Drilled

[mrukus]

I have a new tank coming in and I wanted to practice drilling on my scap 75. It chipped a very little bit on the inside when the core came out. Will it stillbe watertight? My next thought is to tape the inside so the core won't just fall out. Or should I drill it from the inode out so there is a perfect mating surface?

I totally forgot what the site was that hosted images. I would like to post them up to get your opinion.

 

[mrukus]

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[stunreefer]

It chipped a very little bit on the inside when the core came out. Will it stillbe watertight?

Little chips can be normal. If the bulkhead gasket can still have a flat area all around (less a tiny chipped area) you'll be fine.

My next thought is to tape the inside so the core won't just fall out. Or should I drill it from the inode out so there is a perfect mating surface?

To prevent chipping take a piece of wood and clamp it to the inside of the tank. This will not let the glass hole break away as you get close. Generally with this method you can avoid chipping completely.

 

[mrukus]

Welp that didn't work. How about this

 

[mrukus]

 

[mrukus]

 

[stunreefer]

Looks pretty normal for not having wood behind. Place the gasket over the hole and if it still looks to have a good seal you're fine :)

 

[Fin]

That's really not bad. One thing I usually do (if I have good access) is to start my hole on whatever side of the tank that my gasket will go on. If the gasket will go on the inside of the tank, then that is where I start my hole. Doesn't matter if you have small chips on the side where the nut goes. But, the hole you have there is not bad. A drill stand (like a drill press) the wood on the opposite side and light, even pressure on the drill will help some, but you won't get a perfectly cut hole (without some chipping) very often.

 

[mrukus]

Thanks for the tips. I feel pretty confident now to do it on the new one. I'll probably start drilling from the inside of that one to help minimize the chipping where the gasket will be.

 

[Fin]

Is that a new bit that you have? Remember, most inexpensive glass drill bits wear quickly and are really only meant to be optimal for a few holes. I like to use a brand new one for drilling my tanks. Good luck with your project.

 

[mrukus]

Yup. I bought 2 bits for 3 possibly 4 holes and then I'll be done for a pretty long time.