Conical/tapered step drill bit on acrylic?

[Karen00]

Hello fellow saltines,

Like the title says, will a conical/tapered step drill bit work to drill holes in 1/8" acrylic? I'm waiting for the stuff to build my mesh lid so I cut a piece of acrylic to use as a temporary top and I want to drill some vent holes because it's holding in a bit too much heat. I have one of those step bits handy so thought I could put it to use. I also have some of those hole cutting drill bits (with the jagged teeth) as well as glass/ceramic hole cutting drill bits (these have a textured gritty base instead of jagged teeth) . Not sure which, if any, is better.

 

[LeftyReefer]

yes you can. You can use a bit of dish soap to lubricate the bit.

 

[Karen00]

yes you can. You can use a bit of dish soap to lubricate the bit.

Awesome! Thanks. I kept reading how easily acrylic can crack so wanted to make sure I was using the correct type. Should I use masking tape on the acrylic or is that not needed with this bit?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Use masking tape for peace of mind. Take it easy on the pressure put on the drill as the step bit have a tendency to 'bite' on acrylic.

 

[Karen00]

Use masking tape for peace of mind. Take it easy on the pressure put on the drill as the step bit have a tendency to 'bite' on acrylic.

Will do. Thank you so much!