Drilling glass question

[FortReef]

Making a glass overflow box for the back of my 65d tank. First time drilling glass so I’m drilling a few practice holes. I know there’s gunna be a few chips but these are my test holes

Is this too rough ? It only holds 1 gallon of water so I’m not too worried about pressure.

Any tips or tricks from the pros?

 

[Ultra Aquatics]

I would try to get it a little cleaner if possible but honestly it looks fine IMO. The flange and gasket will cover all that anyway.

 

[John Neuzil]

Don't press so hard.

 

[Baby Ray]

Also maybe give a little more space between the hole and the edge of the glass

 

[FortReef]

Also maybe give a little more space between the hole and the edge of the glass

Yeah this is just a test piece

 

[Ratherbeflyen]

It looks to me like the glass is blowing out just as the diamond bit is breaking through. Use a sacrificial backer of wood etc that will keep the bit from pushing out the last little bit of glass.

My holes got a lot cleaner when I used spring clamps to hold something on the back.

 

[FortReef]

It looks to me like the glass is blowing out just as the diamond bit is breaking through. Use a sacrificial backer of wood etc that will keep the bit from pushing out the last little bit of glass.

My holes got a lot cleaner when I used spring clamps to hold something on the back.

Awesome. Thanks for the tip. I will try it out after work. That looks great btw

 

[Shorething]

Apply a piece of painter's tape on both sides of the hole. When about to break thru apply a very light pressure

 

[Mkart]

this is how I have prevented it in the past

It looks to me like the glass is blowing out just as the diamond bit is breaking through. Use a sacrificial backer of wood etc that will keep the bit from pushing out the last little bit of glass.

My holes got a lot cleaner when I used spring clamps to hold something on the back.

 

[Crustaceon]

A little less pressure is needed as you finish the cut. You want to start supporting the drill a little bit & slow down as you get to the end. Let the bit lightly scratch its way through. Be super paranoid about speed and pressure when you get 3/4 of the way through a cut and you’ll get cleaner results. Overall though, not bad. Practice makes perfect.

 

[FortReef]

Getting better Thanks for the tips everyone

 

[rfgonzo]

That looks much better. You can Duct tape a wood block to the backside to stop blowout. Also a good diamond bit helps and make sure you have water running over you cut.

 

[Jaebster]

That looks much better. You can Duct tape a wood block to the backside to stop blowout. Also a good diamond bit helps and make sure you have water running over you cut.

Some people use plumbers putty and make a pond of water around the drill area.