[GlorytheWiz825]

Hi,

I'm building a CMOY out of an Altoid tin. I'm not sure on how I'm supposed to do the case work. Do I need a drilling tool or can I simply burn a hole in the altoid tin with my soldering iron? Thanks for all who respond.

 

[FallenAngel]

Wow, never heard that one before. I don't think you'll ever use the same soldering iron that can burn through aluminum for soldering a CMOY. Better stick with a drill.

 

[mb3k]

Regular drill bits tend to rip thin aluminum.

Instead, take a look into Unibits, particularly a Unibit #1 drillbit. They are stepped bits which give you a nice easy to do hole.

 

[kklee]

A really big nail and a hammer

Just kidding.

I second using a Unibit. Makes very clean holes.

 

[Ace o' Spades]

IF you can't find a unibit...this is what I do for good results, but it takes a while: Simply use the smallest bit you have and work your way up gradually until you get the right size. It usually doesn't rip up the aluminum.

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

Ah darn, have to buy more tools. :/ Okay thanks guys for your responses! I had a feeling that the melting point of that metal tin was higher than what my soldering iron could produce.

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

Anyone know where I can get Unibit for a good price in Canada?

 

[kklee]

I picked up a set at Home Depot. Unfortunately, I don't remember how much they costed.

 

[GlorytheWiz825]

Okay, so the unibit is only the bit. Now the drill will cost significantly more. You guys know a cheap drill that works well with the unibet suggested in previous posts? Thanks!

 

[splaz]

Depends how much you want to spend. You can get $10 junk tools.

Personally I'd recommend Ryobi for good bang for buck that will get used occasionly, maybe Ozito if used rarely as they're about the cheapest I feel you can go without getting completely junk and they usually have fairly long warranties. Can't hold a flame to quality tools, but if you only bring it out once every few months it makes sense. I've had some people recommend for occasional use to get a Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch etc. To me that is stupid unless you're rich.

I'd wait to hear some comments from fellow Canadians or Americans if you can get their stuff easily enough. The brands available naturally differ from what I can get so there might be something else suitable.

 

[Pars]

I'm not Canadian, but some of the Canadians have posted about Canadian Tire as being a good source of tools for good (or great) prices. That said, some have had good luck punching holes with a sharp paper punch... these will do 1/4" holes which is pretty much all you need with the exception of the pot if you are using one. Otherwise, most switches, LEDs, jacks etc. take ~1/4".

 

[Heady]

For an Altoid tin, I find using a paper hole punch the best tool for controllability. It works but require some muscle power.

 

[kklee]

Another thing to consider is if you're going to continue to do more DIY stuff, you will want to have decent tools.

I agree with splaz, Ryobi is good bang for the buck.