A1200 KS cases: desperately need a solution

[LoadWB]

I got a few of those Kickstarter A1200 cases.  All-in-all great, BUT I cannot for the life of me get the "punch-outs" for the USB ports to punch out.  The plastic is just too thick.

Does anyone have an useful ideas or experience in getting this done?  I desperately need to mount these USB ports so I can close this thing up.

To clarify, I am looking for a clean solution.  Not trying to redneck engineer it or leave rough edges if at all possible.

[trekiej]

Red Neck Engineer ROTFL!
edit:
I guess I could be one of those.

[Acill]

I've had the same issue with mine. I see no way to easily remove them and I havent done it in fear of making it look like crap.

[bbond007]

Probably dremel tool then just some small files to finish it off.

Just like if it was a regular A1200...

Take your time

[Acill]

Probably dremel tool then just some small files to finish it off.

Just like if it was a regular A1200...

Take your time

Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.

[LoadWB]

Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.

That's my problem, as well, but I may not have a choice.  If I do use a Dremel it will be with a template, clamps, etc. *sigh*

[tone007]

Nice sharp Xacto knife gently pushed/rocked into the edges that should be cut?

..or, scored over and over from the inside using a metal straight edge?

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

:roflmao:

[LoadWB]

Nice sharp Xacto knife gently pushed/rocked into the edges that should be cut?

..or, scored over and over from the inside using a metal straight edge?

I've been trying that.  The plastic remains recalcitrant.

:roflmao:

hrmmmm Maybe the flamenwuerffer?

[madgrizzle]

I've been trying that.  The plastic remains recalcitrant.

How about an exacto blade attached to a soldering iron?

[bbond007]

Yeah, not wanting to do that on a case I waited over two years to get.

Maybe chop out the RF modulator and run the USB cables outside the case that way. Personally, I think that is a better place for HDMI... I don't recall removing the RF modulator being that difficult.

That's my problem, as well, but I may not have a choice.  If I do use a Dremel it will be with a template, clamps, etc. *sigh*

I'd be worried that by using a template you'd be relying on the dremel to do too much of the finishing work. Dremel cuts very aggressively which takes practice and clamps/template can slip with the vibration and could also scuff the case.  I'd just use the dremel (or even drill) to make rough holes big enough to use the small files to do the finishing work. It's a little tedious, but just file the hole match the punch-out...

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html

[LoadWB]

Maybe chop out the RF modulator and run the USB cables outside the case that way. Personally, I think that is a better place for HDMI... I don't recall removing the RF modulator being that difficult.

No chance.  First, that is where my DVI output goes, second there's no way in hell I'm not using those punch-outs after what I spent for these cases

[bbond007]

No chance.  First, that is where my DVI output goes, second there's no way in hell I'm not using those punch-outs after what I spent for these cases

I have the Kipper2K HDMI there, so I agree... Wait, how does a DVI fit there?

definitely use the "punch-outs", but think of them more as as patterns than a "punch-outs" and use the small files, and the results will reflect the amount of time you spend on them.

I did 4 USB,  2 ESATA and one PS/2. Did that many years ago, but I could still clean them up (more) with small files to make them look better. But honestly, there are no USB port inspectors.

Sure wish I'd have bought one of those KS1200 cases...

[eroom]

This is mine I did with a dremil and a needle file.  Not perfect, could do with a bit more tiding up with the file but ok for now. You just need to take your time.

[madgrizzle]

Looks good to me.