Bulkhead/holesaw question.

[D&KSac]

Hey guys do any of you know what size hole saw is needed for a 1" bulkhead fitting? Also is it a special holesaw blade that is needed for acrylic or do you just use your standard holesaw?

 

[ThunderDog]

According to Marine Depot on a standard bulkhead a 1" takes a hole size of 1 3/4". I think on Acrylic you could use a standard holesaw but you would want to keep the RPM's slow so as to not generate too much heat. Also from drilling acrylic for other purposes you have to be careful with the pilot bit that it doesn't take too much material at once it will stress the plastic. All I have drilled for aquariums is glass.

 

[D&KSac]

yeah i had heard keep it slow and make sure the hole saw is sharp just couldnt remember the size.

 

[epicfish]

Depends on the exact bulkhead you want. ie: Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80.

Holesaws or unibits work pretty well. Keep the hole away from the edge, and drill slow. 500-1000RPM. Put a piece of wood behind the piece of acrylic if you can so there's a back to it when the drill cuts through.

 

[epicfish]

Here's a few sizes of holes for ya for Schedule 80 bulkheads:

http://www.savko.com/portal/bulkhead.asp

 

[WarrenG]

Measure the bulkhead before drilling?

 

[funman1]

Yes drilling acrylic can be done with a regular holesaw.
Just go slow, so the bit stays cool and does not melt the acrylic.

Like they said size depends on Schedule.

 

[D&KSac]

cool guys thanks for the Info. Would it help the Acrylic to use water on it while drilling?

 

[funman1]

Won't hurt, but don't think you really "need" it..

 

[D&KSac]

ok cool. man i can wait to have this tank up and going.

 

[Matt_Wandell]

You should go super super slow near the end or else you'll catch the tank on the saw and you can crack it, or break your damn wrist. I've come close before. If you can get it on a drill press and clamp the tank down, even better. Go down slow with very very light pressure. The saw, not your pressure, should be doing the work. Back off several times to let the hole cool down. Using water as a coolant/lubricant is a good idea. Drilling a pilot hole is also a good idea.

And practice on a scrap piece.

Matt