View Single Post
  #1   Report Post  
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
spaco spaco is offline
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 687
Default "Drilling" plexiglas

We had a job recently to install plexiglas shields over a forged steel
gate/railing to keep people from reaching through the ballisters and
unlocking the gate. We'd have to drill many holes in 3'8" thick
plexiglas, on-site, to mount the several pieces that had been
professionally precut to various shapes. Not a good place to fail.
Having had some bad previous experiences cracking the plexiglas when
the drill breaks through, I convinced the boss to stop by a glass shop
on the way to the job and ask them how to prevent problems.

S000000000 simple! When I asked the guy, and used the word "drill", he
said no no no. Juat take the size drill you need, heat the SHANK end
with a propane torch and push that end through. As the drill melts
its way through, it leaves a little hump of melted and resolidified
material at the edge of the hole. Just take a razor blade and carve it off.

Pracitce one or two holes first, to get the feel of the drill bit
wanting to slide as it makes the puddle.

---Works GREAT!!! ---Every time!!!

Pete Stanaitis
------------------