Best way to drill acrylic? (1 Viewer)

[AggieBrandon]

Hello all. I am looking to drill a hole in a piece of 3/8" acrylic sheet. The hole will be big enough to pass 1/2" threads through to a female fitting and use o-rings to seal both sides. My question is what is the best method used to drill the acrylic? Should I use a hole saw on a variable speed drill or buy a drill bit big enough to make the hole? I am lost on this and any help will be appreciated. I don't want to end up cracking the acrylic.

Thanks.

Brandon

 

[Guest]

I have had better lucky with hole saws, wood boring bits and sheet metal bits run a higher risk of cracking the acrylic.

 

[AggieBrandon]

so basically a hole saw with the center bit to steady it like you would use to drill a hole for a door handle or a a deadbolt except a smaller size of course. Is it better to go at a high speed or at a slower speed?

Thanks.

Brandon

 

[Guest]

Slower speed and make sure to have some "packing on the bottom side of the acrylic you are drilling through, you dont want it to get too hot, if it isnt too thick you could just go through it with one quick press of the drill though. Practice on a scrap piece of acrylic with the equipment you will be using and do what you feel comfortable with.

 

[KarenB]

When I drilled the holes in my acrylic baffle for my refugium, I clamped the sheet flat onto a cutting board to keep the acrylic from cracking as I put pressure against it with the hole saw (learned through experience). I also found it was a good idea to lube the saw bit inside and out to keep it from melting onto the acrylic as I was cutting. I used vaseline.

Oh, and I marked the center of the circle and drilled a guide hole first for the saw bit.

 

[AggieBrandon]

Yeah those all sound like good ideas. I was thinking of having someone spray water on the material as I am cutting it...like cutting glass. I'm glad we have experienced people on this board

Brandon

 

[Guest]

Above tips appreciated. Also, I know that they make bits specifically for drilling acryllic. Molded such that they cut much more slowly and hence don't crack the acryllic. They sell some of them at Regal (where you may be going for weld-on per your prior post). 2 more cents. Steve.