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<div>The case I got had a thin aluminum skin backed up with something that resembled a cross between cardboard and fiberboard. I used a cheap hole saw that uses a drill bit to center the hole. I didn't have any problem cutting the holes. For irregular shaped holes, I use drills to cut around the perimeter with a series of holes, then used a Dremel to even things up. Protected the area surrounding the hole with masking tape. I used a black felt tip marker to darken the exposed shiny metal and fiberboard. Looks great.</div>
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<div style="clear: both;"><font color="black" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><font color="black" face="arial"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="Apple-style-span">Jon</span></font></font></div>
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<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;">-----Original Message-----<br>
From: Pascoe,Tim [Burlington] [Burlington] <Tim.Pascoe@ec.gc.ca><br>
To: General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org><br>
Sent: Thu, Jul 5, 2012 11:24 am<br>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Cutting through side of metal carrying case?<br>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">Mainly the holes for a cooling fan, and power. Drilling is no obstacle of course, but with the larger cut-outs, I want to avoid damaging the aluminum skin. The punch would be great, if I could get my hands on one.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy;">Timothy Pascoe <br>
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867 Lakeshore Road / 867, chemin Lakeshore<br>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: ; font-size: 10pt;">From:</span></b><span style="font-family: ; font-size: 10pt;"> <a href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org">nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a> [<a href="mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org?">mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces@lists.nsrca.org</a>] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Stuart Chale<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, July 05, 2012 9:28 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> General pattern discussion<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Cutting through side of metal carrying case?</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 12pt;" class="MsoNormal">Not sure what size holes you want, but small ones just use a drill. For larger, buy or borrow electrician's knockout punches. That is what they would use to make a hole in an electrical panel for new conduit. I have a neighbor who is an electrician and has a pro hydraulic set that I borrowed. Very cool, requires you to drill a pilot hole but then the punches cut through sheet metal like butter. <br>
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Stuart C.<br>
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<div class="MsoNormal">On 7/5/2012 8:55 AM, Pascoe,Tim [Burlington] wrote:</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I’m in the process of putting together a field charging case, and want suggestions on the best way to accurately cut holes in the sides of an aluminum carrying case. Since I’m sure others have gone before me, I’d rather not do it the hard way the first time <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Thanks,</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy;">Tim Pascoe </span></div>
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