and the rep is low) we do like to help out and we've learned what works and what doesn't so we can save you some time and a bit of trouble (some times ) other times the only way to know if it will work is try

CrazyBillyBob

[w0lv3r1n3]

Thanx man.. I believe I actually followed your worklog
while it was in progress.. I was also busy with my
case-build at the time.. I joined the forum back in
Jan of 2006, but browsed way before that..
I've built about a dozen comp's, but my first modded one
was back in about '99 when i had the case powder-coated and
put wheel's on it and cut a window.. some lights.. lol
One of the trap's I feel into early on was to not have a clear
plan-idea right at the first.. So i would add stuff later.. my
wire management suffered as a result..
Hoping to rectify that, I'm going to draw out a plan.. partly in
Scetch-up and Illustrator before I touch a drill, dremel or soldering
iron..
I have an idea on custom-made wiring that I will post in the
"Idea's" section right after I post this one..
thanx for all the help !

[w0lv3r1n3]

Of course some of the alum may be replaced with
Mirrored Acrylic..

Hummmm... Mirrored Acyrlic & Alum.. Hummm..

[w0lv3r1n3]

Would a tabletop skillsaw work better for
cutting alum, plexi? I was looking at homedepot
and they have one for like $99

Thanx !

[crazybillybob]

You can cut aluminum with a table saw BUT I don't recommend it!! The chances of Kick backs are way higher with Aluminum, and the damage they can cause to your body goes up too. If your going to try it remember that you MUST use a carbide tipped blade, also the aluminum dust is very hard on the saw (it will die sooner), Make sure your in full safety gear (ie. Safety glasses,dust mask, earplugs,gloves!!!) A far safer tool is a miter saw or a radial arm saw...safer still the humble jigsaw!(better control...not as good for straight lines).

If your not really formidable with a table saw Don't try it! This is how younglings (and first timer old guys) get hurt!

Now for plex the table saw is GREAT!!! and just follow basic safety and you should be ok...Might want to add work in well ventilated area..but that's true when ever your cutting plastics at high speeds (as the plastics burn in the presents of oxygen they can release toxic gases like chlorine).

Good luck

CrazyBillyBob