Drilling glass

rillaboratories

New member
I'm in the process of making my labs and am in the process of making my tanks. Been drilling holes around 40 holes and already started to see an increase in chipping. I've been taking my time drilling and using the glass coolant lubricant.

I am also using a handheld drill, is there any ways to minimize the chipping. I'm assuming the diamond glass bit may be the problem as it was very cheap on ebay.

Is there any recommendation for other drill bits or methods. We were planning on using a barbed fitting for the plumbing, but cause the chipping seems to be on the ugly side, we may have to cover it with bulkheads. Is there a recommendation on where I can find 1/2" bulkheads?
 
IME, chipping is the result of, in no particular order, a dulling bit, twisting of the drill, going too quickly.
 
drill bit needs to be replaced every few holes after drilling.
i would recommend getting some fresh drill bits from glass-holes.com or other supplies like brs.
i work with drill bits a lot but very tiny ones. it is very important that you go very SLOW to not get any chips. i know it takes forever if you go slow but it will get you the result you are looking for.
 
drill bit needs to be replaced every few holes after drilling.
i would recommend getting some fresh drill bits from glass-holes.com or other supplies like brs.
i work with drill bits a lot but very tiny ones. it is very important that you go very SLOW to not get any chips. i know it takes forever if you go slow but it will get you the result you are looking for.

+1 whenever you get chipping, replace the bit. Yes, it can be expensive, but much less than the price of a new tank. When you're in a jam, almost every home depot I've been to sells diamond hole drill bits.
 
If you support the inside before u go completely through it will also help with the chipping.
 
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