diamond holes -- technique??

[sbreefer]

how does one bore a 1.5" hole hole in a 40 breeder where I cannot use a press? have to use my handheld Bosch.... I think it will wander all over? Also, will it break on exit?

 

[sbreefer]

what do you use for coolant? water OK?

 

[dubmaneh]

Start the drill on an angle until it gets a grip and then tilt it flush with the glass. Otherwise it will wander.
Use plumbers putty to form a dam around the hole and keep it filled with water.
Don't forget to tape the back of the hole to minimize chipping and put something soft down to catch the cut out.
High speed, low torque and next to no pressure.

 

[madweazl]

If you have a wood holesaw, you can grab a piece of plywood and cut a hole in it (same size as your glass holesaw obviously). Clamp this piece of wood to the aquarium.

 

[stinkyreef]

This is how I get mine started with a template. After the glass is etched with the hole saw I just use the plumbers putty dam and some water

Madweazl beat me to it!

 

[sbreefer]

thanks gents

 

[mmn]

This is the template I use.

 

[m0nkie]

Start the drill on an angle until it gets a grip and then tilt it flush with the glass.

This is what I did.. there's a lot of youtube videos that show this method. Works like a charm. Drilled 4 holes on my tank, it was nerve wrecking for the first time..

if you are scared still, home depot or glass-hole sells these drill guide

http://www.glass-holes.com/Suction-Cup-Drill-Guide-with-Bearings-084010.htm

I used water as lubricant. It's easier if you have a buddy around and just hose down the tank as you drill.

Tape the other end so glass doesn't drop on your tank..

 

[noj3333]

+1 to the wood template. I also used a water bottle with a very small hole poked in the cap. I kept squirting the water at the hole saw through the entire cut. If your drill has a clutch adjustment on it use it. The lower numbers prevent the drill spinning if it get's caught. Lastly, as you get to the end of the cut, use very little pressure, let the drill bit do it's job, don't push too hard.

I had to drill several holes over the past few months. One of them was on a sump that was 'stuck' under an aquarium, so i had to drill it vertically... very nerve racking, but no issues.

 

[xdannyxrocksx]

Tape behind the whole also helps with chiping. Let the drill do the work don't put pressure on the glass but that of the weight of the drill.

 

[Rx79394]

Wis. I knew about the guides and the wood templates before I did mine. I just ran with it.

Now my hole is off centered.

 

[Gorgok]

I would also get cheap amazon hole saws instead of the ones on BRS. The amazon ones are thinner (faster cuts, less durable) and cost less (could have bought 3+ for the price at BRS). Using a new one for every hole will make it really fast... After a couple of holes even the more durable one will be pretty crappy and take a painfully long time to cut.

 

[noj3333]

ebay sells them too, really cheap.