DIY: How to Drill Acrylic

How to Drill Holes into Acrylic Sheets

One of the main questions we get at Glowjob is how do you drill holes into the acrylic backing for mounting your Glowie?

To get accurate and clean holes you will need the following:

- A piece of scrap wood you won't mind drilling into.
- A drill.
- A "unibit" or step drill bit.
- Otherwise, a few twist drill bits of various sizes from smallest to largest up to your final hole diameter.

First, you'll want to place your acrylic sheet on top of the piece of wood and make sure it is secure. This backboard will give the acrylic sheet support to prevent the sheet from cracking.

Second, using a unibit you can start drilling slowly, shaving off the acrylic and stepping through each size until you reach your desired hole diameter. Done!

Alternatively, if you don't have a step drill bit you can start with a small regular twist drill bit and gradually work your way up to the larger bits. It is important you work slowly and without applying too much pressure. If you drill too fast you risk melting the acrylic. If you apply to much pressure you could crack it. Go slow and steady and let the drill do the work.

Please comment if you have any questions or advice.

[loque]

Thanks for this tutorial. Can you make one for counter sink hole, next?

[DrFillyBlunt]

I imagine this is easier on thicker sheets. I tried stepping up through bits just like this with a 1/16" thick I wanted to use as a faceplate for an electronic project enclosure. It was crack city.

[reynogenol]

At 0.27 videos what type of bit is that?