SeanCallan October 20, 2008 October 20, 2008 What's the best setup for drilling a bulkhead into glass? I'm thinking about putting a intake and return on this tiny 3 gallon glass tank. Thinking about using 1/2 or 1/4 holes. Any suggestions? I was thinking about using a dremel but I'm not sure how I can ensure the whole is round.
Brian Ward October 20, 2008 October 20, 2008 What's the best setup for drilling a bulkhead into glass? I'm thinking about putting a intake and return on this tiny 3 gallon glass tank. Thinking about using 1/2 or 1/4 holes. Any suggestions? I was thinking about using a dremel but I'm not sure how I can ensure the whole is round. Drilling tanks that small is very difficult. Many people have trouble with 10 gal tanks due to how thin the glass is and its tendancy to bow with the pressure from the drill. If you want to try it, definitely use a drill press so you get constant, even pressure against the glass set against a hard surface.
SeanCallan October 20, 2008 Author October 20, 2008 Drilling tanks that small is very difficult. Many people have trouble with 10 gal tanks due to how thin the glass is and its tendancy to bow with the pressure from the drill. If you want to try it, definitely use a drill press so you get constant, even pressure against the glass set against a hard surface. I'm not surprised by that in the least, but I do know that the JBJ Picotopes are the base of a lot of the DIY tanks. This gentleman from the hot and dirty Atl did it : http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20020 I have a fantastic idea for this tiny tank, but I'm going to refrain revealing it till its done (so none of yous guys steal my awesome to the max idea) Are there any members who for a fee would be willing to drill a/some holes?
reefmontalvo October 25, 2008 October 25, 2008 If you plan on drilling a ten gallon tank, my best advise would be to tape the spot your drilling. Then place a backing on the spot yoru drilling and use a new bit and very very light pressure.
tommyc November 20, 2008 November 20, 2008 Haven't had any problems drilling a ten gallon tanks. Would suspect the thickness is similar on a tank as small as yours. I used a dremel with a bit made for ceramic tile. Could pull out the exact model number if you want. It wasn't just a drill bit, but had teeth running up the shank about and inch from the tip. Look for the ceramic tile bit. Punched it all the way through...gently (and it didn't take much).....and then brought it around fill circle. I'd drawn the circle on the glass. Also had a hose of running water washing over it as I cut. First time was simpler than I'd expected. Don't need to worry about it being perfectly round.....the bulkhead overlaps the hole by a decent bit. I'd use 1/2 inch bulkheads. tom
jason the filter freak November 20, 2008 November 20, 2008 you don't need the hole to be perfectly round thats what the o-ring is for
Grav November 23, 2008 November 23, 2008 Dremmel 7123... it is funny I actually didn't need to look that up... I just know. You can never buy one when you need one so I ordered 4 from Ace hardware online. Drilling with a hole saw on a tank like 10 gallons is 50/50... anything smaller is a long shot.
paenian November 25, 2008 November 25, 2008 I just drilled two holes in the back of my new 40g breeder. In my opinion, taping the back is a great idea - I just used duct tape. The drill isn't rough enough to slice through the tape, so the disc & water stayed in place. It was easy to tell when I'd broken through, and no big chips. Also helpful was having my wife tell me if the drill was vertical - have her sit a quarter turn away and monitor the axis you can't see. As for dremeling tiny holes in thin glass, I would recommend the router attachment with a wooden guide. Lower the bit slightly, make the circle, lower the bit a tiny bit more, bit the bit, bitbitbitbitbitbtibt you know what I mean. Also, I have the router & dremel & you're welcome to use them. I might have the right hole/spade bit, too, and scrap wood. Paul
reefmontalvo November 25, 2008 November 25, 2008 An old trick I learned when I first started working on sheet-metal and composite material for aircraft is when holding the drill, if you keep your pointer finger on the side of the drill and use your index finger on the trigger it will actually hold the drill on a level axis to what you
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