NOOOOO! Gonna have to try again =/

TerraCaelus · Sep 7, 2015

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.

thehammer1985 · Sep 7, 2015

dang sorry that happened. Was it towards the end of your drilling?

TerraCaelus · Sep 7, 2015

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 · Sep 7, 2015

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.

Jlobes · Sep 7, 2015

oh darn!! I though you were gonna upgrade to a 65 RR?

TerraCaelus · Sep 7, 2015

sonnus said:
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.

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.

TerraCaelus · Sep 7, 2015

Jlobes said:
oh darn!! I though you were gonna upgrade to a 65 RR?

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 · Sep 7, 2015

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 · Sep 7, 2015

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

TerraCaelus · Sep 7, 2015

thehammer1985 said:
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

Thank you for these tips!