Hole through Acrylic Advice

[BeanMachine]

So I drilled an IM 20 Gallon for an overflow box. Now I want to install 1/2 bulkheads where these existing holes are located in the acrylic false wall. They are slightly smaller that 1/2" currently. What's the best way to increase the diameter of the holes? Needs to be clean. Router maybe? Something that won't melt the plastic? Thank you!

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[BeanMachine]

I have a roto zip tool but not sure if it will get too hot.


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[wishntoboutside]

Cody.
go MacGyver on it. clamp a piece of wood on the back and use the wood for the pilot hole and then make you cut. After that you will need a paper clip and some bleach and a ignition switch.

 

[ReefPharmer]

Cody.
go MacGyver on it. clamp a piece of wood on the back and use the wood for the pilot hole and then make you cut. After that you will need a paper clip and some bleach and a ignition switch.

This is probably the best way of doing it, if you can put a piece of wood (or another piece of semi thick acrylic over top of the hole and use it as a pilot. Depending on the type of holesaw you are using, you may or may not need to use some water to try to cool the area

 

[BeanMachine]

This is probably the best way of doing it, if you can put a piece of wood (or another piece of semi thick acrylic over top of the hole and use it as a pilot. Depending on the type of holesaw you are using, you may or may not need to use some water to try to cool the area

Thanks guys. I can do that. I think the holesaw bits I have are for wood so need one with finer teeth? I've tried in the past and have almost lost a finger lol


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[vuqchu]

You can try step drill bit.

 

[pga7602]

So I drilled an IM 20 Gallon for an overflow box. Now I want to install 1/2 bulkheads where these existing holes are located in the acrylic false wall. They are slightly smaller that 1/2" currently. What's the best way to increase the diameter of the holes? Needs to be clean. Router maybe? Something that won't melt the plastic? Thank you!

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Noob!

https://www.amazon.com/Hole-Pro-Enlarger-Kit/dp/B07FK7DFFL

You're welcome!

 

[christygirl]

You can also use a new step drill bit.... The bit graduates up in size... Slow with low pressure.

 

[boltman1]

A 1/2 " rotary rasp would work, I think Lowe's sells one

 

[pga7602]

I'm afraid Cody hates all of our lame ideas.....

 

[moondoggy4]

They actually make a tool for this, it is an adapter that you put the original hole saw on first then you put the new size over it, using the first hole saw as a pilot.

 

[joesig]

you dont need to buy any tools use any piece of plywood or wood long enough to stick out,
clamp it to the wall find the center of the current hole mark it if you want to be centered to the current hole and drill again with bigger hole saw.

DONT use a router or anything else they will not work. The only other tool you can use is a step bit to go up in size a little more. not as clean as a hole saw though, just go slow not to melt plastic.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=step+drill+bit&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10

 

[BeanMachine]

Thanks all. I'll be getting to this the next couple weeks.


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