Drilling - Using Rotozip?
- Thread starter indymatt
- Start date
turningtim
Active Member
I use my roto! I also use the roto extreme tile cutting bit. Cuts throught 1/2" glass far better then the dremel. Its also nice b/c it has a flat base and its not freehand. Use the slowest speed and keep water on the bit. I use plumbers putty(donut around the hole) and a coffee can under the hole to contain the water. If you make paste with the glass you need more water.
Dremel is a toy compared to what the roto will do.....
HTH
JMO
Tim
Dremel is a toy compared to what the roto will do.....
HTH
JMO
Tim
moby
Member
I can't help myself.... I HAVE to state the obvious, unless the power tool is battery powered PLEASE be extremely careful mixing electricity with water!!!!!!!
I would hate to hear a horror story of how you electricuted yourself or anyone around you.
Sorry the dad in me kicked in and I couldn't bite my tongue.
Moby
I would hate to hear a horror story of how you electricuted yourself or anyone around you.
Sorry the dad in me kicked in and I couldn't bite my tongue.
Moby
indymatt
Member
No worries Moby I didn't get electrocuted and I didn't crack my tank! I slung the cord over my back to keep it up and out of the water. Also, never drill your tank while barefooted, shoes help insulate you in case of short circuit! I got two holes in the back for my bulkheads. I took pictures all while doing it. I can do a write-up on how to do it with the pictures if need be. I really don't think that is necessary because it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Here is a step by step of what I did:
1. Take the bulkheads, and trace the outline on the glass. I measured and measured again to make sure both of mine were the same distance from the side and top of the tank.
2. Duct Taped the hose to the tank and let a gentle stream run while cutting.
3. Did a lazy (Wobbly) hole in the middle of the traced circle and then work my way to the edge and cut around the circle. While cutting make sure there is ample water, you don't want the glass dust to make a paste.
4. Test fit the bulkhead and trim as needed.
It really was that easy! I was surprised at how fast the rotozip (craftsman rotary tool in my case) cut through the glass. My tank is a 55, and I think it had 3/8" glass, not sure though.
1. Take the bulkheads, and trace the outline on the glass. I measured and measured again to make sure both of mine were the same distance from the side and top of the tank.
2. Duct Taped the hose to the tank and let a gentle stream run while cutting.
3. Did a lazy (Wobbly) hole in the middle of the traced circle and then work my way to the edge and cut around the circle. While cutting make sure there is ample water, you don't want the glass dust to make a paste.
4. Test fit the bulkhead and trim as needed.
It really was that easy! I was surprised at how fast the rotozip (craftsman rotary tool in my case) cut through the glass. My tank is a 55, and I think it had 3/8" glass, not sure though.
dcathey
Member
I currently have an 80 gallon undrilled. Could I Drill the tank to put in an overflow or are yall just putting in plumbing fittings for returns. I want to get rid of some of the clutter out of the tank (like overflow boxes, powerheads, etc.) when I move and was just wondering what I could do to get my tank drilled and have a built in overflow.
indymatt
Member
dcathey - That is exactly why I drilled the tank, one for a drain/overflow and one for return. This way you don't have to mess with an overflow and you don't have to worry about losing suction and overflowing the main tank. This tank was completely empty on its side on my back deck when I drilled it. It isn't that hard and I have heard of people even doing it while their aquarium is filled (do not suggest this! If a crack did happen could cause a very big and expensive splash!).
moby
Member
Thanks indymatt for the details, I think this is a great idea!
I was just worried that folks would get hurt (or ruin their aquarium) because they did not fully understand how you did this. Some of us have more skills for this sort of thing than others and if not careful things can go wrong quickly.I have never tried this myself, but... :thinking:
Nothing better than the satifaction of DIY projects! I build cabinets in my spare time for myself and to sell and I know a lot of folks who would run into trouble nailing two boards together!
So IMO anyone attempting this sort of project to make sure they are comfortable with the process and maybe even try a test hole(on a sample piece of glass) to make sure they eliminate any possible problems or questions before putting holes in their aquarium.
AND FOR PETES SAKE BE CAREFUL, THINK SAFETY!! (that dad thing again,sorry.)
Moby
I was just worried that folks would get hurt (or ruin their aquarium) because they did not fully understand how you did this. Some of us have more skills for this sort of thing than others and if not careful things can go wrong quickly.I have never tried this myself, but... :thinking:
Nothing better than the satifaction of DIY projects! I build cabinets in my spare time for myself and to sell and I know a lot of folks who would run into trouble nailing two boards together!
So IMO anyone attempting this sort of project to make sure they are comfortable with the process and maybe even try a test hole(on a sample piece of glass) to make sure they eliminate any possible problems or questions before putting holes in their aquarium.
AND FOR PETES SAKE BE CAREFUL, THINK SAFETY!! (that dad thing again,sorry.)
Moby