can you drill acrylic?

[mopar9012]

I have an acrylic top just laying around. Im going to do something different and try to use that to mount my light above the tank. Can you drill holes, the size for a screw, with no problem?

 

[dakota9]

Short answer,

Yes

 

[rolo65]

yes

 

[cr500_af]

Sure. Be aware that if you drill the pilot hole undersized (too tight) for the screw, you will most likely crack the acrylic when you install the screw. I'd personally use bolts/nuts so that you don't run that risk.

 

[dakota9]

^^^^^^^^^^long answer^^^^^^^^^^^^




+1

 

[skriz]

Like butta

 

[mojo]

Just use wood bits and go slowly to allow the bit to cut on it's own - don't force it.

 

[johnr2604]

mojo;465956 wrote: Just use wood bits and go slowly to allow the bit to cut on it's own - don't force it.

Agreed, If you force it through the backside it will blow out unless your carefull

 

[mopar9012]

well i cant use the acrylic. it already started the melting process last night. Im going to have to build a canopy. right now it looks terrible. I have it hanging from the ceiling with my actinics laying on the top...lol

 

[acroholic]

Dave "Grouper Therapy" to the rescue.

 

[sollie7]

yup just use a regular hole saw its really easy dont put to much pressure though

 

[06strom]

Also be aware that acrylic can sag over time when it's set horizontally. My latest attempt involved 1/4" acrylic, and siliconed braces, and the top has actually started pulling away from the siliconed braces so it can warp, ha.

I've drilled acrylic several times without drama, just using regular home depot metal or wood bits and holesaws. I haven't been motivated enough to try tapping holes yet, but I bet regular steel taps would work if you sized the holes appropriately. I don't know if I'd try to build a watertight tank with those methods, but for tops, covers, braces, etc, it seems to work nicely.

Next time I will try using proper acrylic cement for the braces...

 

[xsputnikx]

ive used wood bits... regular bits.. countersink bits.. and hole saws all work just fine.. I cut my acrylic with a generic variable speed jigsaw... all works fine with no trouble.. the key is to go slow... and take your time.. alow the bit to do the work and not the other way around and you will get a nice finished piece

 

[zavala83]

You can! I would use a wood bit. Make sure it is good and Sharp. Drill slow!