tnk drilling
- Thread starter riverreefer
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Hello. I am new on this board. Let me tell you it is not to hard to drill the glass. I bought a Diamond glass holesaw ($90.00 including next day air).
I just had somebody squirting water on it as I was cutting with my regular hand drill and made 4 1.5 inch holes in a tank that I am building. Hell I even aquired a cheap $15.00 dollar tank like the ones at pet smart and practiced on those first. THe key is High speed and a steady hand. IF the bit start to chatter slow down and hold it firmly in place once it makes a small groove you are good steady light pressure as you get closer to the end apply less pressure so you don't break the plug out. Remember constant cutting lube or water to keep the bit cool. Heat is the killer of all things.:marchmellow:
I just had somebody squirting water on it as I was cutting with my regular hand drill and made 4 1.5 inch holes in a tank that I am building. Hell I even aquired a cheap $15.00 dollar tank like the ones at pet smart and practiced on those first. THe key is High speed and a steady hand. IF the bit start to chatter slow down and hold it firmly in place once it makes a small groove you are good steady light pressure as you get closer to the end apply less pressure so you don't break the plug out. Remember constant cutting lube or water to keep the bit cool. Heat is the killer of all things.:marchmellow:
you can get hole saws for ten bucks on ebay or at harbour frei8ght..
And I would suggest drilling a hole into some wood/plywood and use that as a jig to hold the hole saw in place until you get that groove...
ALSO, verify if your tank is tempered... if it is, give up before you start. It will shatter
btw, I have some holesaws, but have no immediate plans to be in your neck of hte woods.
IF someone wants to pick them up for you so you can try on your own, I would lend themn to you...
btw, I am in Monrovia...
Good luck
Bill
And I would suggest drilling a hole into some wood/plywood and use that as a jig to hold the hole saw in place until you get that groove...
ALSO, verify if your tank is tempered... if it is, give up before you start. It will shatter
btw, I have some holesaws, but have no immediate plans to be in your neck of hte woods.
IF someone wants to pick them up for you so you can try on your own, I would lend themn to you...
btw, I am in Monrovia...
Good luck
Bill
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I've heard of people using rotory tools, like the roto zip, with a diamond bit. Slow and constant cooling is the key regardless of which method you use.
AFIC it's a scary proposition; I've never tried it. My luck I shatter the whole thing and I'm stuck trying to have it fixed... I just don't need the headache... Hence my lack of trying.
AFIC it's a scary proposition; I've never tried it. My luck I shatter the whole thing and I'm stuck trying to have it fixed... I just don't need the headache... Hence my lack of trying.
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Yeah, I've heard that, as well, and it makes a ton of sense (otherwise the bit would be wandering all over the place).
Once you get it started, though, it should be pretty smooth sailing.
I've seen people make "dams" or "bowls" out of plumbers putty; they score the glass using the bit (probably using a "guide" or "jig" (such as the wood block with the hole in it)), cooling it with water as they go (duh), then they roll a "tube" of plumbers putty and put it around the area they wish to drill, creating a little "bowl". Add water, drill, keep adding water, etc...
I really SHOULD try it, I just need to get off my arse... I have some 10's that might be candidates for sacrifice...
Once you get it started, though, it should be pretty smooth sailing.
I've seen people make "dams" or "bowls" out of plumbers putty; they score the glass using the bit (probably using a "guide" or "jig" (such as the wood block with the hole in it)), cooling it with water as they go (duh), then they roll a "tube" of plumbers putty and put it around the area they wish to drill, creating a little "bowl". Add water, drill, keep adding water, etc...
I really SHOULD try it, I just need to get off my arse... I have some 10's that might be candidates for sacrifice...
I used non-toxic kids modeling clay to make a large "Dam" around the hole-to-be.
One Diamond hole saw, cordless drill...patience...Perfect hole. I have now cut about 30.
I would say to go to a glass shop and pick up a piece the same thickness as the tank. Practice. Try and get a large piece. This will let you get the feel of cutting. I broke the first 2 tanks I tried to cut. Thank goodness they were only 10g cheapies from WalMart..$10ea. After I stopped trying to PUSH the drill through the glass...It worked like a charm. I have cut several since...each one a perfect hole.
You can do it...Just take your time. I used the drills off ebay. Worked great.
One Diamond hole saw, cordless drill...patience...Perfect hole. I have now cut about 30.
I would say to go to a glass shop and pick up a piece the same thickness as the tank. Practice. Try and get a large piece. This will let you get the feel of cutting. I broke the first 2 tanks I tried to cut. Thank goodness they were only 10g cheapies from WalMart..$10ea. After I stopped trying to PUSH the drill through the glass...It worked like a charm. I have cut several since...each one a perfect hole.
You can do it...Just take your time. I used the drills off ebay. Worked great.
