tank drilling

fishamajiggle

fishamajiggle

New member
do any of you guys do tank drilling. i need a bulkhead drilled and I am too much of a wimp to do it myself. i have a 125 gal aga. please hook me up. i cant exactly bring the tak to you cause it is already in the wall.

thanks
Dan


cash prizes involved:eek2: :) :eek1:
 
If you can't get anyone to go to you, get out your cordless drill, put it on the slowest setting available, keep the bit well lubricated, and have at it.
I've made a few holes in glass since starting this hobby, it's not difficult. Drilling one in wall is not something I wish to attempt though, especially if it's not even my tank.
I have never drilled a tank with a hand drill, either. I bought a drill press specifically for this purpose.
Many people have done that though, so it is very doable.
 
i have heard how easy it is but i am still a big puss. I would like to have someone experienced at it. but if all else fails i guess i could do it. hope it doesnt come to that.

thanks
Dan
 
Its not as scary as you think. I had reservations the first time i did it and now ive drilled many holes. The whole trick is a drill press and to make sure the tank doesnt move during the drilling process. If your nervous you could buy a cheap tank and drill a hole or 2 in it for practice.
 
i understand about the drill press and if the tank was empty i would have less reservations. it is my display tank and currently has water in it. i am going to empty it half way and give it a shot. i am going to practice on a 20 gal i am turning into a surge tank. ill let you know how it comes out:eek:
 
Good luck :) Just let the bit do the work. It should take you 10 minutes plus per hole. Also you need to keep the drill bit lubricated. Im not so sure how you plan on doing that but if somehow you can mange to drip water over it that should do the trick. Patience is key!!
 
A spray bottle will work fine. It will be easiest if you have someone else hold and work the spray bottle. For the bit, I'd suggest a diamond core hole saw. Get the size need for whatever size bulkheads you are installing. BTW the 125 will actually be easier to drill than the 20, the thicker glass is more resistant to cracking ;)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8468254#post8468254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishamajiggle
maybe a spray bottle or something. what bit should I be using? ? ?
Click to expand...

The word "bit" in blue below is a link to the lowest priced diamond coated hole saws I have ever seen.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8458170#post8458170 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DgenR8
If you can't get anyone to go to you, get out your cordless drill, put it on the slowest setting available, keep the bit well lubricated, and have at it.
I've made a few holes in glass since starting this hobby, it's not difficult. Drilling one in wall is not something I wish to attempt though, especially if it's not even my tank.
I have never drilled a tank with a hand drill, either. I bought a drill press specifically for this purpose.
Many people have done that though, so it is very doable.
Click to expand...
 
Drill a hole first through a piece of wood (1/2 inch thick or so) - and clamp or affix that to the glass somehow. Use that as a guide to hold the bit in place as you drill (at least to start)- otherwise it will drift around on the glass until your deep enough into the glass to have it's own grooves hold it in place. Plus that will help hold some water in that area for lubricating the bit.
 
I have seen a thread where they made a containment area for water around where you are going to drill the hole. I think the person cut the rim plus a little off a plastic cup and duct taped it to the tank where he was going to drill the hole. Then put some water inside this mini pool and drilled his glass hole there.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8471006#post8471006 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bllfish
I have seen a thread where they made a containment area for water around where you are going to drill the hole. I think the person cut the rim plus a little off a plastic cup and duct taped it to the tank where he was going to drill the hole. Then put some water inside this mini pool and drilled his glass hole there.
Click to expand...


Play doh works great for that purpose, if you're drilling a horizontal surface. Slightly less effective on a vertical surface.
 
you guys have been great help. i plan to do this project in a week or so so I will fill you in on the progress. thanks again

Dan
 
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