Hole Drills
- Thread starter smiles
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Slickdonkey
Drink me
Eeeek, if it was me I'd have a pro do it. Sorry I can't help you find a drill, but if you do it yourself make sure the glass being drilled isn't tempered.
alison
*Alison*
It probably wouldn't cost too much to have it drilled by a pro. (Certainly not more than ruining your tank.) Drilling tempered glass is a big no no, too.
liveforphysics
Banned
Get some polarized glasses at wally-world (damn, I hate that store). I think they keep them in the fishing section, and its only like $2-3.
Look at your glass from different angles. If you see funny waves, its tempered, if you want examples of each, your house windows wont be tempered, and your car side windows and shower glass door (if applicable) will be.
Tempered glass is just flat impossible to drill. I put a hole in it with hydrofloric acid just to show this guy claiming its impossible that its not quite impossible, but trust me, if its tempered, just over over the side.
Otherwise, a diamond hole saw and a steady stream of water works well. High speed drill required, and have somebody holding a hose on that sucker the whole time, and it drills fairly easy and cleanly.
Look at your glass from different angles. If you see funny waves, its tempered, if you want examples of each, your house windows wont be tempered, and your car side windows and shower glass door (if applicable) will be.
Tempered glass is just flat impossible to drill. I put a hole in it with hydrofloric acid just to show this guy claiming its impossible that its not quite impossible, but trust me, if its tempered, just over over the side.
Otherwise, a diamond hole saw and a steady stream of water works well. High speed drill required, and have somebody holding a hose on that sucker the whole time, and it drills fairly easy and cleanly.
Reefdaddy1
Reef Geek Jedi
Smiles go to ebay, They Diamond encrusted Hole saws there, for real reasonable. If you buy them here in Michigan your gonna pay a pretty penny for them, When you get them come back here and we can guide you on how to do it.
Bob
Bob
Just have to argue with one thing physics said....and I've drilled lots of holes.
Low speed, not high speed. You are grinding not drilling. You want the bit to just go fast enough so you can feel that bite. The easiest way to crack the glass is with heat, high speed adds excess heat and does not at all speed up the process. If the area is flat you can make a ring from plumbers putty and fill it with water and drill in the puddle. If the area is vertical you'll need a steady stream.
With a diamond hole saw, slow speed, and untempered glass it almost fool proof. Very easy. Extra tip. Always try to drill from the side that the bulkhead gasket will go. If you not careful and apply to much pressure you could have chipout on the opposite side when you punch through. This chip could prevent the gasket from sealing and you'll have a leak.
Mike
Low speed, not high speed. You are grinding not drilling. You want the bit to just go fast enough so you can feel that bite. The easiest way to crack the glass is with heat, high speed adds excess heat and does not at all speed up the process. If the area is flat you can make a ring from plumbers putty and fill it with water and drill in the puddle. If the area is vertical you'll need a steady stream.
With a diamond hole saw, slow speed, and untempered glass it almost fool proof. Very easy. Extra tip. Always try to drill from the side that the bulkhead gasket will go. If you not careful and apply to much pressure you could have chipout on the opposite side when you punch through. This chip could prevent the gasket from sealing and you'll have a leak.
Mike
snobanker
Well-known member
I've done it with a ceramic tile/glass bit and a small router (roto-zip) I just drew out the circle and cut it out...worked great and easy.....not tempered of course 
Willy
Well-known member
Order your bits here http://stores.ebay.com/Treasure-HK-Ltd
they are from hong kong, and they will arrive at your house in less than a week. I purchased the bits I used on my tank from him as well. As far as having a "pro" do it, IME they wont guarantee it at all, so why not do it yourself. Yes, go slow and keep it cooled with water. Either build a damn around the cutting area, or take it outside and use the hose to have water running over it continuously. Also make some sort of guide for the bit. If you dont the bit will "walk" all over the glass. Another thing I thought about after I drilled mine was clamping a piece of wood or glass on the underside of the hole to try to help minimize splinttering.
About midway down this page is some good info on drilling glass http://www.northcoastmarines.com/bulkhead_fittings.htm.
HTH
P.S. if you drill the tank inside, turn the A/c Way down YOU WILL sweat drilling glass LOL
they are from hong kong, and they will arrive at your house in less than a week. I purchased the bits I used on my tank from him as well. As far as having a "pro" do it, IME they wont guarantee it at all, so why not do it yourself. Yes, go slow and keep it cooled with water. Either build a damn around the cutting area, or take it outside and use the hose to have water running over it continuously. Also make some sort of guide for the bit. If you dont the bit will "walk" all over the glass. Another thing I thought about after I drilled mine was clamping a piece of wood or glass on the underside of the hole to try to help minimize splinttering.
About midway down this page is some good info on drilling glass http://www.northcoastmarines.com/bulkhead_fittings.htm.
HTH
P.S. if you drill the tank inside, turn the A/c Way down YOU WILL sweat drilling glass LOL
