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How to cut wooden box to install cooling fan

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Member
Apr 20, 2011
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Toronto

How to cut wooden box to install cooling fan

I have couple of these box (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79203599/) which are attached to concrete wall. I am using them to keep my electronics (PS4, router etc) and since they don't have any proper ventilation system, they tend to heat up.

I was thinking to install https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QFWLGPU?ref ... _122623040 this fan on those boxes. Now the question is that how can i cut a square shape hole (matching this fan) into the box which are attached to the wall. I own almost no tools and don't have much experience on these kind of things. So any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
27 replies
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Feb 11, 2007
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Sounds like you want a jigsaw. You should be able to pick one up on sale under $50, or maybe used on kijiji.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/tools-har ... sort-price

Basically you'll drill a pilot hole, then use the jig saw to cut your square hole.
If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
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Dec 19, 2009
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and you'll need two holes ... one for the cool air to go in and one for the hot air to go out.
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Apr 20, 2011
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pootza wrote: and you'll need two holes ... one for the cool air to go in and one for the hot air to go out.
exactly. but i need to know how to start with hole 1 :p
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Aug 16, 2010
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Yeah, drill and jigsaw. I'd try to borrow them (most people have a drill but maybe not a jigsaw) but you can get cheapo ones for under 100 for both.

Also, I think one fan should be OK - just one on top to outflow of hot air.
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hyph3n wrote: Thanks. Can i rent these things from somewhere?
You can probably rent it from Home Depot, but it's could be cheaper to just buy a basic unit. Everyone should have a decent drill though. You'll also need a set of drill bits. All of these things regularly go on sale at all of the reno stores.
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Mar 17, 2004
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If you want to save money on the fan you can buy a 200mm computer case fan for about $20. Then splice the cable on to the power leads of a USB cable and plug it into the back of your PS4 if you want it to turn on with the PS4 or even a regular USB charger. It'll then run at 5v DC instead of 12v and it'll spin quite slow and quiet. But you can buy that thing you linked if you wanted but a case fan is cheaper.
Deal Addict
Dec 17, 2007
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You could probably cut that cabinet with a drywall saw
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schade wrote: You could probably cut that cabinet with a drywall saw
I agree, Drill a few big'ish holes in it and slide a drywall saw in there and cut it out. Make the hole slightly smaller than the fan needs. Then get a flat file and make it fit flush. That way you don't accidentally make a hole that's too big/loose
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Dec 19, 2009
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Oni-kun wrote: I agree, Drill a few big'ish holes in it and slide a drywall saw in there and cut it out. Make the hole slightly smaller than the fan needs. Then get a flat file and make it fit flush. That way you don't accidentally make a hole that's too big/loose
It's better and easier to cut the holes the proper size the first time.
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Oct 14, 2010
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I have done this before, using a drill and a jigsaw as decribed above. I wasn't really happy with the result because of the wavy cut lines that were created. It is hard to change the direction of a cut when using a wide blade, and a narrow blade (scroll) can change so easily, it is hard to keep straight.

Since the fan you have chosen comes with a grill, the slightly wavy cut line wouldn't be seen at all from the outside of the cabinet at all, so that might be the best way for you to proceed. I assume the fan will be located behind the equipment in the cabinet, so the inside of the hole will not be seen.

I also came across this video which uses an oscillating saw. I do own a saw like this but I have not used it for this purpose. After watching the video though, I think it would produce neater cuts than the jigsaw.

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OP, depending on how big of a hole you need, a hole saw may be your best bet and all you need is a drill. It would be the fastest and easiest way.

Image
If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.
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engineered wrote: OP, depending on how big of a hole you need, a hole saw may be your best bet and all you need is a drill. It would be the fastest and easiest way.

Image
The OP needs a square hole not a round hole.
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pootza wrote: It's better and easier to cut the holes the proper size the first time.
Of course but OP said he was a noob. Better to make it too small and have to file it bigger than cut it too big and be stuck with a huge hole
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Oni-kun wrote: Of course but OP said he was a noob. Better to make it too small and have to file it bigger than cut it too big and be stuck with a huge hole
It's better and easier to cut the holes the proper size the first time.
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Jan 5, 2003
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One alternative to renting from a hardware store is the Toronto Tool Library:

LINK

Might make sense if you'll be borrowing a bunch of different tools throughout the year for various projects.
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pootza wrote: The OP needs a square hole not a round hole.
lol, I forgot. That explains why I first suggested a jigsaw. Still, if he ends up going with a standard case fan like another poster mentioned a hole saw would work.
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engineered wrote: lol, I forgot. That explains why I first suggested a jigsaw. Still, if he ends up going with a standard case fan like another poster mentioned a hole saw would work.
Hole saw + screw case fan on the inside of the cabinet, done. Easy
Sr. Member
Oct 7, 2007
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Markham
FYI, the ikea furniture is not solid. There's a cardboard type material on the inside in an accordion shape to give it strength. When you cut the hole, the cut surfaces won't be flush/straight. This is ok though if you cut the hole slightly smaller and mount the fan on the outside since you see the inside of the cut.w

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