Getting an acrylic tank drilled

Ruth · #1 07-09-2005, 03:51 AM

I am slowly moving forward on my new 190g tank and will have to get it drilled for a closed loop. I asked at Aquarium Illusions in Edmonton but they only do glass. Does anyone know of someone that can do this either in the Peace River area or even Edmonton or points in between?

Willow · #2 07-09-2005, 05:57 AM

acrylic is super easy to drill yourself, just get a drill and a decent bit and you can do it yourself.

Tom R · #3 07-09-2005, 01:56 PM

Ruth

Drilling acrylic can be done with a good wood bit available at your local building center.

Tom R

Zerandise · #4 07-09-2005, 03:12 PM

yes it can. I drilled my 140 myself. Just get the right sized wood bit for your bulkhead.

Ruth · #5 07-09-2005, 03:36 PM

Oh Man I am pretty useless when it comes to things like this but up for trying. So you mean I just buy or borrow a wood drill and get a good bit for it. I think I have a Makita drill out in the shed so what kind of bit is a good one?

Johnny Reefer · #6 07-09-2005, 03:36 PM

Hope I'm not being technical here, but...don't you guys mean a hole saw?

Cheers,

Tangman · #7 07-09-2005, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

Hope I'm not being technical here, but...don't you guys mean a hole saw?

Cheers,

YES, Ruth , please don't just use a normal drill bit, get a HOLE SAW .
They can be bought at Revy for about $20.00

Ruth · #8 07-09-2005, 04:16 PM

OK Thanks. I told you I was pretty bad at this kind of thing! I'm still hoping there might be someone up here that will leap forward and offer to help.

Johnny Reefer · #9 07-09-2005, 04:48 PM

There pretty simple to use. They are a combined unit that has a drill bit along with a cylindrical saw blade. The drill bit drills a small hole first and the hole saw then follows, with the drill bit still employed and acting as a guide. You use a regular power drill for it. Probably would need a 1/2" chuck and corded. Cordless likely would be too weak. Just be sure to be hanging on to it firmly when the saw blade bites. You could likely rent one and they could even explain to you how it works. I rented two hole saw bits and a 1/2" drill last month for a 1/2 day for about $15. There must be a tool rental place in FSJ, yes?

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

bear27 · #10 07-09-2005, 05:55 PM

The inportant thing when doing this is to go slow, and I cant emphisize this enouf! If you go to fast you will create to much heat and this stresses the acrylic which will lead to crazeing. the best method is to just let the saw/drill cut under its own weight,andIf it starts getting to warmjust stop for 10 min then go back. The next thing is to keep the drill level. If you follow these tips you should have no problems