Tools for drilling holes in Acrylic

[Mariskay86]

I am going to be getting some of the AMAC enclosures from the containers store and I will be needing to drill a hole in the acrylic to fit the 1 to 2 inch holes. I am looking for tips on whats tools anyone has used that would work well for this process. Thanks in advance.

 

[reptyls]

I have used a hole saw on a drill press and just GO SLOWLY!! Also you can use a little bit of water to keep the plastic and the drill bit cool. I prefer to use a dremel and very small drill bit to drill a bunch of tiny holes rather than using the vents.

 

[kormath]

I have used a hole saw on a drill press and just GO SLOWLY!! Also you can use a little bit of water to keep the plastic and the drill bit cool. I prefer to use a dremel and very small drill bit to drill a bunch of tiny holes rather than using the vents.

agreed, no need to cut a 1 or 2 inch vent hole in an amac box, just drill small holes, much easier. Any of the metal fabrication bits are fine. You don't want to use a wood bit, they're too dull and will chip and crack the acrylic. you can get a cheap drill bit set at home depot for like $10.

 

[MassExodus]

I use a dremel with a small bit, highest speed setting. I have a tiny bit for slings, and a larger bit for the bigger spiders. Don't buy the cordless dremel, though. I can only finish three enclosures before it runs out of juice and has to be recharged, so I bought the corded one. It's much better, and much more powerful (higher speed, less chance of cracking the plastic, drills 10 times faster )

 

[Enn49]

I use a needle for sling enclosures and a metal meat skewer for larger ones, both heated in a flame .

 

[kormath]

I use a needle for sling enclosures and a metal meat skewer for larger ones, both heated in a flame .

i've used soldering irons and wood burning tools also, but i don't like the house stinking of burning plastic for a day or 2 after

For slings i use a 1/16" drill bit, and for the larger Ts a 1/8" in my amac boxes. the 1/16th is small enough even the tiny little 1/4" slings can't crawl through (my rosea has tried and tried lol) and the 1/8" is large enough to allow plenty of ventilation and small enough the larger slings can't escape. On the 2.75" sq amac boxes i put in 4 holes on a side, the 4" sq boxes i do 5. and i do a pattern on the top also if i'm up to it or just randomly drill holes here and there on the top if i'm in a hurry.

 

[jrh3]

i am actually drilling mine now. im just using a dewalt 7/32 drill bit in a regular drill. i know see a dremel would be easier cause my arm is worn out lol. drill gets heavy. i put tape over the acrylic so i can lay out even lines to drill holes all the same, or close to the same.

 

[kormath]

i am actually drilling mine now. im just using a dewalt 7/32 drill bit in a regular drill. i know see a dremel would be easier cause my arm is worn out lol. drill gets heavy. i put tape over the acrylic so i can lay out even lines to drill holes all the same, or close to the same.

I used to tape the amac boxes but I got lazy and do it all freehand now. I use Dewalt black oxide bits. Never dull in acrylic and less melt on the bit like the cheap generic bits I started with.

Would like titanium but all I can find local have pilot tips for wood drilling. They'd just chip the hell out of acrylic.

 

[mrclownprince]

A good drill bit.....and the most important tool, patience

 

[VanessaS]

I use a needle for sling enclosures and a metal meat skewer for larger ones, both heated in a flame .

That small? I have been using a thumb tack and I didn't think the holes were big enough to create enough air flow - even when I poked dozens of holes. Good to know.

 

[Enn49]

That small? I have been using a thumb tack and I didn't think the holes were big enough to create enough air flow - even when I poked dozens of holes. Good to know.

The needle is one of those that you use to stitch hand knitted garments up, a little thicker than an ordinary sewing needle.