Drilling acrylic???
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Help
Forum Name: General Help
Forum Description: The place to ask about pest, problems, hitchhikers, etc.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=81038
Printed Date: March 05 2026 at 11:31pm
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Topic: Drilling acrylic???
Posted By: ElwoodUT
Subject: Drilling acrylic???
Date Posted: October 03 2016 at 3:21pm
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Soooo close to being done with my tank build but I need to drill a 2.75" and 1.75" hole in my acrylic refugium. Do I need to use a diamond edge hole saw or can I just use a standard hole saw? Does anyone know what a LFS usually charges to drill these if I'd rather take that route? ------------- I have not failed....I have just found 1000 ways that don't work. 210 Gallon Dual Overflow Life Reef LF1-200S Sump 40 Gal Refugium |
Replies:
Posted By: Krazie4Acans
Date Posted: October 03 2016 at 3:31pm
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You do not have to use a diamond hole saw on plexi but it will give you a bit smoother cut. It's a bit easier to get the hole started with the standard hole saw with the center drill but it can also wander if the center hole gets enlarged during the drilling. If you use the diamond saws make sure you use water as the plexi will heat up and gum up the bit and you'll have to stop and wait for it to cool before you can continue. I have seen posts from some LFS in the past that will drill but I can't remember which ones off the top of my shiny melon. ------------- My ocean. 90g (yup, won it!), 40g, 28g, & 10g Systems PADI Advanced Open Water http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=63568&title=krazies-nano-paradise" rel="nofollow - Tank Thread: |
Posted By: MadReefer
Date Posted: October 03 2016 at 6:41pm
| More teeth will make the cut easier and smoother. I've seen it jerk and crack a little when using a very rough hole saw. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: October 03 2016 at 7:12pm
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Go slow and take breaks so the plastic doesn't melt/deform around the cut. In the absence of a hole saw, I have drilled 1/4" holes in a circle and cut between the holes using wire cutters or hacksaw blade and then file down the protrusions. Aloha, Mark  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: ElwoodUT
Date Posted: October 04 2016 at 11:49am
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Thanks for all input everyone! I'll start searching for a hole saw with as many teeth as possible. I'll drill slow and take breaks, if it keeps getting hot I'll take it outside and put some water to it. ------------- I have not failed....I have just found 1000 ways that don't work. 210 Gallon Dual Overflow Life Reef LF1-200S Sump 40 Gal Refugium |