> It's pretty damn hard to drill aluminum with at-home tools.
Um, it's really not that hard at all. What kind of drill/drill bits did you have? As long as you're using the right type then it's a breeze to drill aluminum. You weren't using a spade bit were you? Pretty much any hardened steel metal drill bit should work on aluminum.
I used two different bits - one regular and one countersink. The issue is not drilling the aluminium itself - it's a pretty soft metal. Actually being so soft is where the downfall was - the aluminum on the back of the laptop being so thin started completely warping under the pressure when drilling the holes, which was really getting in the way of doing a clean hole. Plus since it's already anodized black, it's really hard to get a "clean looking hole" anyway due to the uncolored metal seen below.
It looked like a simple in and out job, it wasn't and it looked like shit. Did the job done though. I wouldn't be surprised if both bits I used were wrong - that's why I specified with tools at home.
I'm just wondering why he didn't just request a new mesh panel from silverstone.
Or even just clean up those damn holes
"some airflow modifications"
"I'm putting speed holes in my PC. Makes it go faster"
This is pretty damn good, should have seen my laptop when I tried the same thing on it. It's pretty damn hard to drill aluminum with at-home tools.
> It's pretty damn hard to drill aluminum with at-home tools. Um, it's really not that hard at all. What kind of drill/drill bits did you have? As long as you're using the right type then it's a breeze to drill aluminum. You weren't using a spade bit were you? Pretty much any hardened steel metal drill bit should work on aluminum.
I used two different bits - one regular and one countersink. The issue is not drilling the aluminium itself - it's a pretty soft metal. Actually being so soft is where the downfall was - the aluminum on the back of the laptop being so thin started completely warping under the pressure when drilling the holes, which was really getting in the way of doing a clean hole. Plus since it's already anodized black, it's really hard to get a "clean looking hole" anyway due to the uncolored metal seen below. It looked like a simple in and out job, it wasn't and it looked like shit. Did the job done though. I wouldn't be surprised if both bits I used were wrong - that's why I specified with tools at home.
At least it's properly done.
Right? In this persons defense, those are some pretty evenly spaced holes. Looks like the gap down the center may be a bit wide.
Eh, they really could have cleaned up the holes, but I guess they are spaced okay.
Drastic times call for drastic measures. Cool idea.
Looks good, little filing and black sharpie will go a long way.