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[APD] Re: Drilling tanks
I don't think anyone has mentioned steel glass drilling bits, so I
thought I'd just toss it out there so folks will know they don't
*have* to drop the big bucks on diamond bits. Steel bits are about
25-30% the cost of diamond ones, and steel lasts longer. The caveat
to steel bits is that it takes *much* longer to drill the hole --
those who cannot handle tedious tasks need not apply. You also have
to use a carbide compound, which adds to the initial cost a little.
For cooling, it was recommended to me to use a 1:1 mix of water and
antifreeze. Building a ring dam out of clay as Scott mentioned (or
buy a plastic one) is a good idea and will make keeping the bit lubed
up and cool much easier.
As for the dangers of drilling glass, I think anyone wanting to DIY
should be prepared to deal with the very real possibility of a broken
panel. But if care is taken, it is quite possible to do safely and
without dire consequence down the road. If you have any doubts,
though, let a pro do it. After all, the objective is to drill the
tank, not "drill" yourself. :)
Also, don't skimp on the bulkhead fittings! Get good ones and keep
extra gaskets on hand 'cause you never know.
BTW, if anyone is interested, I got my bits and other related stuff
at Aquatic Eco-Systems:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/6899
--
Chuck Huffine
Knoxville, Tennessee
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