acrylic tank drilling

[oldfish]

I picked up a used 300 gallon tank made with 1" thick acrylic. I want to drill some 2-2/8 inch holes through the bottom for bulkhead fitting. I plan to use a regular hole saw for this. Is this going to work? Do I need to show any special care? Do I need to worry about the acylic melting or cracking? .............Thanks in advance for all help

 

[Bderick67]

Keep the bit/saw cool. the acrylic can melt and crack.

 

[Clay]

Starting with a jig is a good idea. It's a good way to get the hole started without the hole saw wandering. Also, a pilot hole for the center pilot bit in the hole saw is also a great idea.

 

[ya13ya03]

Best thing I've seen was to do it out side and put a little water in it like an inch and then drill your hole. The water will not only help the hole saw stay cool it will float all the chips to the top and out of the way. Then plug that one with something temporary and put in more water and drill the other hole. If you get a hole saw with a standard size center drill you can drill the pilot hole and then put a dowle pin in the hole saw and that will line it up straight and there won't be any drifting. You may have to add some water as you drill as it may leak out a bit from the pilot hole.