milesmiles902 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Hello everyone! I have some aquariums that I want to drill for overflows and link together. I have never drilled an aquarium and I know that there is a chance of the glass cracking. So, I am looking for a reef calculator for the thickness of glass needed for the size overflow hole. I imagine there are specific rules for the thickness of glass that can be drilled and what the size hole should be. Just can't find it. With calipers, glass thickness is: 0.225 inches = ~1/4 inch 0.145 inches = ~1/7 inch I have checked for tempering of the glass with a polarizing filter, and very few are tempered. Any other tips people have? I want to figure this out before I order a circular bit for drilling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVPaquatics Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 You can cut any size whole in any thickness of glass really with the right tools. I don't think there is much of a correlation. Sharp/new bit. I have drilled 1/8 inch to 3 inch holes in glass that is 1/8 inch thick to glass that is 1 inch thick. Sharp/new bit is best. I like high speed. Thinner the glass the lighter the pressure. Very light pressure in the beginning of the cut and end. I like a foam or wood template the size of the bit to use as a guide to prevent walking of the bit. I use a spray bottle of water for cooling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVPaquatics Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 (edited) Double post Edited February 26, 2016 by MVPaquatics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesmiles902 Posted February 26, 2016 Author Share Posted February 26, 2016 Huh. Didn't know that. I did read that thinner glass is easier to cut when the RPM's are high, compared to thicker glass. If that is the case, I guess I'll order a 1 1/8" bit and a 1 3/4" bit for both the overflow and return. Any other opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Yeah just base your hole size on the flow rate desired. New bits cut a lot faster than worn ones. Also, the quality of the bits vary but I found that a cheap bit is good for about 4 holes before it's taking forever to cut. My advice is to do it outside and leave the hose running on it while cutting for cooling. If you can make a drill guide or buy one it's nice for the first timer. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimusprime3605 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 I agree with Blue, drill outside with a water hose dribbling over the bit to keep it cool. Make a template to start your hole. After about 30 secs. you can remove the template. Easy peazy actually, for the first timer. I just finished making 2 frag tanks, 48"x24"x12", with 1/4" mirrored glass my father-in-law had in the garage. You can do it, just be safe! Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimusprime3605 Posted February 26, 2016 Share Posted February 26, 2016 Another tip that worked for me... Let the weight of the drill do all the work. Keep it upright and level as possible. If needed, apply minimal pressure. Hope that helps. Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesmiles902 Posted February 27, 2016 Author Share Posted February 27, 2016 Alright. Thanks for the help everyone! I am going to make this happen and it seems easier than I made it out to be. Appreciate all the advice and wish me luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spectra Posted February 28, 2016 Share Posted February 28, 2016 Just like stated above make a jig and keep a hose running on it is the easiest way I have found. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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