Can I use glass drill bits to drill acrylic?

[MarineGirl411]

Hi,
Next weekened I am going to be drillng my 40 gallon breeder. I bought the drill bits. I will have an acrylic sump. I am wondering if I can drill the acrylic sump with the glass drill bits I have? Thank you.

 

[69vette]

No, you can't use diamond hole saws to drill acrylic. You need toothed hole saws. The ones made to drill wood will work with acrylic,

 

[jpslickorocks]

make sure when you set up the hole saw you make it so the pilot bit is only a little longer than the saw itself. It pilot bit goes all the way through the acrylic befor the hole saw makes contact you can risk cracking the acrylic. Also... Apply very little pressure and allow the saw to do the work

 

[MarineGirl411]

okay. thank you guys. =)

 

[landragon]

FWIW, the Bi-Metal bits cut much better than the carbide, and a little cool running water can seriously help out.

 

[MarineGirl411]

So you are saying the bits that people use to drill wood correct? Or do you mean the glass drill bits? I don't know bi metal from carbide. =/ sorry.

 

[Cuby2k]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8185877#post8185877 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarineGirl411
So you are saying the bits that people use to drill wood correct? Or do you mean the glass drill bits? I don't know bi metal from carbide. =/ sorry.

This is NOT the proper application of the type of hole saw but it is the one I have used on my acrylic.

If you plan on doing much drilling it is sure nice to use a drill press. You can pick an inexpensive one up at harbor freight for under $50 and they work like a champ.

Using a hand drill on acrylic is a little more risky because the saw blade has a tendency to catch and the drill could kick and possibly cause a crack. I saw possibly but it has happened to me EVERY stinking time I have tried it, that's why I ended up forking out the $50 for a drill press.