Drilling acrylic without cracking

Mike from Model Makers Inc demonstrates how to drill holes in acrylic without cracking or shattering.

Let us know if you have any questions about working with plastics.

[Mrbobinge]

I just tried it on 2mm (0.08") acrylic sheet. Right next to corner edge. It works brilliantly. New 6mm HSS drill but with dulled cutting edges and corners, just like you demo'd.
500 rpm not good but 800 much cleaner hole, fewer micro-chips but more melt-exit shim to chamfer off. Thanks Mike, much easier than grinding down new drills to 120° point.

[mikef]

worked flawlessly! made holes right on edge of acrylic effortlessly. I used some water with coarse side of Gordon combination sharpening stone from harbor freight to flatten the cutting edge. Took 1-2min to flatten each edge (my bit had 2 edges, was the standard titanium 118 degree bits from harbor freight). You just make the cutting edge of the tip flat instead of sharp. He said parallel to shank, which is incorrect. parallel to the cutting edge. Flatten the sharp cutting side of the tip that makes the angle of the drill bit, opposite the flute. Cheers!

[Erik_Swiger]

Just tried this, in a before/after. Flipping remarkable. Thank you so much.

[azizaviation]

Thank you. Very simple solution. Appreciated

[andrewluchsinger]

My 'bounce' my bits as they cut. I get good results that way. I am going to have to try your method. I like the way it works. I have also watched many of your videos in the past and I love what you have all done. I have subscribed.

[goldenegg]

Watching the video, just after I chipped mine 😭.

[ExploringCabinsandMines]

What about those drill bits for wood that have a sharp pointed tip and outside edge ? not sure what they're called.

[SatoshiMatrix]

I'm looking to enlarge an existing hole from 28mm to 30mm. What would be the best suggestion for doing this without cracking? I was thinking a step bit but I'm not sure if they make them that size.

[shantigeary]

Or you can buy a drill bit that’s used for soft material like a 90° drill bit… 118° is made for hard metals

[danlearned]

How about larger holes, like 1/2" or larger, where one might normally use a hole saw???

[anaraman]

Hi, it would be great if you could show how you clean-cut acrylic sheet pieces.