Slicing open an aerosol can...

[dz4180]

Well, what I mean is is there any tips/tricks to cutting the bottom off of a can of like shaving cream/whip cream/hair spray etc? Maybe aerosol isn't the right word however I keep seeing the JP Barbasol can and I want to try my hands at creating something for fun, but time to screw off is coming at a premium. I have done a search here and a fast one on the web and didn't see anything. Anyone got a hint of an easy way to cut the bottom off without doing mass damage yet retaining the ability to make a hidden compartment? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[silverskyes402]

Hmm.. good question, I would put the can in a vice upside down spraying out all the propelant, maybe let it sit over night to get it all out, outside so you dont kill yourself then use a slim saw to cut the bottom off? sound good, or just stupid? lol

 

[dz4180]

I was thinking about a slim saw but was wondering if someone had a way of making a straight cut along the bottom, because whenever I cut something I have this mass tendency to go off course. Or maybe a dremel with a cut off wheel? Hmmm...looks like it is almost time to head to the garage and make some noise...

 

[micdavis]

Well, what I mean is is there any tips/tricks to cutting the bottom off of a can of like shaving cream/whip cream/hair spray etc? Maybe aerosol isn't the right word however I keep seeing the JP Barbasol can and I want to try my hands at creating something for fun, but time to screw off is coming at a premium. I have done a search here and a fast one on the web and didn't see anything. Anyone got a hint of an easy way to cut the bottom off without doing mass damage yet retaining the ability to make a hidden compartment? Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There is a "can safe" of the Barbasol can so you don't need to saw a can up to make one.

http://www.spyyard.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=5&products_id=70

Maybe that take all the fun out of it, but safer.

 

[silverskyes402]

A cut off wheel on a dremel sounds like it would work perfect!

I was thinking about a slim saw but was wondering if someone had a way of making a straight cut along the bottom, because whenever I cut something I have this mass tendency to go off course. Or maybe a dremel with a cut off wheel? Hmmm...looks like it is almost time to head to the garage and make some noise...

 

[Brisco]

I recommend using a "Safe Cut" can opener like the one here.

Obviously, the can needs to be empty. These can openers are perfect because the cutting wheel engages from the side of the can and actually cuts the "rolled" lip instead of puncturing the top of the can like traditional can openers. I have one of these can openers and I picked it up at Wal-Mart.

 

[wuher da brewer]

I was going to suggest a pipe cutter, but I don't think you could get close enough to the edge.

The side-cutting can opener may be a reliable option.

 

[PTK]

yeah, i'd just go to the site micdavis mentioned and get a can similar to what you need and just change the label.......but if you still want to make your own i would take a roll of good masking tape, figure out exactly where you want to cut it and mask off the edge of the line very carefully, then just go over that same tape with more tape about 6-10 times then get an Xacto razor saw and use the tape as a guide to stay totally straight and slowly work your way around the can until you are all the way through, then just remove the tape......ive done it before on other projects and it worked great.....just never did it on a can before

good luck!