Can I borrow a diamond bit for 1" bulkhead hole?

[NateHanson]

James Keary and I are looking to borrow/rent/buy someone's diamond hole saw drill bit. We need the size that's right for a 1" bulkhead.

Thanks, Nate

[NateHanson]

anyone have one of these around?

Anyone remember where you can order these on line?

[ReeferMedic]

Wish I had one for you. My fuge is acrylic which makes it alot easier.......

[nitrofish]

I sure could use one also. I know ray said he does drilling, but I can't toss out $25 per hole this week

[NateHanson]

Yeah, I hear that.

I thought a bunch of people group-ordered these last time. Anyone?

Maybe someone can remember where they've ordered these from in the past. The three of us could go in on a new one.

Nate

[nitrofish]

I did a web search, they are around $60. id pitch in 1/3 of the cost and who knows, maybe it could be the in the boston reefer tool kit for loan.

[nitrofish]

http://www.northcoastmarines.com/bulkhead_fittings.htm

[Liam]

Ameriglas is cheaper than north coast marines,about $42 for a 1 3/4 hole which is the normal size for a 1 inch bulkhead(savko),i have ordered a kit which includes a 1 5/8 bit which may do for a 1 inch,i will try and let you know,you can gladly borrow if it works,if it is too small for the savko bulkead,us plastics has a 1 inch which req a 1 5/8 hole.I will try a savko bulkhead though and LYK.

[NateHanson]

Yeah, I just found the Ameriglass bit on the ReefCentral site. Nice price. :)

Let us know what you find on size, and whether you want to sell it when you're done, or loan it out or something. (either that or maybe we'll buy a NorthShore BRS bulkhead bit. :))

[RichConley]

If anyone wants to cheap it out, I've got dremel glass cutting bits. You could do it that way, its a LOT more DIY than using a hole saw thoug.

[seasno]

Just a heads up.....If you go with the less expensive Ameriglass bit you have to keep a closer eye on the drill RPM's.....too much speed will burn the bit up.

[NateHanson]

Thanks for the tip. Anyone have an idea how many holes the ameriglass bits are good for?

[dedfish]

From Ameriglas's website on bit life:

For example: On standard 1/8" glass, an electroplated diamond bit may last for 200 to 300 holes, or even 400 or more, depending upon the specific glass and specific drilling techniques used. Drilling in 1/4" glass, being twice as thick, will normally produce only half as many holes over a drill bit's life, if the glass hardness and drilling techniques are the same.

[Groove]

I have one I'll loan. I don't want to just pass it around though and not get it back for a month. If you are ready to use it, I can bring it to the meeting.

Hint hint
I like zoas and am looking for some LPS frags. :)

[nitrofish]

do you have other sizes? I know I need two 1" holes (1" bulkhead=1 3/4?) and I was looking for something for a 3/4 maybe 1/2" bulkhead. I got some zoo's for trade and ill bring the tanks. (10 gallon and 20 gallon)

do you think the 10 gallon is drillable, im gona take a chance, 10 gallon tanks are cheap, but I really hope it works.

[Groove]

I only have a 1 3/4". Maybe Nate would be willing to do the drilling for you. I know he has a few tools. :D

I have not used the bit yet and could only guess what it can and can't drill. Sorry

[ScottM]

From Ameriglas's website on bit life:

For example: On standard 1/8" glass, an electroplated diamond bit may last for 200 to 300 holes, or even 400 or more, depending upon the specific glass and specific drilling techniques used. Drilling in 1/4" glass, being twice as thick, will normally produce only half as many holes over a drill bit's life, if the glass hardness and drilling techniques are the same.

I?ll chime in,
Bit life depends on how fast you drill and what kind of fluid you use for lubricant/cooling.
I completely disagree with ameriglass's claim. There is NO WAY you can get that kind of hole count with aquarium glass. Especially if you expect it to hold water. A first time driller will be lucky to get a clean hole after a few passes thru a Med. Size tank. The bit will still drill thru glass but expect to get chips that become bigger and bigger in size as your hole count goes up. The thicker the glass the quicker the bit wears out. I know 2 people who recently drilled their own tank and the chips were larger than the bulkhead??
As for a 10g. I wouldn't recommend drilling it with an ameriglass bit. Unless you have a few 10g's to spare. It?s the only tank I have broken because the glass is so thin.

[dedfish]

I was just reporting what they claimed. Personally, I'd guess it's possible to get 50-75 holes from a bit as long as it's not abused.

Is a ten gallon thinner than a 20L?

[ScottM]

I was just reporting what they claimed. Personally, I'd guess it's possible to get 50-75 holes from a bit as long as it's not abused.

Is a ten gallon thinner than a 20L?\

i have drilled 20g with success 10g without.

[NateHanson]

What lubricant do you recommend Scott?

[nitrofish]

damn, im going to try it anyhow, if it breaks, then ill go to plan b.

how far from the top can you drill?

ill try 2 holes for now, one in my 20, one in my 10.if that doesent work ill start looking into getting a 20 x tall , same footprint as a 10 gallon. probley has thicker glass. last case is getting a custom order extra thick tank made from glasscages.com , pre-drilled

[NateHanson]

Maybe Nate would be willing to do the drilling for you.

James and I might have a tank drilling party here next weekend.

[nitrofish]

so when is this happening? this weekend after the meeting?

[NateHanson]

nope. probably the following weekend. Not really sure yet.

[Liam]

What lubricant do you recommend Scott?
KY :D

[seasno]

I purchased my bits from http://www.jehmco.com/PRODUCTS_/HARDWARE_/Glass_Drills___Bulkhead_Fittin/glass_drills___bulkhead_fittin.html , the bits are more expensive but are a higher grade bit and will allow speeds up to 1500 RPM without burning up the bit. Jehmco's web site says 20 to 40 holes per bit (depending on glass thickness) if lubrication and speed is correct. As far as lubricants go....water works fine...the purpose is to flush away the debris more than to lubricate the bit like with drilling steel. With glass....the more water the better. My experience with drilling has included 15, 20, 40, and 72 gal tanks without any breaks. I haven't tried a 10 gal yet so I can't speak to those.

HTH,
Craig

[ScottM]

alot has to do with the way the diamonds are aligned or not aligned on the bit.
you really get what you pay for. Craigs link is they way to go for a quality bit for a clean hole.

[nitrofish]

I got lucky, I used a dremel bit and cut 3 holes in my 10 gallon aquarium, and I won a used already drilled 20 long at the auction, so I won't need my tanks drilled after all.