Drilling tank

[Tim Cuthbert]

if i lower the water lvl would it be ok to drill a return hole in my or do I need to drain it?

 

[Muttley000]

It has been done plenty of times. Make a way to keep the bit wet and go slow!

 

[Diesel]

I would drain it completely.
If you wanna take a chance hire a pro, but I can tell you that not one will take that task on.

 

[redfishbluefish]

This is something for a highly experienced glass driller who knows how to use a vertical water reservoir to keep the bit cool.

One question, if you attempt this, what are you going to do if you fail? If you can answer this, go for it.

FWIW, I don't care for drilled returns because you either have to have a loop siphon break, or the volume in your sump to handle all that back siphon. Come over the top and be done with it.

 

[lapin]

Yes it can be done. Keeping the bit and hole wet will be the hard part. If you have never drilled a hole in glass dont do it. If you have, just once or twice dont do it. Get a cheap 10 gallon tank fill it with water and drill it for practice if you are dead set on doing it because........redfishbluefish has a great point. What if the tank cracks?
You can drain it and still crack the tank if you dont know what you are doing.

 

[cracker]

Good advise above, unless your experienced at this I wouldn't try it.
Never heard of a vertical water reservoir . Gonna google.

 

[redfishbluefish]

.......Never heard of a vertical water reservoir . Gonna google.

Don't bother, my design. But let me know if you find anything.

 

[cracker]

Don't bother, my design. But let me know if you find anything.

OOh your design I see ! Wise move as I found "nothing" but water tanks & one reference to holding a hose above while vertical drilling . Perhaps a patent?

 

[cracker]

Anway Tim ,it's just not a practical effort & Red Fish is right .You would have to spring into immediate action to save a big mess .

 

[redfishbluefish]

OOh your design I see ! Wise move as I found "nothing" but water tanks & one reference to holding a hose above while vertical drilling . Perhaps a patent?

OK, OK, You're twisting my arm. I'll tell you the secret, but you have to promise that you don't tell anybody else.

From the center shaft of the drill bit down is a water trough (reservoir) sealed against the tank. This is kept full. As you drill, the water is picked up by the bit and spun around the cutting groove. Very messy, but it works. Now don't tell anybody...between you and me only.

I can't stress enough, this is only for the extreme experienced who have a plan when they crack their tank.

 

[cracker]

You have my word ! LOL

 

[Diesel]

Too late.....
#members

 

[lapin]

What Did I miss something?

 

[Ari_Ball]

Get a bottle and drill a hole on the cap, and fill it up with water, when you are drilling the whole, keep squeezing water while drilling, so it is not that easy to crack. But it is not that hard as it looks.