Cutting round holes in sheet metal

[Fox No.607073]

I've been tossing around the idea of building my own computer cluster for a while, possibly using an Ikea Helmer cabinet as an enclosure (like the Helmer-Air project). However, I'm OCPD and would want to cut the fan holes to be perfectly round (not simply using tin snips). Is there a simple way to accomplish this?

[Anonymous No.607080]

>>607073

Google hole saw...

Your welcome...

[Anonymous No.607133]

>>607080

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=hole+saw

[Anonymous No.607150]

>>607080
>>607133
>sheet metal
>recomends a hole saw

Jesus, I hope you guys are merely ignorant.

You need to use a sheet metal hole cutter, not a hole saw. These are way different and don't tear up the edges or cause terrible accident. With metal plate you use a hole saw, but not sheet metal, it is too thin.

You need to use one of these for sheet metal holes.

http://toolmodo.com/new-hotness/gold-standard-malco-hole-cutters/

Just attach the device to a drill or whatever you have to run them with.

[Anonymous No.607160]

>>607150
Don't forget the sheet-metal hole punches ("Greenlee " is one brand) used by electricians and HVAC people. They are not as versatile as your pictured device, but they function without power, using only a wrench.

[Anonymous No.607203]

>>607160
You mean the ones with the big bolt you tighten down as the cutter nut on the bottom cuts up into the metal?

[Anonymous No.607210]

>>607160
>hole punches ("Greenlee "
I wouldn't want to be the one paying for a Greenlee punch big enough for a cabinet fan
>82mm $332.51

[Anonymous No.607232]

>>607160
>>607203
>>607210
Knockout punch*
its bit too expensive for OP´s use. they are meant to be small, easy-to-carry tools for electricians as >>607160 said.
buy a cutter or drill holes and use a metal saw and file

[Anonymous No.607259]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp99D7F-SYk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=954kBnQcJmo

This fine old gent covers most common methods.

Hate to be that guy but this should be the best answer.
/thread.

[Anonymous No.607319]

>>607210
"Greenlee" is just an example so one could google up an image and see what to look for, as there are others that are cheaper. Akin to referring to a snap-on brand wrench so someone could find similar, cheaper.

There is also the option of looking for used ones.

As >>607232 pointed out they are compact, though I have bought used at auctions or pawn shops for as little as $10.00.

[Anonymous No.607320]

Bitcoin mining much, huh OP ?

[fox No.607322]

>>607320
Nope. Parallel programming experiments.

[Anonymous No.607457]

Why not just use a standard 19" rack and chassis?

Used racks are available cheap on craigslist, same with servers to scavenge the chassis from.

[Anonymous No.607462]

>>607457
Aren't all rackmount systems noisy?

[Anonymous No.607497]

>>607462

They don't have to be. They're noisy because they get fitted stock with very high flow fans. Swap them out with standard low-noise units and then use other conventional noise-reduction techniques and they really shouldn't be any louder than a regular desktop PC.