1/8" Drill Bit for Plastic (Acrylics, Plexiglas, Lexan, ABS, PVC, and more) Works with Hand Drill by QWORK 5 Pcs Set (6, 6, 8, 10, 12mm) Multi-Material Drill Bit Set for Tile,Concrete, Brick, Glass, BOSCH BL2751 3/8 In. Do not use gasoline or sharp-edged objects, such as razor blades. The larger and heavier the sheet, the more distance you'll want between the outside of the hole and the sheet's edge. A proper tool is whatever performs the task.
Precautions should be taken to protect this material from flames and high heat sources. Holes that may be subject to force from screws or bolts should be deburred with a countersink.
Plexiglass, also known as acrylic, is an alternative to the glass material. This sharp angle allows the bit to easily enter and exit acrylic sheet without chipping. Here is a list of drill bits that you can use on your plexiglass to get a perfectly shaped round hole without even a tiny crack. Tips for Drilling Plexiglass Acrylic and Polycarbonate Lexan: For best results, clamp material to be drilled securely to a work bench or table. Remove fine scratches by applying a plastic scratch remover to a soft flannel pad and rub. If sheet will be exposed to the outdoors the masking should be removed immediately after installation.
You can also understand through other peoples reviews whether a particular drill bit for polycarbonate fits your needs. This allows the drill bit to continue into solid material as it penetrates the bottom surface. I would recommend you avoid using the same drill bit you used for drilling wood as most of them require a higher speed to work. Acrylic sheet masking should be left in place during most fabrication operations. The extreme force that comes while drilling increases the friction, and thus the plexiglass expands due to the heat. The step bit is no longer "the proper tool" nor was it to begin with, the acrylic drill bit is "the proper tool" for drilling holes in acrylic, it even says it in the name. This also causes people to choose different products. These drill bits do a great job when drilling into the plexiglass. Although you can use any oil or dish soap, a wd-40 proves to be an ideal spray for this purpose. Different brands have different attributes. Diamond dust coating for longer life and sharper cuts. Do you want to drill plexiglass without cracking it? They are made of hardened steel with a 90 degree sharp point and 0 degree rake to produce clean holes in acrylic sheets and help prevent chipping, cracking and melting. 
This is Farooq Kamal, and I founded Top Cordless Tools in Mid 2020 to share & learn more about my passion for DIY tasks and the tools involved in the process. Acrylic sheet can develop a static electrical charge during handling and processing. For more information, contact Grant LaFontaine, Sheet Products Technical Service Manager for CYRO Industries. Keep on using bigger bits each time you drill into it until you get the desired size of the hole. Phone: (708) 588-1845
If stored horizontally, sheets must be clean because the weight of the material can cause dirt or chips to pierce the protective masking, thereby scraping or indenting the sheet. x 12 In. ) to a sharp 60 - 90
But we are confident that if you follow the recommendations that we have given here, you will find something that caters to your needs the best. User reviews often become very pivotal in making people decide which brand of drill bit for polycarbonate they ought to buy. When handling and maintaining acrylic sheet, following a few simple guidelines will ensure the best results for beautiful, unscratched acrylic surfaces. A circle cutter should only be used in a drill press with the acrylic sheet securely clamped to the machine table. Old paper masking with hardened adhesive can be moistened with aliphatic naphtha, hexane, or kerosene to ease removal. We are here to save your time and relieve you of the stress of going through a plethora of reviews. The availability of alternative products is focal in ensuring the dominance of online stores. They will be able to give you practical knowledge that they have gained through usage. Furthermore, since plastics expand and contract with temperature changes, make sure you drill a slightly larger hole than necessary to allow room for screw movement without placing stress on the material. When drilling holes for screws and bolts in plexiglass and most other plastics, you'll need to make the hole larger than the bolt or screw to allow for expansion and contraction that occurs in the sheet. Do not rub the sheet with the cloth or chamois when drying as this can cause scratching and could generate static charge. A drill press is another most used drill machine that provides enough features to work with plexiglass material. Commercially available anti-static cleaners for plastics reduce static electricity and dust attraction. Then I could use the same blade to tighten up the hinges on the shop door. The most effective drill bits for plastics are spur-point bits, also known as dowel bits. drill If the answer to the question is yes, then you are in luck because your good luck has brought you to the best possible place. Zero flute countersinks work well for countersinking and deburring holes in acrylic sheet. Before drilling, its best to clamp down the plastic securely to a solid surface and back up the piece you are drilling with a spare piece of plywood underneath. First things first, always remember to wear eye goggles when you are working with drills. Step bits are the way to go. If you have to use a spade bit to drill a hole through plastic, we recommend you go slow and be very careful. For instance, a Spade bit or a Forstner bit must be away while drilling into the plexiglass. Email Us, Drilling and Proper Handling and Maintenance of Acrylic Sheet. It is a free-standing machine that lets you use an electric motor for rotating a bit with a range of speeds (essential for plexiglass drilling). Placing a backing block of scrap acrylic, mdf, or plywood panel under the drilling point will add extra help to prevent chipping when the bit breaks through. However, a hole-saw is most suitable if you require a giant hole and should be at a right angle while drilling. However, metal working, high-speed twist drill bits can be used with minor bit modification. They have become a huge source of cash flow for a lot of important people in the world. They work fantastic on both plastic and sheet metal. As these stores work simultaneously with multiple dealers at a time, a customer is able to avail a certain product at the best possible price. This occurs on the sheets surface when the film or paper masking is stripped off. I have a Bachelors degree in Electronics from one of Pakistans prestigious institutes, i.e., Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. Never use window-cleaning sprays, kitchen scouring compounds, or solvents like acetone, gasoline, benzene, alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, or lacquer thinner. So if you are going to drill into plexiglass, make sure you keep a calm hand on the drill to avoid the melting of the glass. It comes in different shapes and sizes so that you can have a variety of options. A spiral drill bit is another excellent option for drilling into the plexiglass. When drilling plastic, the larger the hole, the slower drill speed you should use since high speeds can melt the plastic. Choosing the right equipment also matters if you want things to go smoothly, and for that, a suitable drill machine matters just as much. Folding and re-taping the overwrap after it has been opened will minimize warpage which can result from moisture absorption. The water acts as a coolant, helps to reduce heat build up, and creates holes with smoother walls. It would be best if you started by clamping the plexiglass with scrap wood at the back. This one is one of the most common drill bits out there and can be used to drill holes in the plexiglass without worrying about getting it cracked. These drill bits come with metal ground flukes with 90-degree points and a 0-degree rake. Avoid drilling holes closer than 1/4" from the outside of the hole to the edge of the sheet. Lubricating the drill bit is another vital thing to consider while drilling. Ionizing air guns work best for this procedure. The recommendations below might be helpful in your chase: Everyone has a budget, and they want to make purchases that fit their respective budgets. Caution must be taken. It is imperative that before buying, you can understand the functionality of your drill bit for polycarbonate. Wipe acrylic sheet with a soft, damp cloth or chamois to keep its surface dust free between cleaning applications. In addition to these, flexible shaft-type drills and lathes also prove to fit this drilling purpose. Exposure to sunlight or moisture can make masking removal very difficult. Apply a steady pressure while drilling the hole, and then reduce pressure just before the drill breaks through. They might end up having the final say in the purchase decision. Neutralizing Static Electricity
Never attempt to use a circle cutter with a hand-held electric drill. There is a lot of diversity and nuanced markets that help consumers find what they are looking for.
By: HowStuffWorks.com Contributors Header Image courtesy of Nylatech, Inc. Shallow holes are less prone to melting due to easy chip removal and may permit higher RPMs. 
Please make sure the drill is at a slow speed and very little pressure is applied, and there you go; its that easy with a step drill bit to drill plexiglass without cracking. Never had any issues.
I would like to find something that will make a clear hole without using lubricant if possible. Wash acrylic sheet with a solution of mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Never use twist bits when drilling plastics; they can splinter and ruin the material. However, it mainly accepts drill bits of particularly 1/4 or 3/8 in diameter. Some soft materials, including plastics, benefit from countersinking before actually drilling. They are not suitable if the sheet will later be painted or coated. Dusting
Also, always reduce the drill speed as the drill bit exits the material. Allow the bit to enter the material using a slow feed rate. Water also makes hole walls smoother. Includes 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", and 1/2" Part BG4600, 1/8" Drill Bit for Plastic (Acrylics, Plexiglas, Lexan, ABS, PVC, and more) Works with Hand Drill by Craftics, QWORK 5 Pcs Set (6, 6, 8, 10, 12mm) Multi-Material Drill Bit Set for Tile,Concrete, Brick, Glass, Plastic and Wood Tungsten Carbide Tip Best for Wall Mirror and Ceramic Tile on Concrete and Brick Wall, Craftics 5/16 Drill Bit for Plastic (Acrylics, Plexiglas, Lexan, ABS, PVC, and More) Works with Hand Drill, Premium Drill Bit for Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite Plastics, Hand ground in the USA to Avoid Chipping In Plastics, Acrylic Point drills designed specifically for acrylics. In fact, there are more promos on online shops than there are in retail shops. It is essential to leave it for that much time to build up the required strength. Dust with a soft, damp cloth or chamois. 
Search for the different types of drill bit for polycarbonate available in the online store and find ones to choose from. Why should I own a or many drill bit for polycarbonates, even if the quality might not be sharpest. While drilling through plastic can be done using any power drill, its important to have the correct drill bits so you dont chip or crack the material. A power drill is used to countersink or create a depression in the material first. They must be reground in order to scrape instead of biting or gouging the sheet. In the drill bit for polycarbonate industry, brand loyalty is very high. Drill bits for plastic are available in a variety of sizes; however, its best to consult with a professional before undertaking a project on your own. Drill Bits for Plastic (Acrylic, plexiglass, ABS, lexan, Polycarbonate, PVC) Norseman 7pc Acrylic Point Drill Set in Vinyl Pouch. The best way to drill into plexiglass without cracking is to begin drilling with smaller bits first. drill bit pcs concrete ultimate plastic wood You are using an out of date browser. Use the internet to do your research about all the available drill bit for polycarbonates in the market. This dilemma arises due to the existence of various types of drill bit for polycarbonates that are present in the market. When drilling a stack of acrylic sheet (1/4" thick or greater), use water as a cutting fluid. What are the various pros and cons that come with purchasing drill bit for polycarbonate? Wipe with a damp cloth to help eliminate electrostatic charges, which can attract dust particles. Correctly modified bits operated at proper speeds will create two continuous spiral strips as the bit passes evenly through the acrylic sheet.
So to repair the plexiglass when it cracks, use a very considerable amount of the solvent over the crack line and let it stay there for a few hours. Drilling and Proper Handling and Maintenance of Acrylic Sheet The proof is in the pudding, or should I say video: [video=youtube;rCSz1bWK_Ug]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCSz1bWK_Ug[/video]. When the scratches have disappeared, clean up the residue and polish. Marking On Masking Includes 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32" 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" Part BG4650A, Drill Bits for Plastic (acrylic, plexiglass, ABS, lexan, polycarbonate, pvc) Norseman 7pc Acrylic Point Drill Set in Vinyl Pouch. However we always just use a std steel drill bit and chuck it loosely. 2. They will also minimize melting.
Ideally, acrylic sheet should be stored almost vertically in special racks with plywood panels for full support where sheets can lean at about a 10 cordless 20v drills powerful money update dcd771 dewalt drill driver The information and statements contained herein are not to be taken as warranty or representation for which CYRO assumes legal responsibility nor as permission, inducement, or recommendation to practice any patented invention without a license. Read along to get yourself familiar with the drilling techniques. Read the reviews of people on the online pages to understand the detailed and nuanced pros and cons that entail this particular drill bit for polycarbonate. Then buff with a clean muslin wheel and a high-quality polishing compound. Conch-House.comis a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases. These drill bits are simple to use and readily available. Are you looking for the most reliable and efficient drill bit for polycarbonate in the market? I use acrylic drill bits for drilling acrylic or polycarbonate. These bits are useful for softer steels, plastic and wood. Drill bits manufactured specifically for plastics work best when drilling acrylic sheet. A proper tool is whatever performs the task. Apply a thin, even coat with a soft, clean cloth and polish lightly with cotton flannel. I tried a few of these ways, and they worked well for me. In higher volume or automated operations, a continuous air stream directed at the drill bit can provide cooling and enhance chip removal, thereby reducing melting. I could bang in some brads with the heel of my boot. Also, when considering hole placement, drill the hole or holes as far from the edge of the sheet that your project will allow. Just drill slowly, make sure that whatever you're drilling into is supported and consider using a lubricant. An electric drill with a buffing wheel will give good results. No chipping, cracking, grabbing, or melting.
Includes 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", and 1/2" Part BG4600A, Drill Bits for Plastic (Acrylic, plexiglass, ABS, lexan, Polycarbonate, PVC) Norseman 7pc Acrylic Point Drill Set in Vinyl Pouch. 
angle. It happens because when drilling, it tends to heat up quickly and gets fractured in no time.
Follow these steps for modifying standard metal working twist drills to work with plastics: 1. High speed steel drill bits produce clean, chip-free holes. Choose a brand whose traits you are most comfortable with. It also has varying spindle speeds for you to have precise hole sizes. It can serve many purposes where a light weighted, and weather-resistant material is required. Almost any writing tool, such as a pencil or ballpoint and felt tip pen, will mark paper masking. Before drilling, its best to clamp down the plastic securely to a solid surface and back up the piece you are drilling with a spare piece of plywood underneath. Plastic drill bits are a way to go for drilling into the plexiglass. 3. For deep scratches, sand lightly with 400-grit (wet or dry) sandpaper. How many times have you tried drilling holes in acrylic only to end up with a busted panel? Grind the cutting edge, flat, to a 0 - 4 It might seem unreal, but let me tell you, various ways can help you drill these glasses without harming the material. You can reshape the plexiglass effortlessly by applying heat to it. Using the right kind of tools is important when working with many types of plastics. As there are different types, try to choose the one that parallels your requirements the most. Irregular holes and rough edges could lead to cracking, even months after the drilling occurs. Dont worry, as it can get fixed easily with solvent cement. The next thing to consider is always to use very little pressure and use sharper drill bits with as slow a speed as possible so that the plexiglass is safe from melting due to friction. Other than these, you can also opt for drill bits such as a centre bit, a flat bit, a stepped bit, or even a hole-saw that can do the job. Occasionally, polish acrylic sheet with a good plastic cleaner to protect and maintain its surface gloss. rake angle. Once it drills through the tile or mirror this drill bit will cope easily with any masonry behind it, 2) Spear pointed design strong tungsten carbide tip can easily penetrate various material(tile, concrete, brick, glass, plastic and wood,etc) and reduces breakout, 3) 5 Pcs drill bit set with 4 different sizes: 2x 6mm(1/4"), 1x 8mm(5/16"), 1x 10mm(3/8"), 1x 12mm(1/2"), 4) U type slot design with fast drilling dust remove, 3-flats shank allows drill bit to be held tightly and stably in power drill. Melting, burning, and chipping will occur unless the drill bits are true. Years ago, I got a special drill which comes with it's own bits, just for drilling all kindsa plastic. It can be removed, if necessary, for intricate detail work or in line bending and thermoforming operations. Different brands have different visual characteristics. We just use our standard bites we use on metal. Already got a crack in your plexiglass? After drilling approximately 5 mm, deburr the hole with a countersink cutter to get a perfect finish. For genuine multi-material drill bit, please identify QWORK brand drill bits packed in sealed transparent plastic box with two sides of blue color stickers, Special Tip Angle Prevents "Grab" in Plastic, Speed helix design for three times faster drilling than standard bits, Last 50 percent longer than high-speed steel, Easier drilling, reduced heat and extended drill bit life, Available in jobber length, stubby length, extended length (aircraft), 1/2 In.