diamond bit too good to be true

[shyland83]

I was ready to drop almost 100 bucks on a bit when I saw this on ebay, it's the size i need but it has to be too good to be true, i just want to hear someone else agree with me. 5.00 for bit, 4.00 to ship from Hong Kong. If i dont try this, does anyone know of a place where i can buy a good one?

 

[eboonaman]

yes it's true they are only good for a few holes but for $5 what the heck..
I think Eric J. (pyro)or Larry (DgenR8) brought these?
chuck

 

[shyland83]

I need to drill 6-8 holes, i figured it was worth buying a good one so i always have it, but for this price i could buy 10 of them before i catch up to the price of one good bit.

 

[onegreenray]

i have bought both the expensive and the ebay cheap ones. both work fine. it depends on the thickness of the glass you are drilling. i did 5 holes with the ebay one before i cracked a 10 gallon. but you can tell when the bit is getting there. it takes longer to drill the hole.

 

[pyro383]

Yes, I used the cheap dremel bits, worked great for what I needed.

 

[Justjoe]

There was a thread on using a Rotozip with the tile cutting bit and it worked well, just plunged right through then cut the hole. I haven't tried it yet, but will next time around.

 

[shyland83]

I used a dremel last time, worked well especially because i still had the fish in the tank. I have to cut a lot of holes this time, i wanted to try the hole saw. I ordered two 48mm and one 45mm hole saws on ebay, cost me 29 shipped. Figure even if i only get 3 holes per bit I still get my moneys worth.

 

[DgenR8]

I've used the cheap ones, too. I bought a drill press which I thinks makes a big difference, especially when the bits start to dull.



http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44836

 

[shyland83]

I have a drill press, but how do get the tank in there? It seems like more trouble than it's worth.

 

[DgenR8]

It takes some fancy blocking and rigging, but once the press is set and stable, there's no chance of the bit changing it's angle against the tank. I believe that most tanks that crack when drilling do so because a hand held drill is used, and it's not held straight.

 

[chemisfun11]

I've read a lot about drilling glass on the DIY forums and from everyone's experience they make it sound easy. I admit I've never tried it, but I feel a lot more confident about doing it if I ever have the need. Most people seemed to use the supplier's from overseas via eb*y. Check it out before you start, you'll get some really good ideas.

 

[Justjoe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9283873#post9283873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shyland83
I have a drill press, but how do get the tank in there? It seems like more trouble than it's worth.

I have used a smaller portable drill press, you just spin the press around and put a counter weight on the base of the drill press (cement block or bucket of water) and you can put the whole thing on the tank you are drilling, if the tank is large enough.
Otherwise, put the set up on a table and set the tank up next to it. Keep the bit cool to extend its life.
Also, if the bit gets dull, some carborundum can be used as the abrasive. Some glass places may carry it.
Joe