Drill tank in cold weather?

[Burrito]

so today’s the day. First time drilling. I have my drill press guide and bit, 40 breeder tank.

It’s currently in the 20s outside and will be below freezing for the foreseeable weeks :/

Any issues with glass being super cold and the water I’ll be “cooling” the drill with?

Just don’t want to crack it.

 

[Retro Reefer]

I would imagine drilling in such cold conditions will greatly increase the chances of failure because of the differential of glass temp vs heat generated by drilling.

 

[ca1ore]

I've ground plenty of holes in the Winter on a cold tank. The key is to use cold water and not thermally 'shock' the glass. Never seemed to make much difference one way or the other. Just use a bit that is not worn and go slowly.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I've ground plenty of holes in the Winter on a cold tank. The key is to use cold water and not thermally 'shock' the glass. Never seemed to make much difference one way or the other. Just use a bit that is not worn and go slowly.

Yep, just keep it wet and go slow.

 

[RUGDOG]

Good luck! I am drilling today for my first time as well.
Thankfully going to be about 70 in Alabama today.

 

[Captain Quint]

Great thread!

Anyone else used radiator coolant instead of water?

 

[Retro Reefer]

Keep in mind the hardness of glass increases with decreasing temperature making it potentially harder to drill also cold glass becomes more brittle due to loss of elasticity increasing the likelihood of breakage. seeing the OP has no experience drilling glass I would think he would want to do it in the most favorable conditions.

 

[dealseer]

I’ve drilled in about 30 degree weather no problems. Key is to go very slow.

 

[Breadman03]

Great thread!

Anyone else used radiator coolant instead of water?

No. Coolant can make animals sick. Spray the water and whatever makes it to the ground evaporates, leaving glass dust as the only thing left behind.

 

[Captain Quint]

No. Coolant can make animals sick. Spray the water and whatever makes it to the ground evaporates, leaving glass dust as the only thing left behind.

Interesting.

I use a bucket below and not one drop has been in the systems, cleanse properly with alcohol several times after drilled...none ever introduced in a tank. Have done so at least 5 times in several years spans.

Different methods for different folks I suppose.

 

[sfin52]

Can it be done in a garage or something like that .

 

[RUGDOG]

Success! I hope you managed well.

 

[Silver Dollar]

If you use a constant flow of water the glass will have almost the same temperature as the cooling water.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

You can also make a dam out of plumbers putty. Fill with water and drill. Don’t forget to put a bucket underneath. Go slow, let the drill do the work.

 

[Burrito]

Thanks everyone. I’m going to wait until Saturday. High of 40

Good job @RUGDOG

 

[Captain Quint]

Success! I hope you managed well.

Awesome and thanks for the pic.