Drilling glass - need some help/advice

SerLunchbox · #1 04-20-2007, 02:34 AM

Well, I am attempting to cut holes in the top of my tank. I have a glass cutting tool for my Dremel. Since I don't have the space to create an overflow (that and the bottom of the tank is tempered glass), would a hole in one end (for intake about 2" down from the top) and then plumb it so that there is another hole in the center and in the other corner (hopefully put a SQWD in there to assist) and have a 90 degree elbow so that there is no back flow (for if the power goes out and the return pump stops working). So am i correct in doing this way so far?

I wasn't sure how far down the hole should be drilled. Also, what size hole should I have for the bulkheads? 2" or 1.5"?

kwirky · #2 04-20-2007, 03:53 AM

that is going to take you FOREVER with a dremel lmao

Took me about 1.5 hours to cut a hole for a 3/4" bulkhead using a dremel. You could be working at it for over 3 hours, and the dremel glass bit is only good for aproximately 1/4" glass.

I'd just take it in and pay the $20 for somone to drill it honestly.

and buy your bulkheads first, then get the hole cut. they require different hole saws depending on the the brand/size.

if you want to risk cutting it first and buying your bulkhead later, here's a list I compiled a while ago. The one brand's spears (high quality expensive brand), and the other is the most common el-cheapo usually used in aquariums:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...light=bulkhead

KrazyKuch · #3 04-21-2007, 05:47 PM

I can drill up to 1/2" glass with my dremel and I did a whole for a 1 1/2" bulk head in about 20 min....you can push those dremels pretty hard when drilling glass!!!

Robw · #4 04-21-2007, 05:53 PM

I drilled a hole for a 1 1/4" bulkhead with my dremel and a diamond tipped cutter in about 15 min. Keep the cutter wet with water and it cuts like butter.

KrazyKuch · #5 04-21-2007, 05:56 PM

also move the dremel up and down like your useing a saw...for some reason this makes it help cut faster!!!

kwirky · #6 04-21-2007, 08:09 PM

i don't know why mine went so slow then. I was pushing very hard, and moving the bit up & down.

Maybe it was the wrong glass bit? It just barely was tall enough for 1/4" glass.

I've got holesaw bits now which I have to say are much nicer than using the dremel anyways

KrazyKuch · #7 04-22-2007, 12:46 AM

yeah but how much are the diamond tipped hole saws....I pay $5 for my dremel bit which can do any size hole I want and can usually do about 6 or 7 holes per bit!

kwirky · #8 04-22-2007, 06:52 AM

diamond hole saws were $4 USD each. not super high quality, but good enough to have around in case they're needed. Only have the sizes used for sump returns (1/2" - 1" piping). Larger holes I'd rather pay somone to do and leave it on their shoulders in case they screw up.

there are some things I don't have the confidence in doing myself

SerLunchbox · #9 04-22-2007, 03:01 PM

Yeah, I have a very powerful dremel tool right now. Spins very fast at maximum speed.

So, about my plumbing question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SerLunchbox

would a hole in one end (for intake about 2" down from the top) and then plumb it so that there is another hole in the center and in the other corner (hopefully put a SQWD in there to assist) and have a 90 degree elbow so that there is no back flow (for if the power goes out and the return pump stops working). So am i correct in doing this way so far?

Am I correct?

AndyL · #10 04-24-2007, 12:36 AM

As far as drilling with a dremel - definitely do-able, I just did a 1 1/2" bulkhead into 3/8" glass, 15 minutes. Don't push on the bit, let the dremels weight do the work.

Serlunchbox - grab yourself the free copy of sketchup and draw up what you mean... Personally I'm not following - I think you're talking about just drilling and using a stand pipe?