Drilling a small hole in acrylic?

[blide]

Hey guys, I have a small acrylic tank and need to drill a small hole for a float valve. Can I use a normal drill set bit to accomplish this task?

Thanks

 

[Jeff]

You could use almost any bit. The thing you need to watch for is wandering. If the bit has a sharp point, it'll stay where you want it. If not, I'd drill a piece of wood then put it over where you want the hole and clamp it down. Use the wood as a guide to hold the bit steady when it drills the acrylic.

 

[chrisT]

If your using normal spiral bits drill in reverse. Sharp spiral bits tend to grab if they are spinning in the forward direction and if your going too fast can crack the acrylic. I used a paddle bit to drill the hole for my kent float valve. Whatever way you decide to drill go slow other wise you end up melting your way through. :lol:

 

[debdp]

I used my dremel.

 

[blide]

I picked up the neighbors dremel, so what bit do I need? Plus I need to saw on the overflow some. Can I use some kind of blade on the dremel to do that?

 

[debdp]

I use these two for small acrylic work.

 

[blide]

@chrisT wrote:

Any tips on using the paddle bit?

 

[Jeff]

Start slow, the point will eat right into the acrylic. When the paddle part engages, don't push on the drill at all and let the bit do the work.