I got a quote today of $120 to drill three 1 3/4" holes in 3/8 glass
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vr697getta
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you dont need a drill press but it makes it easier. i just used my drill
Agreed that you don't need a drill press. I rented the drill saw hole bit from aqua world for 20 bucks, although they require a 150-200 deposit. Put masking tape on the opposite side you are drilling through. It will save some chipping. Take your time and it is easy. Although I have been warned that tempered glass is unpredictable. I had no problems.
ironwill723
Well-known member
I bought my diamond bit on Ebay for $10. Drilled with a cordless drill and hose. 3 x 1.5" bulkheads in a 220g. Thicker glass is easier I think.
bmiller1234
Member
Tape on the backside and a blanket or thick towel where the circle drops out after drilling. I practiced on an old tank and learned that yes, a 1 inch circle dropping a foot will take a big chip out of glass.. Good luck, just like everything else, water and time..
vr697getta
New member
i also got and ebay bit worked great
cloakerpoked
New member
Got one on Ebay and it worked fine, but if you buy your bulkheads from glassholes.com or another retailer, you're just better off getting the bit from them. That way you can be sure it will work with your bulkhead, and it is pretty much the same price anyway.
Tempered glass can NEVER be drilled. If you try it, it will destroy the tank. For a demonstration, just go to youtube and search for drilling tempered glass, or something like that. Usually the bottom pane of larger tanks is tempered, but it depends on the age of the tank and the manufacturer. Sometimes the sides or back is also tempered glass. You'll definitely want to make sure you look into this before drilling.
Tempered glass can NEVER be drilled. If you try it, it will destroy the tank. For a demonstration, just go to youtube and search for drilling tempered glass, or something like that. Usually the bottom pane of larger tanks is tempered, but it depends on the age of the tank and the manufacturer. Sometimes the sides or back is also tempered glass. You'll definitely want to make sure you look into this before drilling.
Like cloakerpoked said, if it's tempered, don't drill. If not.... get after it! To add a little, get some clay and build up about an inch out from the desired drilling area like a dam. Put your water in there and keep it going. Take your time and don't get excited. Slow and easy is the key. If the cut glass is going to land inside the tank, put a pile of towels where the glass will fall. You'll be fine, just take your time and don't force the cut. About like drilling tile if you've ever done that.
vr697getta
New member
also plenty of helpful vids on youtube
cloakerpoked
New member
+1
plumber's putty will work instead of clay if you are looking for something readily available. It took me about 5 minutes to drill through a 29 gallon tank...not sure on the thickness of that glass, but it's not very thick. When you cut, start on an edge to score the glass and make a groove, then slowly lower it level. This process will keep the bit from walking all over the surface of your glass, making all kinds of knicks and cuts before you finally get it in a groove.
ironwill723
Well-known member
You can also make a hole template ahead of time out of a scrap piece of acrylic. Clamp to the tank and you are good to go.
bmiller1234
Member
Stopped at aquaworld this morning, they drill tanks for 25 bucks a hole. not too bad of a deal depending how many holes your going to drill.
tempered glass isnt unpredictible. its not possible to drill. tempered glass will shatter. glass can be cut drill watever u want to do but once its tempered u cant drill or cut
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