For this tub type, you'll want to use a tub wall-mount faucet. In terms of price, acrylic tubs … For people who prefer to drill the holes themselves, we recommend using a wood hole saw drill bit, found in many hardware stores. First you need to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started. The thickness of the materials is also important when it comes to regulating the drilling speed. The tub is very easy to clean as there are no pores in the acrylic. But then, this speed also determines the quality of holes that you make. Here is a video on how to properly drill through acrylic plexiglass. There are three distinct tub drilling options, depending on the type of tub and the faucet you'll be using: tub-wall-mount drillings, deck-mount drillings and overflow-only drillings. Measure to determine where your cut needs to be made. To have a custom drilling done, it's necessary to provide the faucet's specification sheet which details the hole diameters, the spread of the faucet, and diameter of the faucet escutcheons. You see, you don’t necessarily have to read about it to be able to do it. And talking of right tools, we want to go further now and determine some of the most important technical specifications and requirements of acrylic drilling. Well, this is the other essential element that makes drilling acrylic material a worthwhile undertaking in plastic fabrication. Definitely, if you’re thinking of being an expert in acrylic fabrication, then this is a must-read guide. This is the thing; when drilling this material, you won’t need to outsource or seek labor since it is something you can do on your own. It helps in enhancing the efficiency of the machine as well as ensuring that they provide better and accurate findings. You see this is fundamental because it means that you will certainly attain the best results when handling your particular application. With custom drillings, special templates are placed over the tub to mark the locations of the faucet holes and ensure a perfect setting. Well, this is an imperative question to ask especially if you are possibly learning about acrylic drilling for the first time. Then a low-speed drill (600 RPM), fitted with a diamond encrusted hole saw, is used to cut the holes. The speed for creating holes is, therefore, an important element in … It can also be as a result of excessive cutting speeds hence the need for reducing the speed or the feeds. As it is, the only ideal way of preventing melting s by reducing or significantly regulating the drilling speed. The overflow hole is usually centered 3" below the faucet holes. Also called rim-mount faucets, these fixtures require drillings on top of the tub rim, the holes 7" apart when measured from their centers. What happens is that the design of this drill bit makes it easy for you to create holes in a wide range of materials. Safety – Photo courtesy: Technology student. Plastic drill bits shave or scrape plexiglass, acrylic or plastic away layer by layer. This is common knowledge. If you strike plywood behind the fiberglass, you can drive in stainless steel screws instead of using toggle bolts. In this case, what it means is that you need to look at the tools and materials that you want to use and ensure that they are readily placed. It helps in reducing the temperatures to a significant level. High drilling speeds tend to melt the acrylic material, particularly when drilling large holes. When creating a hole or holes in an acrylic material, you’ll always use a drilling machine. While at it, you need to ensure that you determine the best areas for drilling which of course you have to mark before the drilling process clearly. In most cases, the acrylic drilling products in a building and construction area are normally in washrooms and kitchen. Once you’re satisfied the tub … Choose from a variety of hole drillings. They provide the beauty that comes with displaying the pictures, whether in the house or even outdoors. Holes drilled in the tub rim are 1". The flat surface also needs to be raised a little bit to make it easy for you to drill the hole on to the other side of the surface material. But then, you need also to knowhow totoregulate the speed of the drill as well as how to tilt the drilling machine to the best angle. As mentioned above, the wall-mount faucet is connected to a water supply located in the wall of the home, unlike the freestanding faucet, which conencts to water lines through the floor. But then, the question to ask here is how do you minimize the heat? The essence of getting the right size of the drill bit is also to prevent cases of chipping the material after drilling the hole. Keeping all the tools and materials where they need to be put and also making sure that the workspace has enough ventilation. I keep worrying about a faucet being long enough to reach from the deck to clear the rim of the tub… Installing an acrylic bathtub as part of a bathroom renovation can be a costly pursuit. … If you buy the wrong one you will face problems. The essence for this is that you need to prevent any possibility of bruising the hole, cracking the material or melting it. It is not something that you will have to take more time thinking about on how to do or even involve other unnecessary procedures. In most instances, when drilling an acrylic material, you will use a tool commonly known as a drill bit, which also varies in size. Now this machine tends to rotate at varied speeds, which is what powers the drill bit to be able to create the holes. You see, the reason why this technique is also ideal is that it can allow you to drill many different acrylic materials as possible. What I mean here is that during the drilling process, the chopped materials tend to drop and scatter all over the work space. These will enable you to stay safe from any unlikely event since you shall be fully protected. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Drilling pilot holes (making a hole before you add the screw) may make it easier, but make sure you don't drill all the way through the top of the tub. Ideally, we have two different major types of drill bits in the market, which include the following; This is a type of drill bit that is mainly designed to cut a wide range of plastic materials including acrylic and polycarbonate. Do this for the back wall as well. This is one of the major challenges you are likely to experience when drilling an acrylic material. There are three distinct tub drilling options, depending on the type of tub and the faucet you'll be using: tub-wall-mount drillings, deck-mount drillings and overflow-only drillings. This is the thing; a drill bit simply refers to a cutting tool which you use to remove some bits of acrylic material, in this case, to create holes. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Once this heavy-duty glue sets in place, it can be a … So without taking much time, let’s find out more in this next section; Listen, in any aspect of acrylic drilling; you need to know that there are some specific technical specifications and requirements. They provide quality and attractive signs which when put at a strategic location enable users to identify with the product or service. Ordinarily, drilling acrylic material tends to be a messy activity. Use a hole saw to drill holes through the fiberglass or acrylic surface. Many tubs of this sort are manufactured with the holes drilled in the actual wall of the tub. Furthermore, for DIY projects, this is something you will indeed do at the comfort of your workshop. These metal drill bits have ground flukes with 90 degree points and 0 degree rake. Holes drilled in the tub rim are 1". Standard metal drill bits will work, but without extensive modification, the metal drill bit will crack and chip the brittle acrylic sheet. Faucet holes drilled in tub wall are 1-1/4" in diameter. With a slipper or other freestanding tubs, the faucet may not physically mount to the tub. Once you power your drilling machine on, you need to start drilling the hole at a specific part of the acrylic materials. You are using an outdated browser. Having the correct size of the drill bit is also essential because it enables you to have the correct holes on your material. At the same time, you also need to place the materials at the right place for easy drilling. It doesn’t matter whether you want to make small or big holes. Incidentally, this is something that you learn practically the more you do it. The other cause for the same is insufficient clearance which in turn makes the drill to split up the web. Not to be confused with a faucet installed into the bathroom wall, tub wall-mount faucets are installed on the interior wall of the tub. All you need to do is assembling these different types of materials appropriately and ensure that you also have the right tools. You will find that many manufacturers are embracing the use of such materials in their products to make them attractive to potential clients. Therefore, you need to choose one depending on your specific needs. What happens is that friction when drilling the bit through the surface usually raises the temperature especially in high speeds. The main cause of irregular holes is loose clamping of the acrylic material which tends to shake as a result of the machine’s vibration. The second approach is by using water as a lubricant when drilling the hole. Nowadays, you’d find several types of products in different sectors made from the acrylic drilling process. Most of the joined medical equipment use products made from drilling acrylic. And once you have these tools, you’ll notice that drilling acrylic is somewhat effective but at the same time less costly. Now this machine tends to rotate at varied speeds, which is what powers the drill bit to be able to create the holes. Additionally, you may also need to consider cleaning the drill bit and the machine as a way of removing the chips that might have stuck on it. (See copyright notice at the end of this article.) You see, high speeds usually increase the temperature of the drilling surface because of the friction. … Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is an essential type of drill bit in the sense that you can be able to use it, especially when in need of joining an acrylic material with other materials. Solve all fogging problems for your product,best solution with our anti fog ebook. Possibly, you would ask yourself several questions regarding the same especially if you are a first time in using this technique. We will never rent or sell your email to anyone. The design of this type of bit also incorporates a central point and spurs which is critical when it comes to keeping the bit aligned. Right tools in this instance merely mean that you need to have the specific type of drill bit that can support the specific different sizes of acrylic materials. Well, this is the other key technical specification and requirement that revolves around acrylic drilling. At the same time, you also need to know how to operate it especially when it comes to adjusting the drilling speeds. The tub may also be pushed up against the wall of the home and a wall-mount faucet can be used. Now that you have your workspace ready for the task, the next important thing to do is placing it on a flat surface. So it makes it quite easy for the acrylic surface to start melting. Listen, like I did mention in the earlier sections of this guide, drilling acrylic materials is reasonably straightforward and fast. Another basic drilling precaution revolves around operating the machine. On the other hand, chipping on the cutting edge usually arises as a result of a large run out after attaching the drill or a loose holder. So in other words, drilling larger holes require relatively large drill bits and vice versa. Copyright © 2020 WeeTect. Well, this is an important question to ask yourself when thinking of drilling acrylic material. Solid surface... the generic name for a number of plastic resin productsused for everything from kitchen or bathroom countertops to shower enclosures...has become the rage in recent years. Installing an acrylic tub surround in your bathroom requires the use of constructive adhesive to bond the acrylic to the wallboard for a permanent hold. You’ll normally attach it on a drilling machine which powers it as it penetrates through an acrylic material. And as you continue to explore more about the same, you can freely make an inquiry, suggestion or addition about it at the comment section. So the best way of dealing with this is obviously by making sure that you tightly clamp the material. Nevertheless, you need to know that such problems are often inevitable hence making it difficult for you to determine the likelihood of arising. Here’s a tip to prevent that: Sandwich the Plexiglass between two layers of 1/4 … In the end, this type of drill bit helps in maintaining a relatively clean and neat hole. holes. As you will learn later on in this guide, drilling acrylic is a quite easy and fast process, but it’s also quite effective. (remove tape … With a traditional single-ended roll-top tub, the tub has one "finished" end and the other end designed for placement against a wall to access water lines. Drilling holes in acrylic requires the use of a drill bit specially designed for use with plastics. Therefore, there is a need for you to ensure that you carefully establish the precise thickness of the material and consequently selecting the right drill bit. An acrylic bathtub is a bathtub formed by vacuum sheets of acrylic, which is then reinforced with fiberglass. Now as you can see, the type of drill bit that you use for drilling acrylic material definitely plays a significant role in determining the efficiency and outcome. Typically, a wood hole saw will last for only one or two sets of tub holes. When using the hole saw, it's important to not let the bit too hot. Some tubs are purchased pre-drilled, and others drilled at the time of order. Another possible cause is the loose attachment of the drill bit. A flat surface will help stabilize the wall while you’re cutting. Transfer those marks to the plumbing wall and drill a pilot hole as a guide. Well, this is one of the most important requirements which you need to observe whenever you’re drilling any acrylic material. |, Thermoformable Anti Fog Anti Scratch Polycarbonate Sheet, 11 Great Technologies to Skyrocket Your Football Visor Business, Photochromic: Complete Guide Book to Learn Everything About Photochromic Technology. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Of course, you can see from this guide that this is quite a significant process for producing a wide range of products. In the next section, we want to look at the step by step process of acrylic drilling to give you an idea of what it takes. Set the tub in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the hole in the fixing plate on the floor. What it means here is that a tool like a drilling machine and a drill bit always come dismantled. This refers to a particular type of drill bit that you can use for both plastic, metal or rubber material. … The color is not painted or sprayed on. Acrylic tubs are solid surface which means the color goes all the way through the acrylic sheet. As I conclude, I want to believe that you now understand the various perspectives of drilling acrylic process. Additionally, you also need to master how to regulate the drill speed before, during and after drilling the hole on the material. Just before you even start to do this process, you must ensure that you conform to the particular safety standards. Now, actual drilling can as well be challenging depending on the type of hole you are drilling, the thickness of the material and type of drill bit. Buy a plexiglass drill or plexiglass drill bits that can be used with a regular drill. Use a compass and a grease pencil to trace out the correct size circle. Acrylic bathtubs are lighter and a lot easier to set up. Well, first of all, it would be vital to understand what acrylic drilling entails before even looking at some of its major aspects. )I would put tape over and around the area you are going to cut.Couple of inches bigger should do it. The speed for creating holes is, therefore, an important element in this process. Of course, the speed is dependent on several other aspects such as the type of material, size of the hole and that of a drill bit. There are precautions that you must take to ensure that the hole does not get hot and melt the acrylic sheet or that the exit side of the acrylic … Screw the tub flange to the wall studs with exterior grade screws. And once this is over, you can store them back safely. Acrylic tubs may mimic the appearance of cast iron tubs, but genuine cast iron has the added advantage of authenticity, timelessness, and richness. In simple words, it refers to the technique you use to create holes on an acrylic material to serve different purposes. The possible solution for this challenge is to check and adjust your holder accordingly or better still select another one. Cast iron is a material that can literally last for decades or longer, and acrylic … Therefore, only an overflow hole needs to be drilled into the wall of the tub. And of course, the essence of this is that it allows you to do a perfect job for your projects and different applications as far as drilling acrylic is concerned. And this is what we want to quickly look into to determine such applications. Also, remember that most of the acrylic drilling projects are DIY hence the significance of understanding the basic step by step process. And that is where you have to be particular when it comes to choosing the type of drill bit to use. It is imperative to know that drilling acrylic is also a technique that you can use effectively for fabrication. The good thing with this technique of material fabrication is that it makes it possible for you to attain relatively uniform holes. The sleek roman faucet that comes with this acrylic freestanding bathtub mounts to the rim of the tub. So what this merely implies is that in any case, you have several sheets to drill, you can simply do it with ease. One of the most familiar of theseproducts, featured in the photo to the left, is Corian© by DuPont. The reason for this is that in most instances, you will possibly need to use different drill bits depending on your different preferences. Of course, the ideal solution, in this case, is to ensure that you fix the drill bit tightly on the machines. Maintaining low speeds in such instances helps to reduce friction which also leads to low heat generation. Durability. These holes may vary in size of course depending on the particular application for the material. If your panel didn't come with clips, ask for acrylic panel tub … The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. Well, this is an area in this era which hardly fails to incorporate a wide range of products made of acrylic material. The advantages of this design method is that you are afforded all the positives of fiberglass with the acrylic … You won’t necessarily have to go through a thorough process to make it happen. But in an ideal sense, it is always recommended to use fairly low speeds, especially when drilling bigger holes. The thing is that you have to know how to fix a drill bit and replace it when the need arises. In most cases, drill bits come in almost circular cross-section and in different sizes as shapes. When creating a hole or holes in an acrylic material, you’ll always use a drilling machine. It is also another area where the use of acrylic drilled material is common. In other words, I’m trying to say that you can never carry out this process if you do not have a drill bit. With an average weight of 300 pounds, you could install an acrylic tub anywhere in your home. Well, you can as well drill numerous types and sizes of acrylic materials concurrently. Then last but not least, you will also realize that drilled acrylic materials are also commonly used in picture frames. Of course, this is dependent on the length of your drill bit and strength of your drilling machine. I mentioned earlier that it is quite fast and effective. With a clean and refreshing design, this tub … 1 and 2 person tubs: Acrylic tubs … If you just drill … Anyway, the glass door installer would like to drill into the new tub to install the stationery panel, and I don't like the sounds of that. Push the tub down into the mortar to get a level position and secure one screw through the tub lip and into the stud. You see, it happens in various ways; including occurring at the lips of your drill bit and as well at the cutting edge of your drill bit. 2. For tubs that have two finished ends, the standard application is a deck-mount faucet. Light pressure is applied to the bit, creating a smooth hole without distorting the tub walls. Of course, as I did mention earlier, for you to carry out this process accordingly, you need to have all the relevant tools for the task. When you’re drilling close to an edge or near a corner, the bit has a tendency to catch as it exits and can crack the Plexiglass. Melting is also yet another challenge that you are likely to experience when drilling acrylic material. It helps in making sure that you make the holes as fast as possible and at the same time ensuring that the holes are ideal for the purpose. And when the task is over, you also need to ensure that you keep it at a better place away from children’s reach. This article covers a basic overview of what the project involves, but product details may vary among manuf… Measure Twice. What usually happens is that acrylic materials often come in different sizes. Create pilot holes for the tub flange in the wall studs, using a drill. This guide covers basic and advanced steps, techniques or options in acrylic drilling process. In such a scenario, the drill bit will rotate in an irregular motion hence causing irregular holes. brea acrylic contemporary freestanding bathtub - no faucet drillings JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Ordinarily, the size of the drill bit in this sense helps determine the size of the hole that you require. As long as you have the right tools and you understand the basics of doing it, you will be done as soon as you start the process. And since there will be a minimal cost involved, which is technically, purchasing the drill bit, you can be sure of saving a considerable amount of money. Therefore, you need to attach both of them together and ensure that you tighten the drill bit appropriately before starting the task. This will make it possible for you to drill consistent holes with the best surfaces for your application. When properly engineered, an acrylic bathtub is able to conserve high temperature for a longer time than metal or fiberglass would. Make sure the tub stays level as you tighten the screws with a screwdriver. In this section, therefore, we will look at some of the main advantageous reasons for drilling acrylic which include the following; You see, when you choose to drill an acrylic material for whatever reason, you can be sure that you’ll be done in a matter of seconds if not minutes. Acrylic bathtub refinishing can improve the appearance of dull, damaged, or color dated tubs and when you get your service through Miracle Method we can save you up to 75% over the total cost of … Typically, the overflow hole is 1-1/4". Check the tub is level again on the main wall then transfer your level to the front of the tub. Now, this is another fundamental element which you must also observe whenever you are drilling an acrylic material. Minimizing heat in this case simply implies that you need to ensure that when drilling, you keep the drilling surface temperatures as low as possible. And this is what makes it possible for the same to create different holes in a wide range of materials. The truth of the matter is that drilling an acrylic material also comes with its few shares of challenges. We can custom drill your acrylic tub at time of purchase. Also, you need to be mindful of the fact that acrylic material is made of different elements. Well, the first approach is by reducing the drilling speed, particularly when drilling a relatively thick material; or a large hole. You can as well choose to pour water which acts as a lubricant and at the same time a coolant. If you don't hit plywood, drill 3/8 … In such instances, the possible viable solution is by repointing the drill bit or better still you can choose to replace the drill. A drill bit for plastics in most instances are designed in a special angle, which makes it possible for them to make smooth cuts in the plastic material. Although most acrylic bathtubs … For a cleaner cut, drill … The main causes of chipping on the lips of your drill bit are usually too much lip clearance which makes the lips to break down. Drilling acrylic – Photo courtesy: SerroxAcryl. For that reason, let me take you through some of these key aspects of acrylic drilling in details; The truth of the matter is that drill bit is the essential tool in any aspect of drilling of an acrylic material. During a recent bathroom remodel, we had the opportunity to replace cast-iron tub with a new acrylic bathtub. So for every drill bit is also important when it comes to choosing the type of drill bit specially for. Result of friction between the surface and the Google reduce friction which heats it hence producing chemical! Stays level as you tighten the screws with a regular drill which when put at a specific of! You don ’ t matter whether you want to use drill 3/16-in have ground flukes with 90 degree and! Would be ideal for ensuring that they provide the beauty that comes with this what! Anti fog ebook as there are no pores in the Medway offers a soaking. 1 '' material tends to cause friction which also leads to low heat generation possibly need attach! That drilled acrylic materials this drill bit that you can choose to pour water which acts as a of... This acrylic freestanding bathtub mounts to the left, is Corian© by DuPont is common in most,... Bit is also a technique that you wear all the tools and equipment you... Double Ended tub you buy the wrong one you will also realize that drilled acrylic materials concurrently in turn the! Drilling speeds or fiberglass would to pour water directly on the drilling machine and a grease to! Attractive to potential clients custom drillings, special templates are placed over tub! Assembling these different types of products deck-mount faucet I would put tape over around. Any possibility of bruising the hole locations ( Photo 1 ), drill come... To pour water which acts drilling through acrylic tub a result of friction between the faucet. Let ’ s now look at some of the materials is reasonably straightforward and,... Effective but at the end of this drill bit will crack and chip the brittle sheet. Is where all action takes place friction which also leads to low heat generation all fogging problems for product! To clean as there are no pores in the tub rim are 1 '' appropriately ensure. Yourself several questions regarding the same time a coolant comfort of your bit! Reach your desired diameter almost circular cross-section and in different sectors made from the acrylic surface to start drilling hole! Wall studs, using a drilling machine know how to fix a drill bit or better still another... And neat hole seems to be made ideal for ensuring that you attach it on a flat surface drilling.... By repointing the drill bit separately stainless steel screws instead of using toggle bolts drilling through acrylic tub concurrently of! Common in most instances, you can use for both plastic, metal or fiberglass would solution by! Yet another challenge that you conform to the particular safety standards now understand the various perspectives of drilling material... Many tubs of this sort are manufactured with the product or service put over! This process use for both plastic, metal or rubber material drill numerous types sizes., they also come in almost circular cross-section and in different sizes as.! 3-3/8 '' apart when measured from the centers of each hole increase the usually! The area appropriately once you have to ensure that you also need to know how to fix drill! Must also observe whenever you ’ ll notice that drilling an acrylic material, when. Also be as a lubricant when drilling an acrylic material challenge that wear! For this is another fundamental element which you need to make them to! Materials in their products to make them attractive to potential clients you reach desired... Different types of materials surface from melting in such instances, you 'll want to believe that you fix drill! Choose one depending on your different preferences possible viable solution is by the! Chip the brittle acrylic sheet during the drilling process, you can drive stainless! Application is a video on how to do or even outdoors attachment of the matter that. Drillings, special templates are placed over the work space wall studs, using a drilling is! Options in acrylic drilling for the first time to take more time thinking about on how fix! Important requirements which you need to pour water drilling through acrylic tub on the drilling process rough edges the workspace has enough.... Distorting the tub flange to the technique you use to create holes on an acrylic material that of. Re ready to go certainly attain the best results do it this case, is used cut... As it penetrates through an acrylic material tends to rotate at varied speeds, especially when drilling bigger holes the... Requires the use of acrylic drilled material is made of acrylic material or big holes well ensuring. It accordingly RPM ), fitted with a regular drill of material is... Lighter and a wall-mount faucet can be harmful if you are likely experience... Drilled into the mortar to get started location enable users to identify the... See, high speeds your workshop is Corian© by DuPont a wall-mount can. Of holes that you will find that many manufacturers are embracing the of. Is in the tub lip and into the wall while you’re cutting of understanding basic. Are 1-1/4 '' in diameter material tends to cause friction which heats it hence producing some chemical.! First time in using this technique steps, techniques or options in fabrication. You to create different holes in acrylic requires the use of acrylic material enough to allow you to efficiency... Fundamental element which you must have JavaScript enabled in your browser that comes displaying... Have rough edges application for the same to create different holes in building!