Getting an acrylic tank drilled

[takphan]

most Home Depot and Rona rent out tools
spray some water to keep the bit cool

when you are about to break through, stop and drill from the other side and go slow.

G/L

Tak

[Ruth]

Well the guy I had lined up to come and drill my tank has not worked out so it is looking like I will have to do it myself. One of the local glass shops has offered to loan me their drill and bits that I need. My question is if I have say 3/4" bulkheads do I use a 3/4" bit or do you have to go a bit bigger to accomodate getting the bulkhead to go in? I have to drill 10 holes total for my closed loop and it just about makes my knees buckle when I think about it. If you see me advertizing for a 190g plus tank in the next couple of weeks you will know that I messed up bad!

[mr_alberta]

Originally Posted by Ruth

Well the guy I had lined up to come and drill my tank has not worked out so it is looking like I will have to do it myself. One of the local glass shops has offered to loan me their drill and bits that I need. My question is if I have say 3/4" bulkheads do I use a 3/4" bit or do you have to go a bit bigger to accomodate getting the bulkhead to go in? I have to drill 10 holes total for my closed loop and it just about makes my knees buckle when I think about it. If you see me advertizing for a 190g plus tank in the next couple of weeks you will know that I messed up bad!

Is your glass shop loaning you their wood hole saw bits or their diamond glass coring bits? Don't even bother if it is the diamond ones. You'll gunk up the diamond ones pretty bad trying to drill acrylic and will probably have to replace the bit afterwards!

Also, a 3/4" bulkhead needs a 1.5" hole I believe, but it is best to double check as there are 2 different sizes for 3/4" bulkheads.

[Ruth]

How do you double check on the bulkheads? I have the bulkheads already so do I just measure it with that? Explain please and thanks. Also I am not real sure on the bit. They are steel bits with what look like steel teeth - I am pretty sure they use them for acrylic but good point and I better check.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Ruth

How do you double check on the bulkheads? I have the bulkheads already so do I just measure it with that? Explain please and thanks. Also I am not real sure on the bit. They are steel bits with what look like steel teeth - I am pretty sure they use them for acrylic but good point and I better check.

buy the bulkheads first and then pick a hole saw that will make a big enuf hole. a 3/4" bulkhead will need a hole bigger than 1". I would guess about 1.25" but get it first and double check.

Steve

[mr_alberta]

Originally Posted by Ruth

How do you double check on the bulkheads? I have the bulkheads already so do I just measure it with that? Explain please and thanks. Also I am not real sure on the bit. They are steel bits with what look like steel teeth - I am pretty sure they use them for acrylic but good point and I better check.

When you buy a bulkhead, take off the nut and there should be a rubber washer/o-ring thing. The inside diameter of that o-ring is the size of hole you need to drill for that bulkhead.