Anybody drill their own glass tank?

[runway1]

I know acrylic is very easy but as for glass, has anybody drilled their own glass tank? Techniques, links? TIA.

 

[pearsont74]

i havent but knowing glass and having drilling acrylic...i wouldnt attemp it without the propertools....
they dont drill glass...they cut it....scor it...drilling it will crack it in a heartbeat

my suggestion is to call around to see if a local glass cutter can give you info on this

 

[runway1]

Yes, I understand that it will essentially grind a circle through. Just wondering if anybody has done this successfully. What brand cutter was used, approx. feed rate, etc.

 

[David03]

Runway,
I bought a skimmer from this company and they have a lot of stuff on custom work.

Here is one on the bits they sell:
http://www.wetdryfilter.com/drilling_holes.htm

Somewhere, I think they have a DIY section that discusses the process for doing it.

Especially be careful on the underside, because that glass is tempered...

Best of luck,
David

 

[Brenden]

I have messed with drilling scrap pieces before and in the end I took it to a shop that did it. Save yourself the headache and possibly replacing part of your tank.

 

[runway1]

Thanks, David. I found the same site just after posting the question. Yeah, considering I need at least two different sizes, I'll likely just order up my bulkhead holes pre cut.

 

[bound_for_obx]

Runway, here is a link for drilling tanks...
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=445481
hope it helps

 

[gooyferret]

Especially be careful on the underside, because that glass is tempered...

You can drill tempered glass but i would not recommend doing it at all unless its done at the manufacture before the glass is heated for strength... That guy on that site only charges $30 for a hole thats not bad at all.

 

[mentallylost]

I tried to drill a 10 gallon tank yesterday using the Dremel method. It broke. I'll try again in a week or so.

 

[Brodie]

I've drilled 1/2 in. holes before. Go very, very slow and keep it moist. I was drilling the bottom of a tank for a refugium, and just kept a 1/4 in. of water in it while I was drilling. I've heard oil works well too.