I need to drill a couple of holes in styrene plastic outdoor tanks. Will a Dremel tool work?
Bear "It's all about having fun."
What size holes?
For the smaller bits and it being plastic, you'll likely have less chance of breaking a bit if you get a good pin vise and do it manually.
Another issue with using a Dremel to drill in plastic is that it tends to be a high speed drill. You want very low speeds in plastic, otherwise it melts as much as it gets drilled. Some, but not all, have the capability to run that slowly.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
2 holes each 1/8" maximum diameter. I was wondering about that regardng the Dremel tol.
If the plastic is not very thick and you need the holes to be accurate (i.e. placement/location), I would use a pin vise. For me - a pin vise gives me better control and feel. If you do use the Dremel, use the low-speed option, as Mike suggested.
Also, make sure your drill bit is sharp. Otherwise, you run the risk of deforming the material you're cutting into, as well as the hole.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Funny, it turns out I have a pin vise. It actually came with a set of metal files but it will take a drill bit. How should I tap the hole location? Maybe an awl just to put enough of an indentation in the plastic to guide the bit? What I am going to do is drill two holes, one each in two outdoor tanks and run a pipeline from each tank into the building. the size of the hole depends on the diameter of the pipe, and I have a bunch of smaller drill bits, a result of getting into this hobby.
What is the unmodified low speed of a Dremel? 5000 rpm? I don't think a Dremel tool is appropriate for drilling, unless you have one of those foot operated rheostat gadgets. In any case, make sure you make a center mark for the drill bit or else the drill will dance all over the place.
I am going to use a pin vise. Need to figure out how to make the center mark.
Use an awl to mark a spot. Start with smaller drill bit and work up to final drill bit. Maybe two or three different sizes depending on thickness material
I have done that many times and always used a pin vise.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
bearman I am going to use a pin vise. Need to figure out how to make the center mark.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
I use a numbered drill bit set as well as a standard drill bit set. Sometimes a bit from a numbered set is very slightly smaller than one from a standard set. and I could get a snug fit.
My numbered drill set goes from, Size 60 to 1. 0.040 to 0.228. As an example, a #31 drill bit is 0.120 diameter. Might make a difference in the future for drilling if you do this a lot.
With my model railroad drill set, 61 to 80, everysize is available.
I assume you are using plastic rod for the pipe.
My pin vise will not take anything from 1/8" on up. What I generally do is use my regular drill to carefully drill the holes of that size in plastic, preferably before any assembly. My Dremel is out of the question, as the slow speed is 5000 rpm - - will melt the plastic. I don't even use my Dremel for drilling metal, as it does not give me the precision I need. Your chances of breaking a bit are much greater on small bits, using a Dremel as well.
On styrene which is fairly soft I use a thumbtack push pin, the kind that you can get a good grip on. They can have a sharper point than an awl. Just stick it in and make a small hole. Drill a pilot hole first, then drill your hole. I’d worry more about cracking or breaking the styrene than melting it.
Lone Wolf and Santa Fe Drill a pilot hole first, then drill your hole. I’d worry more about cracking or breaking the styrene than melting it
Drill a pilot hole first, then drill your hole. I’d worry more about cracking or breaking the styrene than melting it
Good point. A "drill a hole in plexiglass trick" may be helpful -- If possible, place a solid piece of wood directly behind where you will be drilling into the styrene. A Sharpie (pen/marker) can also be an effective way in marking where to drill.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
Even at low speeds the Dremel bit is going to wander around a bit. Getting a precisely sized hole will be next to impossible.
Follow the advice given to use a pin vise starting with a small bit.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
davidmbedardA dremel with a rheostat foot pedal is an amazing tool.....
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
I like the push pin idea for the initial guide hole. I dont plan on drilling a lot of holes, so investing in anything more than a drill bit is not cost effective.
Using a pin vice would work and you can always put tape over the area you want to drill to prevent cracking or warping in the plastic.
kasskaboose, Great idea!