Router to cut glass?

[guntercb]

I know many people have use roto zips and dremels to cut glass using a tile bit. Can the tile bit be chucked in a Router? If I am cutting 3/8" glass, what RPM do I want to use to cut the glass?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[windsor-aquatic]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. Do you mean cut glass, as in cutting a straight piece, or do you mean drill, as for bulkheads?

 

[guntercb]

Drill as in bulkheads or to cut a section out of an overflow, but not for cutting smooth edges for making a tank.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[windsor-aquatic]

I've had no experience using a router, we use conventional drills, but I know others on here have.

 

[mille239]

I can't see why the tile bit wouldn't work in a router!! let me know how it turns out.

 

[natual]

Router is a bad idea, this is why:

while drilling glass it needs to be cool both drill and glass.

A recommendation is 300rpm, depending on thickness.
A router typically turns at anywhere between 5000-40,000rpm
you will cook your bit and shatter glass because of the heat buildup.

heres a linkhttp://www.diamond-drill-bit-and-tool.com/Diamond-Drill/MAIN.htm

 

[mille239]

when I first drilled my tanks (have done several now with a dremel and tile cutting bit) I was told not to use a drill because u don't get enough RPM's. I don't know exactly what speed I drill with, but it's pretty high on my Dremel (like speed 7 or 8) you can't drill (at least using a cutting bit) with slow RPM's IMO
(I can't comment on using a dimond bit hole saw though)

 

[ODOG]

First I can't say whether or not a router would work.

Second, Mille, slower is better for the reasons natual stated however, the way around that is lots and lots of water. I have done 2 tanks now with a dremel with no problems. I would imagine if the bit fit a router it should work, just have an extra set of hands with a spray bottle on hand or use some putty to make a pool of water around your hole and keep it filled with water.

 

[tomhock]

Has anyone drilled the side of a glass tank? I was thinking of using a diamond tipped hole bit ( 1 1/8" )

 

[Dennis7]

Diamond tip hole saws work the best. Low rpm, drill press or one of them jigs that convert your hand drill into a portable drill press, works best. Back up the glass using duct tape. Build a dam around the hole being drilled out of plumbers putty using water to keep the bit and glass cool.

 

[dandydan]

Absolutely right,

I just did a few cuts on strengthener bars 10mm in my live sump using a dremel and a dremel diamond cutting wheel, you must use plenty of dripping water on the cut - just like butter.