need holes in tank

[low riderr]

this will be my first try at drilling a tank need some tips please.

 

[Newreeflady]

Use a drill press if available. Start with a slight off-angle (very slight) in order to get a "notch" to catch the hole saw. Go at a steady slow pace. Tape the back side, or do something to support it to prevent chipping (similar to tearout in wood working.) When you are almost there, go extra, extra slow. Use plumbers putty and water. Check the water temperature- when it is warm, or when there is just too much funk in it, pour some new water in.

Good luck!
-A

 

[pimpinitup6969]

I have done a quite a few holes and I wouldnt worry about using a drill press. A battery operated drill will work just fine on a slow speed. I just made a guide out of half inch plywood with a hole the same size as the bit your using. then i clamp the guide to the outside of the glass with another piece of plywood on the inside of the tank so nothing falls and breaks one of the other panes of glass.

 

[fatrip]

I have always just done it the old fashion way, get some playdough or puddy make a circle around where the hole will be. mark the whole with a sharpie and get a dremel with a thin diamond bit. fill the puddy circle with water, ideally do this out side with a hose constantly putting in new water and follow the sharpie line. put a towl in the tank under the hole so when it drops the towl catches the glass powder and the glass piece.

 

[Dave VG]

Here ya go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMctXz7GraU

 

[jacksonpt]

How big is the tank... how thick is the glass?

It's pretty easy, you just have to go slow. The weight from the drill is all you need, if you press/apply pressure yourself the chances for cracking goes up significantly.

Go slow, keep the glass & bit cool with water... it's not really that big of deal.

 

[low riderr]

the tank is a 8 foot 240 gal. the glass is .5 thick

 

[low riderr]

well its done ,the six holes only took about 45 minutes to drill.and i think it may still hold water!