Hey guys, It's a simple question that I wanted to ask the pros about... I am contemplating building myself a desk PC, albeit a much more simplistic one than you get from the real modders on this forum. It'll consist of two IKEA counter tops (they're stupid cheap for what you get!) and an acrylic surround that'll separate the two. I need some way to secure them in place, and I figured drilling into them would be the best method. I was thinking of getting an inch thick acrylic sheet, and as long/wide as needed to cover what I need. What's the best way to go about mounting the two table tops together, without cracking it? If I do go ahead with this, it'll be a learning curve, without any doubt.
You can use metal bits, but there are proper plexi drill bits if you want to use those. Mount it on scrap wood to prevent the bottom dropping out, put tape on top to stop that chipping depending on size of hole you need you might want to start with a smaller hole then work your way up to the desired diameter in a couple of steps, and lube it up to prevent heat cracking it, water should be fine. And go at it slow, let the bit do the work, don't push too hard.
Metal bits need to be modified for proper plastic (or brass) drilling - you'll need to flatten the cutting edge on a grind stone. Also stepped cone drills work very well.
I use normal bits. The key is having a block of wood clamped to the underside and very little pressure on the bit. I'd add water if using a press or using a big bit. Go slow if using a hand drill and use a guide to stay level. If the bit grabs / starts cracking / pulls as it breaches the underside, your wood backing is too soft.
Not 100% sure what you're trying to accomplish but I think just creating a lip for the acrylic to sit in would keep it in place.
If you're using a really fast drill you might ned up melting it, I've done that a few times. And as the others said, a scrap wooden block underneath will make it a lot easier and stop it flexing at all (although not really an issue if it's an inch thick. For Ikea counter tops, look in the damaged section at the end. I picked up a 3m oak covered one for £10.
TAP Plastics video on Drill Bits for Plastic Drill Bits for Plastic & Acrylic, https://mnpctech.com/pc-mod-tools/drill-bits-for-plastic/
If the drill bit is too hot to touch its on the verge of cracking. Any bit will do up to that point .
I use simple HSS drill bits but go slowly and gently with a bit of water to lube up and cool the acrylic and bit cool. Don't apply constant pressure, drill in a little then take out to clear the swarf and cool down, then go back in a little more. It's called "pecking" I think. That's how you drill Delrin and it's worked fine with acrylic too.
The bits for drilling Plastic have SPUR tips, you can watch demo here, https://twitter.com/Mnpctech/status/994582510427344902
