Lexan drilling
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
From: Long Island N.Y.
Lexan drilling
Just a quick Q. to the ones that went through this before...
I'm reassembling the hard top for my 65 and replaced rubber and hardware along with the back window, now that the window is in I realise it doesn't come predrilled for the upper and lower reindorcements so I was wondering if you guys have any tips, I don't want the lexan to start spidercrack on me as I drill, so..... is there a specific bits for the job or it just like any other hole?
Thanks in advance!
I'm reassembling the hard top for my 65 and replaced rubber and hardware along with the back window, now that the window is in I realise it doesn't come predrilled for the upper and lower reindorcements so I was wondering if you guys have any tips, I don't want the lexan to start spidercrack on me as I drill, so..... is there a specific bits for the job or it just like any other hole?
Thanks in advance!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,702
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From: Northwestern Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '26
Or take a stone and break the corner on the flute to the tips at the OD of the drill, basically dull it. Helps a bunch. Drill it dry, and make sure the hardware is free of oils. We use lexan for guards at work and if we don't take the oil off the screws or anyone screws up and drills/taps with oil, the lexan will crack a few days after assembly.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
From: Long Island N.Y.
Thanks guys, I wasn't aware of a specific bit for lexan, a quick look on Ebay and I see they run about $70? WTF? Does it have a gold tip?
Ant way, I guess it's still cheaper than a new window I suppose....
I'll try the dull bit and also the step bit first, I have a handfull of those.
Thanks again!
Ant way, I guess it's still cheaper than a new window I suppose....
I'll try the dull bit and also the step bit first, I have a handfull of those.
Thanks again!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,772
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
Thanks guys, I wasn't aware of a specific bit for lexan, a quick look on Ebay and I see they run about $70? WTF? Does it have a gold tip?
Ant way, I guess it's still cheaper than a new window I suppose....
I'll try the dull bit and also the step bit first, I have a handfull of those.
Thanks again!
Ant way, I guess it's still cheaper than a new window I suppose....
I'll try the dull bit and also the step bit first, I have a handfull of those.
Thanks again!
http://www.eplastics.com/Plexiglass_...tic_Drill_Bits
Tom
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
From: Long Island N.Y.
Thanks Tom, I guess I overlooked the size and just looked at the $ first!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/drill-bit-for-lucite-plexiglass-acrylic-lexan-15-16-/360200642562?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53dda1a002
http://www.ebay.com/itm/drill-bit-for-lucite-plexiglass-acrylic-lexan-15-16-/360200642562?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53dda1a002
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 168
From: Middletown Ohio
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
Check Glassworks, $7.00 (seven dollars) plus shipping.
Auto Entec , $5.00 (five dollars) plus shipping.
I'm no machinist but the sharpness has nothing to do with cracking or breaking of the plexiglass window.
The reason they break has to do with the angle at the point of the drill. So invest a few bucks and save a rear window.
Auto Entec , $5.00 (five dollars) plus shipping.
I'm no machinist but the sharpness has nothing to do with cracking or breaking of the plexiglass window.
The reason they break has to do with the angle at the point of the drill. So invest a few bucks and save a rear window.
Last edited by ohiovet; Feb 5, 2014 at 07:33 PM. Reason: add info
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,772
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
Thanks Tom, I guess I overlooked the size and just looked at the $ first!
Drill Bit for Lucite Plexiglass Acrylic Lexan 15 16" | eBay
Drill Bit for Lucite Plexiglass Acrylic Lexan 15 16" | eBay
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 220
Likes: 54
From: SAINT JOHN NB
i am doing this now and need the size of the drill bit i need for the rear window...i may have missed the size but i did read thru the excellent article...and yes i know it is an old tread.lol.john b
Pro
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 513
Likes: 170
From: Coral Gables Florida
Ohiovet is correct. I just did my 59 complete restoration myself and bought everything from Glassworks including the Lexan drill bit. I was impressed on how great the drill worked, it looked like a factory cut. Do yourself a favor and order the Glasswork Lexan drill bit. Just $7. If you are in a hurry have them shipp next day delivery. I was very hesitant to drill the new rear window but now I can assure you that I would do it again with their drill bit without hesitation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,834
Likes: 373
From: Mobile AL
Minor point
Are you guys sure your hard top windows are made of Lexan? All of them that I've seen were made of Plexiglass. I'm not questioning the need for a special bit, just the actual material you're drilling. There is a big difference in durability and cost between Lexan and Plexiglass.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,212
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
I drilled a lot of Lexan when I was boat racing.
Make sure you do not put pressure on the drill bit. Let it drill very slowly.
Use a drill press at low speed, minimal pressure on the bit
Make sure the Lexan is backed up in something firm - like sanded 3/4 plywood or particle board. Under the drill area.
When done Polish the hole with 400 sand paper.
Do not overtighten the screws going through the Lexan.
I drilled holes from 1/16 to 1 1/2'.
I used regular drill bits, If you have a clutch on the drill set it to the lowest setting.
The key - a firm backing to the Lexan - do not wobble the drill bit and do not press on the bit.
Make sure you do not put pressure on the drill bit. Let it drill very slowly.
Use a drill press at low speed, minimal pressure on the bit
Make sure the Lexan is backed up in something firm - like sanded 3/4 plywood or particle board. Under the drill area.
When done Polish the hole with 400 sand paper.
Do not overtighten the screws going through the Lexan.
I drilled holes from 1/16 to 1 1/2'.
I used regular drill bits, If you have a clutch on the drill set it to the lowest setting.
The key - a firm backing to the Lexan - do not wobble the drill bit and do not press on the bit.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 513
Likes: 170
From: Coral Gables Florida
The material is Acrylic not Lexan. The glassworks Acrylic drill bits are :
56-62 Acrylic Drill bit SKU 2301-A 1/8 in diameter
63-67 Acrylic Drill Bit SKU 2301-B Do not know the size.
The drill bit has a very sharp edge triangle shape point. It is very easy to use as the shape and the sharp cutting edge cut like butter. The resulting hole is perfect as I said I was impressed.
56-62 Acrylic Drill bit SKU 2301-A 1/8 in diameter
63-67 Acrylic Drill Bit SKU 2301-B Do not know the size.
The drill bit has a very sharp edge triangle shape point. It is very easy to use as the shape and the sharp cutting edge cut like butter. The resulting hole is perfect as I said I was impressed.
