Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

How do you drill a hold in the instrument lens without cracking it? I need to drill a hole for the clock.

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

Some have used a hot nail and pushed it through holding it with vise grips.

I personally use good masking tape on both sides and a dull bit. A new bit will most likely crack the lens due to the bit grabbing the plastic.

My advise is to get yourself a junk lens to practice a technique on and also make a template for your hole. You will only have one chance on the good lens to get the hole in just the right spot. Using a grommet in the hole as well also gives you a little wiggle room.

Hope this helps,
Tom

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

Use a uni bit step drill.

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

What is a uni bit step drill?

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

I think this.

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

OH, ok. I do not have those so guess I will be making a trip to Lowes. I also guess I should try to find something like the lens to practice on. If I am going to screw up do not want to be on the new one.:dohh: Would not be good.

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

Yup I'd go hot nail ,or pin first,practice on any plastic,sometimes it will curl up first.
and glowing red will leave burnt plastic,lighter might be enough,but i'd use a torch
you can use a larger bit sharp (finger rotate it) to bevel the edge

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

Whenever drilling plastic or lexan, I always use a dull bit and go in reverse. This way, I get the exact size I need and it melts its way through.

Re: Drilling a hole in instrument lens
 

Thanks, very interesting. Another way to burn your way through.