how to cut a hole in acrylic

B33FST3W · 08/16/2006, 09:51 AM

I want to install a bulkhead in my eclipse 12 and in order to do so I need to drill a hole in it, and I just wanted to know what is the best way to make that hole?

Thanks,

Stew

HippieSmell · 08/16/2006, 10:00 AM

I used a hole saw for wood. Just don't push too hard and be aware that the acrylic can melt, then solidify and get the hole saw stuck. And I mean STUCK. So if you feel the bit bogging down, pull it out fast and let it sit for a minute. The eclipse 12 is pretty thin acrylic though, so it shouldn't be a problem. It's really easy, don't worry.

eclecticvibe · 08/16/2006, 10:00 AM

Use a hole saw on the end of a drill. Go slowly until the teeth are in the acrylic. Once you get into the acrylic, keep pushing and don't stop.

HippieSmell · 08/16/2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by eclecticvibe
Use a hole saw on the end of a drill. Go slowly until the teeth are in the acrylic. Once you get into the acrylic, keep pushing and don't stop.

Unless you have a cheap drill like me that doesn't have a ton of power. You can get the bit stuck if you keep pushing, trust me. Maybe I was drilling too fast.

B33FST3W · 08/16/2006, 10:16 AM

so a hole saw for wood is what I need?

thanks for the fast replys

tedu · 08/16/2006, 10:49 AM

Yep, hole saw designed for wood works fine for acrylic. As previous posts have indicated, go slow and make sure it doesn't 'grab' which could crack acrylic if it's thin.

Volcano1 · 08/16/2006, 04:03 PM

I found a thread some where on RC that suggested using the hole saw, going slowly and using a spay botle to help cool the bit. I used this method to drill through 1/4" sump and it worked great. Be careful with the inital gripping of the hole saw after the pilot bit goes through. Keep spaying the bit with water. Go slow and don't over heat the bit. You will have a pile of frine mush when you are done for clean up. Drilled about 3 11/2" holes and it worked fine.

manderx · 08/17/2006, 11:24 AM

if you have one, a router is by far the best way. drill a hole with a hole-saw in a piece of wood, then use that as a template with a router. unbelievably easy and makes perfect holes every time with no melting or risk of cracking.

rickyb · 08/17/2006, 11:38 AM

I seen holes made by a hole saw for wood, keeping the bit cool by driping water to it, stoping anytime the bit got hot.
Take your time and you will be fine, ask someone to help you to keep the bit cool while you drill the hole.

08/16/2006, 09:51 AM	#1
B33FST3W Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 173	how to cut a hole in acrylic I want to install a bulkhead in my eclipse 12 and in order to do so I need to drill a hole in it, and I just wanted to know what is the best way to make that hole? Thanks, Stew

08/16/2006, 10:00 AM	#2
HippieSmell Occupy Reef Central Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Orbiting Posts: 4,141	I used a hole saw for wood. Just don't push too hard and be aware that the acrylic can melt, then solidify and get the hole saw stuck. And I mean STUCK. So if you feel the bit bogging down, pull it out fast and let it sit for a minute. The eclipse 12 is pretty thin acrylic though, so it shouldn't be a problem. It's really easy, don't worry. __________________ Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like bananas. Current Tank Info: 78"x36"x27" acrylic, 6 Orphek Atlantik V3+ Compacts, MRC Orca Pro II w/washdown, CalcFeeder Pro AC3, Emperor Aquatics 80w UV, 80/20 aluminum stand, Vortech MP60's, Theiling Rollermat, GHL Profilux 3.1T EX, Kessil H380

08/16/2006, 10:00 AM	#3
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	Use a hole saw on the end of a drill. Go slowly until the teeth are in the acrylic. Once you get into the acrylic, keep pushing and don't stop. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.

08/16/2006, 04:03 PM	#7
Volcano1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: North Central Illinois. Posts: 1,233	I found a thread some where on RC that suggested using the hole saw, going slowly and using a spay botle to help cool the bit. I used this method to drill through 1/4" sump and it worked great. Be careful with the inital gripping of the hole saw after the pilot bit goes through. Keep spaying the bit with water. Go slow and don't over heat the bit. You will have a pile of frine mush when you are done for clean up. Drilled about 3 11/2" holes and it worked fine. __________________ . Current Tank Info: 420,96x36x28,100 sump,100 Cheato fuge,4 luminarc large x 400 se Radium 20k , wavebox x 3, 3 - 6105, 1- 6200, Volcano 1864, , Aquatronica Touch controller, Turbo Aquatics L8 Gen 4 ATS

08/17/2006, 11:38 AM	#9
rickyb Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Coppell, TX Posts: 1,683	I seen holes made by a hole saw for wood, keeping the bit cool by driping water to it, stoping anytime the bit got hot. Take your time and you will be fine, ask someone to help you to keep the bit cool while you drill the hole. __________________ Reefaholic #9999889888777444899111558 Current Tank Info: 240G Custom Planet Aquariums

08/16/2006, 10:16 AM	#5
B33FST3W Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 173	so a hole saw for wood is what I need? thanks for the fast replys

08/16/2006, 10:49 AM	#6
tedu Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Dunwoody, GA USA Posts: 262	Yep, hole saw designed for wood works fine for acrylic. As previous posts have indicated, go slow and make sure it doesn't 'grab' which could crack acrylic if it's thin.

08/17/2006, 11:24 AM	#8
manderx Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Christiansburg, VA Posts: 4,893	if you have one, a router is by far the best way. drill a hole with a hole-saw in a piece of wood, then use that as a template with a router. unbelievably easy and makes perfect holes every time with no melting or risk of cracking.