Drilling Acrylic

[davidpesce]

Anyone with experience drilling acrylic?

I've searched a few of the forums and they say I can use a regular hole saw. Not sure I'm comfortable with that, but will do it if others have had success.

Also, I'd like to use a 1" bulkhead and have heard that not all 1" bulkheads have the same size hole. What size drill bits should I get?

 

[5380]

I've done it with a regular hole saw. Same idea as with glass, make sure you use some water to dissipate heat so you don't craze the acrylic. Just buy bulkheads where they state the necessary hole size.

 

[davidpesce]

Awesome, thanks!

 

[titoav15]

I picked up bulkheads at ABC and I am pretty sure they are from glass-holes... here are the sizes that were written on the stickers:
1/2" bulkhead requires 1 1/8" diam. hole
3/4" bulkhead requires 1 7/16" - 1 1/2" diam. hole
1" bulkhead requires 1 3/4" diam. hole
hope this helps!

 

[sedorusc]

I cut a hole in my sump for a 1" bulkhead with the same saw that came with my glass-holes 300 gph kit.

 

[acdraindrps]

Use tape on both sides. IME water isn't necessary. High speed and a newer, sharp hole saw. Same one that you would use for wood.

 

[davidpesce]

All's well, the recycled 46g acrylic tank is now in-line with the 75g DT and 100g sump. All that's left is the 40g breeder and I can sit back and relax and enjoy the show!

 

[SkiFletch]

Use tape on both sides. IME water isn't necessary. High speed and a newer, sharp hole saw. Same one that you would use for wood.

Agreed, and if you can, go with a high-speed, low-torque setting on your drill. Don't use a lot of force. You can push on the drill a little, but don't he-man it