Stile2
New member
MacnReef,
Here is my technique for drilling glass.
1. I plot a drawing on my CAD program of the hole or slot that I am drilling, then print it full size. Cut out the shape.
2. Draw the shape on the glass with a Sharpie Marker.
3. I run around the shape with the rotozip (using the TC1 bit) lightly to etch the drawing into the glass. The reason for this is that Sharpies don't stay on glass after you start pouring water on it.
This pic shows the tracing of the hole with the bit.
4. As in the above picture. I concentrate on one area about 1/4" long and slowly go back and forth until I get all the way through. Then slowly work my way around the tracing using an up and down motion, almost like I'm sawing my way through. I don't push to hard, just let the bit do the cutting.
5. The most important thing to remember while doing this is use lots and lots of water. I personally use a spray bottle, that way I can direct the water exactly on the bit. Basically one squirt for every movement of the bit.
Also remember that the thicker the glass the easier this is. People tend to want to try it out on a cheap 10 gallon tank, but the thin glass breaks really easily.
HTH
Keith
Here is my technique for drilling glass.
1. I plot a drawing on my CAD program of the hole or slot that I am drilling, then print it full size. Cut out the shape.
2. Draw the shape on the glass with a Sharpie Marker.
3. I run around the shape with the rotozip (using the TC1 bit) lightly to etch the drawing into the glass. The reason for this is that Sharpies don't stay on glass after you start pouring water on it.
This pic shows the tracing of the hole with the bit.
4. As in the above picture. I concentrate on one area about 1/4" long and slowly go back and forth until I get all the way through. Then slowly work my way around the tracing using an up and down motion, almost like I'm sawing my way through. I don't push to hard, just let the bit do the cutting.
5. The most important thing to remember while doing this is use lots and lots of water. I personally use a spray bottle, that way I can direct the water exactly on the bit. Basically one squirt for every movement of the bit.
Also remember that the thicker the glass the easier this is. People tend to want to try it out on a cheap 10 gallon tank, but the thin glass breaks really easily.
HTH
Keith
