Hole Cutting Tools for Glass

[ccampbell57]

Does anyone around denver have tools required to cut holes in Glass?

I need to make 2-4 holes in my tanks and would like to do it in my basement if possible...otherwise I am forced to go to Ken Caryl glass and pay them

Any thoughts from you DIYers?

 

[kkdoughboy]

The Broncos have a bunch of tools....Sorry I just couldn't help it. Go Eagles!!!! Good luck with your aquarium project anyways.

 

[jonthefb]

I have a glass hole drill bit set that you could borrow, but I am up in Greeley. The largest bit that I have will accommodate a 1" bulkhead

 

[goslugsgo]

I have a few hole bits, but don't know the sizes off-hand. I'll look tomorrow morning.

 

[ZenMan]

I have a diamond bit suitable to drill holes for a 1.5" bulkhead. What size holes do you need?

 

[ccampbell57]

1-1.5" will work great

much appreciated for all the responses.

I am connecting 2 125g tanks for a sump and refugium under my 600g. How big of a hole do you think I should cut? I know my return hole will need to be 1".

 

[miwoodar]

LMK if Zen's don't work out. I have a bunch.

 

[goslugsgo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15447459#post15447459 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ccampbell57
1-1.5" will work great

much appreciated for all the responses.

I am connecting 2 125g tanks for a sump and refugium under my 600g. How big of a hole do you think I should cut? I know my return hole will need to be 1".

Is the return pipe size 1"? If so you'll need a larger hole to accommodate the bulkhead. Don't want to insult your intelligence, but I've seen that happen in other builds.
Some thoughts:
You may want to get your bulkheads first, then look at hole saws to get the best fit (seems like there are plenty around).
Consider making the cuts in the driveway rather than the basement. You may want to hose down the tank before installation.
Mine can cut holes for 3/4", 1" and 1 1/2"sch 80 bulkheads.

 

[spleify]

I also have some Chris, I believe you will need a 1 3/4" for a 1" bulkhead, Like slugs said it needs to be bigger than the bulkhead size.

Good luck

 

[ccampbell57]

You guys are awesome! I am stoked to get this done.

GoSlugs - no worries on insulting me...it was actually something I didnt know

You learn something everyday. This will be the first time I have drilled glass, but I have read up on it and will do some test drills first

I will hit one of the three of you up in the next week when I am ready to drill...

 

[LooseHip]

1" ABS (cheap black bulkheads) = 45mm hole saw
1" schedule 80 bulkhead = 48 mm hole saw (if I am wrong on this one feel free to correct me)

 

[jonthefb]

watch the videos at www.glass-holes.com

very informative and the best way to drill a tank IMPO!

Cheers~!
Jon

 

[goslugsgo]

Don't practice on thin glass. Thicker glass is easier to drill.
I may have business down there next week so let me know if you want someone to look over your shoulder.

One more thing: drill more than one hole that can take the full flow in case one pipe gets blocked... redundancy you know.

 

[ccampbell57]

Agreed on the 2 holes. I will be drilling 2 holes between the tanks as well as 2 holes for the return that way I can add a second pump if I want as well

 

[jonthefb]

Its really pretty easy once you get over the initial fear of breakage. Oh, and make sure that the pane you are drilling is NOT tempered. The first time I drilled a tank, it was on a 29g that I was going to use as a sump. I got about halfway through when BOOM! the whole pane exploded and scared the **** outta me!Turns out the pane was tempered!
Cheers~!
Jon