Drilling into clear

Ziz · Post by **Ziz** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:44 pm

Is there any way to cut a hole in a clear part without having it shatter?

I'm working on the old MPC R2-D2 and to do it right, I need to cut out a long slot on one of the blue sections on the back of his dome and two squares on a front section right next to the big eye. We're talking square holes that are maybe 1/8" big, and a rectangular slot that's about 1/8" by 1/2".

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 10:13 pm

a hot square brass rod? Just melt through, maybe?

While on the topic of clear parts and things, still need that Robby from the C57-D?

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 5:08 am

Start with a smaller drill bit, then work the hole size up. Lubricate the cut, WD-40 works well with plastic. Turn slowly, and peck the drill often.

Post by **TER-OR** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 12:14 pm

Everything he said, but back the clear part with clay. Supporting the clear and passing all the force to the clay (or wood or whatever) will help a lot.

Andrew Gorman · Post by **Andrew Gorman** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 1:28 pm

The clay back up can work, but it lulls me into a false sense of security. I cover the area with masking tape,work slowly, and start with a small hole. It can be done!
Andrew

Chacal · Post by **Chacal** » Sat Jun 04, 2005 8:09 pm

The cracking you have is because the drill is breaking to the other side unsupported. Back it up tightly with something solid, like cured epoxy putty, instead of clay. Apart from that, do as people tell you, work SLOOOOWly. Start the holes with the drill, keep going to bigger bits as needed, change to needle files as soon as they can get into the hole.

Blappy · Post by **Blappy** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 9:13 am

babaganoosh wrote: While on the topic of clear parts and things, still need that Robby from the C57-D?

Actually that was me that needed the Robby.

As for cutting into clear, I would just use your dremel on low speed. And do lots of filing to get them square.

Digger1 · Post by **Digger1** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 12:17 pm

Ohhh. Still need it?

Blappy · Post by **Blappy** » Sun Jun 05, 2005 2:13 pm

babaganoosh wrote:Ohhh. Still need it?

Yes, I could still use it.