For those that have drilled acrylic for bulkheads please let me know if there is any specific requirement for the drill bit. I've read that diamond coated is needed for glass but not for acrylic. Everything I've read says to apply light pressure and apply water to keep it cool...
Acrylic Drill Bit
- Thread starter kirkwood
- Start date
I drilled into my sump and all I used was a regular drill bit. Just make sure the bit doesn't start to melt into the acrylic. I also used a dremel tool to cut the hole. If it was me, I would use the dremel.
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A 1" bulkhead requires a hole that is 1-3/4" in diameter.
You can pick one up at a local Lowes/THD - you'll need the hole saw itself, and the arbor (drill bit) - sometimes they come together. And also a drill.
BRS has a decent hole saw kit for $20, if you can wait for delivery:
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalog/product/view/id/386/">http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalog/product/view/id/386/</a>
Acrylic is a plastic, so you don't need a diamond bit or water.
The plastic can melt if you run the drill too fast, so take it slow and apply light pressure.
I'd also recommend cutting the hole from both sides - go halfway through from one side, and use the pilot hole from the other side to drill from the other side.
at the very least start the saw in reverse. There is far less bite.
Start the pilot bit in forward (obviously) then put her in reverse to initiate the groove, then gouge it out with the drill in forward. Take your time and if it smokes stop, then use a knife to remove all the material you can, and start again. Just get a simple wood hole-saw from homedepot.
Drilling glass you groove a side to stabilize the diamond bit and drill and then slowly bring the circle groove around until it's face is flat with the glass and not trying to run on you. Drill from the inside out. Slow WAY down before you break through the other side as it will chip out with the glass plug. You have a bulkhead seal on the inside and if you chip the inside the gasket wont seal. Also if you're drilling a tank that's running (ballsy but I've done it) use a powerhead with a little hose and a helper to irrigate and cool the cut as you are going. The ground glass is harmless and will blend in with your sand. It is 50/50 you're gonna like the outcome drilling glass thinner than 3/8". 1/4" tough. anything less is just making a mess and asking to hurt yourself IMHO.... Just my $0.02
Start the pilot bit in forward (obviously) then put her in reverse to initiate the groove, then gouge it out with the drill in forward. Take your time and if it smokes stop, then use a knife to remove all the material you can, and start again. Just get a simple wood hole-saw from homedepot.
Drilling glass you groove a side to stabilize the diamond bit and drill and then slowly bring the circle groove around until it's face is flat with the glass and not trying to run on you. Drill from the inside out. Slow WAY down before you break through the other side as it will chip out with the glass plug. You have a bulkhead seal on the inside and if you chip the inside the gasket wont seal. Also if you're drilling a tank that's running (ballsy but I've done it) use a powerhead with a little hose and a helper to irrigate and cool the cut as you are going. The ground glass is harmless and will blend in with your sand. It is 50/50 you're gonna like the outcome drilling glass thinner than 3/8". 1/4" tough. anything less is just making a mess and asking to hurt yourself IMHO.... Just my $0.02
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