What to use to cut a window in the side of a case

What should I use to cut a window in the side of my case? I have a dremel but its a battery, portable one Probably couldnt handle it. I also got a jig saw, but the thing is really jumpy and shakes alot and i dont know if the edge would be straight. Any suggestions?

The jigsaw and a metal cutting blade would be suffecient. Run that puppy at it's highest speed to stop the jumping around. You might cut a template from some plywood, then clamp the side the that to stop the jumping as well. The four corners would probably be okay.

The Dremel would probably go through, just might take a couple of battery charges to get it done.

[cracked]

i used a combination of a dremel and a portable jigsaw to cut my window. i first cut out the curves with the dremel and used the jigsaw for the straight sections. it worked pretty dang good IMO. JUST BE SURE and cover the WHOLE sidepanel with masking tape, maybe even two or three layers to prevent any scratching to the paint and stuff. this also allows you to draw out the cutting line w/o having to worry about messing up the paint.

good luck

drew

[Telexen]

You'll need reinforced wheels for a dremel...a case would rip apart any other ones.

[cracked]

i used regular wheels, i ended using 20 of them but they work fine.

drew

[ljump12]

i used a sabersaw!

[Trophy1]

You can use the jigsaw but use a blade that has 36 teeth per blade? That way it won't jump as much.Use vice grips and anchor the panel. Mark your cuts real well and while you're cutting STOP right before you get to the end or you'll go to far. I've done it.

Also use some 3m oil or saw oil? to use on the blade and panel. Like wet cutting tile.

[sam]

the tape idea is good and when selecting a blade for it try to find a blade that is as narrow as possible( from tooth side to back side) this will help in making sharp turns and get a fine tooth blabe 36tpi (tooth per inch) or more

[Idigguns]

You already have some good answers here. I agree... Jigsaw with a 32 to 36 tpi blade set on high speed, masking tape to protect the paint, Dremmel for intricate cuts and sharp turns. Either have the cut you're making very close to the edge of the table OR put a scrap piece of wood under the panel to help eliminate the jumping around. Keep a good grip on the saw and press down firmly, also. Another thing to remember to eliminate scratches, cut the panel from the inside. That way if you do scratch the paint, it'll be on the inside where no one will see it. When finished, clean up the cut with a file. You can check my web site for other tips if you like. Good luck with it. Be sure to post some pic's when you're done.