Drilling acrylic, things to watch out for?

[dmolavi]

First, is it something that can be done with a standard corded/cordless drill (ie, actually cut through it vs mush it around, melt it, or worse, crack it, etc)?

If yes, does anyone have any tips?

 

[ezy33]

Any drill will work but slower is better. When drilling acrylic with a regular drill bit is it tends to grab as the bit breaks the inside surface. A piece of wood clamped to the inside will stop this or going very slow as it breaks through. I have found starting with a small pilot hole helps. Bigger holes you could use a hole saw for best results keep it level. Good luck!

 

[Brookster123]

I would treat it the same way as drilling a thin veneer door. Once your hole saw is halfway through and pilot bit all the way through, drill from other side back towards as to not splinter out. Know what I mean? Slow speed for sure and maybe even Use a lubricant as to not melt/re-fuse drilling..

 

[IShallNtEatFish]

Make sure it is a new drill bit or hole saw. An older worn down one will not work as well.

 

[dmolavi]

I'll have the builder do it...they charge an extra $50 for it, but I'd rather they goof it up (and rebuild the tank) than me

 

[Brookster123]

I'll have the builder do it...they charge an extra $50 for it, but I'd rather they goof it up (and rebuild the tank) than me

sounds like the safest avenue..

 

[mbrew345]

I used a cordless drill, glass of water, carbide glass drilling bit and a lot of time to drill mine. On thing I found was drill till the tip makes it thru and then drill from the other side.