RE: [Killietalk] Now for something completely different.

["David Lains" <david at zfin_org>]

Hi Phil 

I use 1/8 or 1/4 inch plexi glass that fits nicely in the area I want to
drill.  Use a wood hole saw the same size as your diamond bit to drill a
guide hole in the plastic template.  Use a variable speed hand drill.

If the template is smaller than the are you are drilling carve the word up
and an arrow to the side that will center the hole in the appropriate area.
This way you always put the jig in the appropriate orientation.

I usually drill from the inside of the tank out wards but if you want a hole
in one of the long panes you will usually need to drill from the outside.
It is important to have the other side of the glass supported so you don't
brake through and cause large flakes.  

I place the tanks on another piece of plexi so the hole is supported when
the bit breaks through.  I put the plexi on a piece of Styrofoam and all
this goes onto a Rubbermaid tub lid.  This collects the fines and chips
nicely.  

Save the pucks you've cut, it's neat to see the variation in glass color
when they are all stacked up.  Plus it's a good what to keep track of the #
of holes a saw has cut.

I usually set up the tank on the floor.  Sit on a step stool and arrange the
tank so the hole is to be drilled between your feet.  This is the most
comfortable way I've found to provide light and constant pressure that will
prolong the life of your drill bit.

The large the hole you are drilling the slower the bit should spin.  I
believe a 1 3/4 inch hole (for a one inch bulkhead) should be ~ 100 rpm.  

You can make your own bulkheads with pipe fittings or purchase bulkheads.  I
have 3/4 inch bulkheads for sale or trade, contact me off list if you are
interested.  I would think 1/2 bulkheads would be more than enough for your
smaller tanks.

Best fishes
David 

-----Original Message-----
From: killietalk-bounces+david=zfin_org at aka.org
[mailto:killietalk-bounces+david=zfin_org at aka.org] On Behalf Of
Pjeversman at aol_com
Sent: Friday, April 29, 2005 3:32 PM
To: killietalk at aka_org
Subject: [Killietalk] Now for something completely different.

I would like to try drilling some 2.5 and 5 gal tanks this summer.  Does
anyone have any recommendations on drill and bulkhead sizes for each size
tank?

TIA

Phil

Philip J. Eversman D.D.S. F.A.G.D.
9052 Log Run Drive South
Indianapolis, In. 46234
317 298-4063
pjeversman at aol_com

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