mogurnda May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 Hey all. I normally use glass tanks, and am quite happy drilling them. For the new hatchery project, I ordered a custom-sized acrylic tank, and will need to drill at least one hole for a 3/4" bulkhead when it arrives. Any hints regarding bits, or techniques that will keep me from cracking it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flooddc May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 I used a regular hole saw to drilled mine. it's better if you can get one with finer teeth. Just go slowly . Also, cut out a hole on a piece of plywood and use it as a template. Like this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbartco May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 I just used a regular hole saw with the center pilot hole, went slow, and went from both sides of the plastic to avoid any cracking/hazing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshfins May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 It helps a lot to use a mixture of water and baking soda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 set the torque on your drill to a low setting so if the bit binds the drill won't push it through, cracking the acrylic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogurnda May 14, 2015 Author Share May 14, 2015 Thanks, guys. The tank should be waiting for me when I get home. Sounds like the key is to take it slow and keep it cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami May 14, 2015 Share May 14, 2015 Thanks, guys. The tank should be waiting for me when I get home. Sounds like the key is to take it slow and keep it cool. Yes. Don't go so fast and the bit won't bind to the melting plastic. Also, if you can drill from both sides (basically centering on the pilot hole), then you can reduce tear-out and make for a cleaner cut. I've found new acrylic easier to drill than old acrylic that's been exposed to salt water for a long time. Also, cast acrylic is easier to drill than extruded. Use a regular hole saw to do the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefer_Madness May 15, 2015 Share May 15, 2015 Is like drilling hardwood. Just take your time. Nothing really different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mogurnda May 19, 2015 Author Share May 19, 2015 It was indeed easy. Thanks, for the advice. In case you were wondering, Glasscages still uses the same wonderful workmanship. Lots of bubbles in the cement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime May 20, 2015 Share May 20, 2015 That's pretty shoddy with the bubbles, but great job drilling Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smallreef May 24, 2015 Share May 24, 2015 Wow... Hole looks great... Glad you have trim on that tank... Holy bubbles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s2nhle December 17, 2015 Share December 17, 2015 wow, I was almost ordered the tank from glass cage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshfins December 17, 2015 Share December 17, 2015 Using baking soda and water helped me a lot. Without them the saw kept getting stuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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