acrylic question

[Zoalover34]

Can you just use a regular drill bit or do you need something special? I had an overflow made for a tank that I never used and was going to make it a frag rack and want to drill the holes for frag plugs, any input would be great! Thanks

 

[Alti]

Regular bits work fine. Dont put alot of pressure on it or you can crack it. Make sure to hold the piece securely with your free hand or clamps. The bits can snag and spin the whole object your drilling very quickly. Any sharp corners can cut you pretty bad when this happens.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

IME regular bits do not work fine... they "chip" out the backside of whatever you're drilling. There are bits that are made for acrylic...

 

[FateX8]

they work well enough if youre not looking for something perfect
and be careful of the spinning like alti stated
its just surprising when it happens

 

[Railrider1920]

I have used regular bits with success as well. Put the acrylic on a piece of wood, clamp and drill through into the wood.

 

[Nate82]

+1 on piece of wood also set the drill to a very slow speed so you don't melt the acrylic just take your time and they should work great

 

[Poseidon]

If the acrylic is thin, you can run the drill backwards, it takes longer, but works, and less chipping.

 

[Chad]

They do make special bits for cutting acrylic so that they don't plug up your bits and blades and also it helps not crack the acrylic.

 

[lvsuckerfish]

use an older bit as for the dullness it will work perfect there is a local guy here in vegas who told me thats all they use at there shop he works on acrylic everyday. if it is a new bit dull the tip some.