So I almost finished drilling 3 holes in my new display tank. Suddenly the drill bit caught on something and there is now nice spider webbing. Well, time to get another tank and do it again.
NOOOOO! Gonna have to try again =/
- Thread starter TerraCaelus
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thehammer1985
Well-Known Member
dang sorry that happened. Was it towards the end of your drilling?
OP
OP
Yes, towards the end. I think I know what went wrong. Since I was doing it on the grass it was rocking a little. I was trying to be water conscious because of the drought, but I'm going to do the next one on my flat patio. Luckly they are on sale right now for $40, so I didn't lose much.
sonnus
Active Member
Bummer about the tank. Most glass glaziers drill from both sides to help minimize chips and cracks. You drill half way through one side then the other half from the other side. It really is not necessary but you definitely minimize chips and cracks.
Also, a cordless drill is helpful. The reduced torque (compared to AC drill) is much easier to handle. You can also use the drill clutch to minimize the kick if the bit binds up add to prevent you from applying too much pressure. Adjust the clutch so it will slip if you press too hard on the glass.
Also, a cordless drill is helpful. The reduced torque (compared to AC drill) is much easier to handle. You can also use the drill clutch to minimize the kick if the bit binds up add to prevent you from applying too much pressure. Adjust the clutch so it will slip if you press too hard on the glass.
OP
OP
I never thought about drilling from both sides. I worry about lining it up properly. I was using a cordless. I think part of the problem was I didn't have enough battery juice left for the last hole after continuously running it for the first one. So this caused the drill bit to be slower and it "caught" on something which caused a sharp movement that broke the glass.
OP
OP
I was going to then decided to stick with the 40 breeder. I like being able to brag about how much I built myself.
ReefMadScientist
Valuable Member
I hate drilling tanks. Took me a few tries as well. I learned at the end that even the weight of the drill will cause the glass to break or spider. You just have to etch a little at a time and let the bit do the work.
thehammer1985
Well-Known Member
This may sound counter productive but I used to have to drill alot of glass for my job and I noticed that like mentioned above use a cordless . Also towards the end pause for a mine off of the glass to let it cool which happens rather quickly. Then run the drill at fast speed and with only a light weight of the drill for pressure begin cutting. Have a firm grip. This fast with low pressure cutting essentially let's it grind through it slow instead of cutting a big chunk and catching on the lip before it's 100% cut causing it to jerk and Crack the glass
OP
OP
Thank you for these tips!
Flashy Fins
Active Member
Maybe you can cut this one up for glass baffles to use in the sump, so it's not a total waste.
OP
OP
I already have a sump and everything. I am building a new display tank after some house guests scratched mine up while I was out of town.
OP
OP
Second time was a success!!! Got it prepped for painting now.
kacrocorals581
Gotta have that acro
congrats looking good!
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