Driling glass

[David]

I have had success with Lenox "grit master' hole saws, lots of water and silicon carbide grit. The problem is the bits wear out after two or three holes. Anybody got a better idea?

[icemark]

I normally use a cheap tile hole saw from home depot. They last about 5 to 10 drills worth (depending on glass thickness), but at only $8 they are cheap enough to throw away.

Lots of water for cooling (hose running right on the bit and glass) and no pressure on the bit other than the weight of the drill. The more you press, the more likely to bust a panel, and wear the bit out.

[David]

Dang, I was at HD this morning. Will try the tile hole saw, thanks.

[MarkS]

Read this thread: http://www.reefland.com/cgi-bin/foru...&threadid=2247

It will give you some helpful info.

Mark

[David]

Thanks for the tips and the thread. Yup, that's exactly how I've been doing it, was just looking for a better (or cheaper) bit. Will try the HD bit next time. It really is satisfying, isn't it?

[organicreefer]

hey david, i just wanted to point out that i dont think anyone(out of us) has drilled bigger than a thirty gallon with that tile bit.not sure if it makes a difference ,but i suspect it does.

[BLUESMAN]

I drilled(with sucess) two 2" holes in my 90g.It just took half an hour to do one hole.

[organicreefer]

bluesman,
with the hd tile bit?

[BLUESMAN]

Yes,I'm sorry I did not say itbut yes with the 2" tile saw bit at HD.My 80(90)g tank went very well as did my 29g.However my two 55's shattered...it seems that all the glass on the 55's were tempered.They were "perfecto's" brand so I would drill another of that brand.My 80g is an All Glass tank(just the bottom is tempered).Good luck and go slow.P.S. I also use black abs for my rock stands...over a year now with no problems.In fact I am getting ready to try skimmerless and see how it goes.It is a reef tank!Later the Bluesman!

[organicreefer]

thanks bluesman,good stuff to know;)