Circular Vents

[MrBoom619]

Hello all,

Can anyone offer any tips on cutting a hole into an acrylic enclosure for round vents? I did a practice run on an old enclosure I have using a drill and hole saw bit. The issue I run into is the acrylic heats up causing it to melt and harden into jagged forms on the edge. I've tried low speeds and it still heats up... :: Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[stewstew8282]

google google and moar google


http://www.bcae1.com/plexi.htm

 

[MrBoom619]

Appreciate it! =)

 

[EightLeggedFreaks]

Dont cheap out, get a good whole saw. Drill fast, let the drill do the work, don't push on it. I make custom cages so I've drilled through a lot of acrylic.

 

[Ibzayalexander]

Dont cheap out, get a good whole saw. Drill fast, let the drill do the work, don't push on it. I make custom cages so I've drilled through a lot of acrylic.

I definitely have to agree here. . I also make my own enclosures and it's imperative that you have a good bit to start with for your drill. Don't take the cheap way out. . you definitely want to get a nice whole saw. Drill fast, never slow! Good luck.

 

[shebeen]

Here's a video of how RobC does it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFH1IDXAkNU

---------- Post added 09-12-2013 at 09:15 AM ----------

If you need a good source for round vents, here's who I use:

http://roundvents.com/Aluminum-Open-Screen-vents-Tab-style_c12.htm

 

[MrBoom619]

Thanks all for your input! I bought a new Milwaukee compact drill today (was 229.99 reg down to 99) with a 1 and 2 in. Bi-Metal Hole Saw bit. What is the best bit to use? Thanks again all!

 

[Ibzayalexander]

Thanks all for your input! I bought a new Milwaukee compact drill today (was 229.99 reg down to 99) with a 1 and 2 in. Bi-Metal Hole Saw bit. What is the best bit to use? Thanks again all!

I would use the 2" bit to maximize your ventilation. Here are a few pictures of my tanks.

 

[MrBoom619]

I would use the 2" bit to maximize your ventilation. Here are a few pictures of my tanks.

View attachment 120617
View attachment 120618

Nice set ups, Ibzayalexander! Would mind sharing the demensions of the lids and what type of materials you used? I would definately want to try and make some lids! Thanks!

 

[EightLeggedFreaks]

Nice set ups, Ibzayalexander! Would mind sharing the demensions of the lids and what type of materials you used? I would definately want to try and make some lids! Thanks!

Lids vary. That is how I started with just up right aquariums. I think for 5.5 gallons I used 4 inch substrate barrier, and for 10 gallons I used 6 inch. The rest was all lid. Made from 1/8 plexi. It warps over time though.

Then put the holes somewhere that it looks neat. I think all in all for converted aquariums, it cost like 25 bucks to make or something including the aquarium. Where as for the same thing made of all acrylic costs me about 45 to 50 bucks in materials.

Which would be these here....

 

[MrBoom619]

Lids vary. That is how I started with just up right aquariums. I think for 5.5 gallons I used 4 inch substrate barrier, and for 10 gallons I used 6 inch. The rest was all lid. Made from 1/8 plexi. It warps over time though.

Then put the holes somewhere that it looks neat. I think all in all for converted aquariums, it cost like 25 bucks to make or something including the aquarium. Where as for the same thing made of all acrylic costs me about 45 to 50 bucks in materials.

Which would be these here....

WOW!!! Those are gorgeous!!! Thank you for some great ideas!I know practice makes perfect and I hope i get it down!