Sharp or Blunt

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

Never done this before .....but before I start and stuff things up...??
I want to drill several holes in a small sheet of clear Perspex ( I've only got 1 sheet )

1 ....do I use a sharp drill .... ??
2.....do I use a ' blunt ' drill ...??

With a cordless drill ....fast speed ..?? or .....slow speed ..??

I have ' visions ' of a ' sharp drill ' biting into the Perspex and possibly causing it to ' crack '

I guess I should start with a small drill first , then work my way up to the size I want....that would be sensible.

Col....

[Derek Klepp]

Col google it but from past experience I put masking tape down first and had a pilot hole and gradually increased hole size varying speed and a sharper drill.Back at school in plastics the protective paper was the last thing to come off.
Derek.

[iborg (Philip)]

Hi Col


I have had varied success with drilling perspex. I would definitely start with a small sharp drill, and push it through slowly. Let it cut its way through.


Hopefully others will have had consistent good results and provide better advice.


Philip

[redbeard (Damien)]

Fast speed prevents small cracks

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

OK.....thanks for your replies ....will go carefully on this ....
Col...

[leon]

Hey Col the sharper the drill and the faster the speed is your choice, and also no pilot holes, just use the drill for the size of the hole.

If you drill a pilot hole the drill will shudder and crack your perspex, just steady force and a firm slow movement.

That stuff can be tricky to work with at times.

Leon

[Gary47 (Gary)]

Hi Col,
Small pilot hole through with the strongest adhesive tape you can find both sides then start with the finish size drill from both sides. If you have one in the correct size use a Forstner drill but be careful not to let the drill get hot enough to melt the perspex. A twist drill with the cutting edge rake and clearance angle reduced will reduce the tendency for the drill to grab.