Drilling into glass?
- Thread starter dtw14
- Start date
With the right tools its quite easy. I got a dimond hole saw on ebay for about 8$ and did it to a 20 tall tank the other day. Just keep very very little pressure on the bit and go at a slow pace with some water around where you are drilling. For that part cut a solo cup in half and duct tape the upper half to the glass making sure to make a nice seal... then add water and start drilling.
SaltCreep
Non-member
There is a U-Tube video of a guy doing it.....makes it look really easy.
How do you guys with drilled tanks get the surface to skim?
Maybe a internal acrylic box with teeth?
One more thing... The tank that dtw14 is thinking of drilling is an AGA bowfront. I hope they only temper the bottom and not the back !
How do you guys with drilled tanks get the surface to skim?
Maybe a internal acrylic box with teeth?
One more thing... The tank that dtw14 is thinking of drilling is an AGA bowfront. I hope they only temper the bottom and not the back !
necco
noob for life
Here are some good tips
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=603816
I drilled 4 holes about 2 weeks ago, my first time. I followed this guys instruction. The hardest part for me was the actual starting of the hole, I found the bit bouncing and stratching the glass. Once I got all of the bit flush on the glass it was a peice of cake. I should have bought a drill guide but all turned out good and am happy with the holes. Good luck
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=603816
I drilled 4 holes about 2 weeks ago, my first time. I followed this guys instruction. The hardest part for me was the actual starting of the hole, I found the bit bouncing and stratching the glass. Once I got all of the bit flush on the glass it was a peice of cake. I should have bought a drill guide
but all turned out good and am happy with the holes. Good luck
To start a hole if your not using a drill press, take a scrap peice of plywood and cut a hole just slightly larger than the diamond holesaw then clamp it in place and it's a snap to start the hole.
For the water dam, plumer's putty works great, about $ .89 at HD.
It's also good to put masking or duct tape over the inside of the hole to minimize chipping and keep the slug from falling into the tank, as the bit comes through.
Also, for lubricant, I can bring some diamond cutting lube to a meeting for you. Water works, but the lubricant can't hurt. Send me a PM if you'd like some.
jk
For the water dam, plumer's putty works great, about $ .89 at HD.
It's also good to put masking or duct tape over the inside of the hole to minimize chipping and keep the slug from falling into the tank, as the bit comes through.
Also, for lubricant, I can bring some diamond cutting lube to a meeting for you. Water works, but the lubricant can't hurt. Send me a PM if you'd like some.
jk
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ReeferMedic
Non-member
What he said. I'll just add that you should put a folded up towel under where you are drilling to catch the slug in case the tape fails. Don't ask me how I know that.
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RichConley
Attack of the Killer Cute
Honestly, its really easy. Unless someone is willing to do it for you, and take all responsibility if they break the tank(which almost no one does) you're not gaining anything by having someone do it.
On bigger tanks with thicker glass, you really have to screw up to cause problems. Tiny tanks like 10g are really tricky though.
