anyone know how to drill glass?

trinitywolf · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 02:38 AM

I have a 40 gallon breeder that I would like to turn into a frog tank for some dendrobates I am going to buy. Here is the trick...I want to drill out two holes in the bottom to run PVC pipe through. One will be a drain and the other will be attached to a humidifier.
Originally it was my idea to just drill the holes in the bottom, but I can't seem to find drill bits big enough. The largest thing I can find is 1/2 inch drill bits, but I need to run 1" PVC through the bottom, with a grommet to seal the hole.
I realize that some aquariums are tempered glass, but I don't believe that this one is, b/c it is a critter keeper, and not intended for use as an aquarium.
Any thoughts? Suggestions? Shots in the dark?
If not, does anyone know what the oceanic vanishing jewels tank would run me? (they already have the ballast installed in the bottom).

Thanks in advance everyone.

Ed_r · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 02:43 AM

Take it somewhere that cuts glass. hardware store or similar. Cutting glass is tricky stuff. I think I know what your trying to do, But some of the crittercages aleady have a drain hol on the bottom.

natas · #3 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:04 AM

Yes take it to a shop, if not go to www.reefcentral.com and look in the DIY section or search on the forums on how to drill glass. Alot of people there know how to do it

C. hortulanus bites · #4 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:05 AM

Dremmel makes a ton of bits for glass. Make sure you get a diamond one. We used to drill holes in all kinds of bottles and vases to make homemade.... well, were weren't making bombs anyway

I have put plenty a hole in glass that way and only broke one bottle, it was a Mrs. Buttersworth, she would have been a hilarious.... uh... aparatus.

C. hortulanus bites · #5 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:14 AM

something like this set would be perfect http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=50383

trinitywolf · #6 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:49 AM

yeah...I appreicate the input BM, but I really need something that is going to make a hole larger than the quarter in that picture...LOL That seems to be my main problem...I can't find a bit that is big enough...

C. hortulanus bites · #7 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:51 AM

You just have to keep at it and make the hole larger and larger by widening the narrow hole bit by bit. It takes a while but I think it's the only way. I've never seen bigger bits.

trinitywolf · #8 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 03:56 AM

hmm...I really thought that if I tried to widen the hole it would end up breaking the glass...I gather this is not the case>

C. hortulanus bites · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 04:04 AM

If you take your time and use a good speed rotary tool you shouldn't have a problem. Keep a steady hand and a gentle touch and you shouldn't break any glass.

C. hortulanus bites · #10 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 04:06 AM

TAPE.... If you support the surrounding glass with masking tape it might give you some confidence. Tape it inside and out as the vibrations from the tool would be the reason the glass would break. You'd be surprised how well a diamond bit in a dremel will shave away the glass. The key is RPMs.

trinitywolf · #11 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 04:29 AM

well at least I know that option is open...but I think to play it safe I'm going to try to find someone who works with glass and is willing to do it. I would hate to destroy a perfectly good tank trying to do it myself.

trinitywolf · #12 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 04:33 AM

hey Ed and Shane...thanks for the pointers...
Ed....there is no hole in the bottom of this one, and I checked with the manufacturer to make sure the bottom was not tempered glass.
I'll post once I have it done and let everyone know how it went.

Bry · #13 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 12:27 PM

Ted, a friend of mine out in Kentucky (eastern, I'm not sure where) keeps dendrobates. He was telling me today that you get a table top drill press from Sears, and some sort of diamond cutting bit. he suggested marking the hole you want to cut, and then build a deep ring of modeling clay around the area where you want drilled. Then, you fill the ring with just a little bit of cold water and an ice cube or two. Then you let the weight of the drill press do the drilling. The trick is to keep the bit cold and wet. It didn't sound like you needed all that big of a hole. He's a member here but doesn't post much as there aren't many frog enthusiasts here. I'll tell him about this thread so he can give you some more info.

Bry

telefrag · #14 (**permalink**) 02-04-2004, 12:52 PM

Hey Ted, is this one of those All glass Aquarium breeder tanks (the brand name)?

Those have much thinner glass than a traditional glass tank, be careful of that.

BillJ · #15 (**permalink**) 02-05-2004, 03:05 AM

Bryan pretty much summed up what I was trying to explain to him the other night. It's basically a slow, steady procedure where water and electricity come hand in hand....yum! Glass is very tricky to work with and can be very difficult to drill through. The best method that I have found, is like Bry said, to use a drill press and lightweight drill. I have found some pretty inexpensive mini (tabletop) drillpresses at Sears as well as some small project Black and Decker drills. Search around for the best price...especially if this is a one time project. You will need a diamond tipped drum bit for this and the size is dependant on the size of hole you want to cut. I purchased mine on e-Bay for 15.00 but some can get pretty expensive. Once you have decided on where you want the hole to be drilled, take a permanent marker and draw a hole around the bit, onto the glass. Next obtain a nice size chunk of moldeling clay (enough to make a 4" high ring around the hole). This ring should extend a couple of inches from the initial hole and filled with 1 to 2" of cold water and an ice cube or 2. The key here is keeping the drill bit cool and lubrocated so that the drilling is smoother and less 'violent' on the glass. Also, it is very important to check and make sure that the glass you are drilling is NOT tempered glass as this cannot be drilled through. Once you have the hole and clay ring 'pool' prepared, lay the drill press directly on the glass with the drill and diamond bit attached. Position the bit directly on the hole you drew. Set the drill press so that the drill's weight will pull it down. The weight of the drill is sufficient in keeping pressure on the bit and glass so that it is cut at the right pace...too much pressure could result in a disaster. Turn the drill on and keep your hand right under the drill press arm so that when the drill bit penetrates the glass completely, it does not slam down onto the glass and break it. You should now have a nice size hole and a little glass disc to show for it.

Email me or post here what you intend to do with this hole and if I can be of further assists, I'll help you out the best I can. Good luck and feel free to contact me!

-Bill J.