Drilling Thick Acrylic

[Feet4Fish]

Is it any more difficult to drill 1" thick acrylic compared to 1/2"? Any difference in technique?

 

[TbyZ]

Is it any more difficult to drill 1" thick acrylic compared to 1/2"? Any difference in technique?

You may need a longer drill bit ;)

 

[MaddyP]

Well, if you want a technical answer...yes. Because the teeth on these hole saws are only so long, you'll end up with some chip build up and excess heat if you don't peck. Meaning, you'll need to pull the hole saw out of the cut to clear chips as these won't have anywhere to go otherwise. Some kind of coolant wouldn't hurt to keep the heat down.

 

[Feet4Fish]

Well, if you want a technical answer...yes. Because the teeth on these hole saws are only so long, you'll end up with some chip build up and excess heat if you don't peck. Meaning, you'll need to pull the hole saw out of the cut to clear chips as these won't have anywhere to go otherwise. Some kind of coolant wouldn't hurt to keep the heat down.

Thanks for information. Will run water like I have for glass and will make sure to clear the way repeatedly!

 

[TbyZ]

Thanks for information. Will run water like I have for glass and will make sure to clear the way repeatedly!

I'd do a test run with that, if using a holesaw. I have found using various liquids to lube & cool has resulted in a finish not as good as when using no liquid.
If using a holesaw? on a piece that thick, the problem can be removing the 'core' from the holecutter. After cutting put the holecutter in ice water & the core will be easier to remove.

 

[Feet4Fish]

I'd do a test run with that, if using a holesaw. I have found using various liquids to lube & cool has resulted in a finish not as good as when using no liquid.
If using a holesaw? on a piece that thick, the problem can be removing the 'core' from the holecutter. After cutting put the holecutter in ice water & the core will be easier to remove.

Will do. I am using a hole saw for 1" bulkheads to set up a closed loop. It's a 650 gallon tank so don't really want to rely on power heads alone.

 

[TbyZ]

Will do. I am using a hole saw for 1" bulkheads to set up a closed loop. It's a 650 gallon tank so don't really want to rely on power heads alone.

Good luck