Drill bit for cabinet.

[Sb1415]

I have a Waterbox clear mini 25 tank and matching cabinet from Waterbox.
I plan to drill holes on the sides of the cabinet for the Filter hoses.
Not much experience with wood work. I do have an electric Dewalt drill but can any of you who have done this before, tell me the specific drill bits that i need to get and steps to follow. @techman81 i remember you had done this before as well.
Let me know.

Thanks all!

 

[techman81]

I can offer more detail on how I drilled mine this evening when I'm back home. I know @Naturescapes_Rocco used a similar technique to what I used, for his diy stand.

 

[Pepere]

There are many ways to make a hole…

I usually use a hole saw.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-1-2-in-Hole-Dozer-Bi-Metal-Hole-Saw-with-3-8-in-Arbor-Pilot-Bit-49-56-9665/202327735

Doesnt have to be this size or this brand, just showing you so you see the type.

Two parts. An arbor that holds the center pilot drill bit, and a removable saw toothed circle. You can get different hole saws to fit the same arbor.


Measure carefully so the saw wont cut through an inner cleat stc…
Make sure the pilot bit extends past the saw tooth ring.

I start on the outside. Once the saw teeth get near the work use less pressure and slow the speed down until a groove is fully cut in the wood. Then you can speed up the bit and use a bit more pressure. Once you are roughly half way through, remove the bit and engage from the inside going out through the pilot hole. As you sense you are getting near, reduce pressure on the drill bit to avoid wood fiber tear out.

At that point you should be the proud owner of a hole….

You can take some sandpaper to smooth the inside margins and lightly round over the edges…

 

[Kwyet]

You can also use these to make it look nicer.

 

[techman81]

You can make a simple hole or 2 and use an insert like Kwyet posted (quicker and easier if your not comfortable cutting up your cabinet), or you can do a cutout like Rocco and I did, but that's definitely a little more work. You can make the cutout horizontal or vertical. I prefer the vertical option, as it provides a little more flexibility in how the tubing exits so less chance of cramped bends or twists. Photo of my cabinet: (My cutouts are a little bigger than needed)


Mark where the 2 holes will be for each end of the cutout and using a hole saw like Pepere mentioned (mine was a 1 3/4) drill the holes. As Pepere said, start the hole on one side and once the pilot bit goes through the other side, stop. Move the hole saw to the pilot hole on the other side and finish drilling the hole, This is to ensure a cleaner cut on both sides.

Then, using a jig saw, carefully cut the material out between the 2 holes from outer edge to outer edge.



To clean it up, I use a sanding drum on my drill like THIS ONE. And finally, paint to match the cabinet best you can.

 

[Naturescapes_Rocco]

You can make a simple hole or 2 and use an insert like Kwyet posted (quicker and easier if your not comfortable cutting up your cabinet), or you can do a cutout like Rocco and I did, but that's definitely a little more work. You can make the cutout horizontal or vertical. I prefer the vertical option, as it provides a little more flexibility in how the tubing exits so less chance of cramped bends or twists. Photo of my cabinet: (My cutouts are a little bigger than needed)
View attachment 12165

Mark where the 2 holes will be for each end of the cutout and using a hole saw like Pepere mentioned (mine was a 1 3/4) drill the holes. As Pepere said, start the hole on one side and once the pilot bit goes through the other side, stop. Move the hole saw to the pilot hole on the other side and finish drilling the hole, This is to ensure a cleaner cut on both sides.

Then, using a jig saw, carefully cut the material out between the 2 holes from outer edge to outer edge.

View attachment 12164

To clean it up, I use a sanding drum on my drill like THIS ONE. And finally, paint to match the cabinet best you can.

+1, Mine are done the same!

 

[Sb1415]

Thanks both very helpful @techman81 @Naturescapes_Rocco

One final question, is there a location on the side of the cabinet where one should not drill ? I see where @techman81 has drilled but if I need it more lateral on either sides assuming it would still be ok?

 

[techman81]

Thanks both very helpful @techman81 @Naturescapes_Rocco

One final question, is there a location on the side of the cabinet where one should not drill ? I see where @techman81 has drilled but if I need it more lateral on either sides assuming it would still be ok?

Wait, you put it together and remember where all the bolts are, right?

Seriously though, as long as you're not too close to the front or back, you're fine. If doing vertical cutouts, I wouldn't make them as big (length wise) as mine. I went overboard. For width, I used 1 3/4 because I wanted to get my double tap inline valves through if I needed to, but you could go with the 1 1/2 that Pepere listed.

 

[Sb1415]

Wait, you put it together and remember where all the bolts are, right?

Seriously though, as long as you're not too close to the front or back, you're fine. If doing vertical cutouts, I wouldn't make them as big (length wise) as mine. I went overboard. For width, I used 1 3/4 because I wanted to get my double tap inline valves through if I needed to, but you could go with the 1 1/2 that Pepere listed.

Haha! Assuming it would be ok to drill with my aquarium on top? I think it would be a pain to remove it and the drill.

 

[techman81]

I would bring the water level down some so you don'r have splashing due to vibration, but other than that it shouldn't be a problem.

If you're going with a single horizontal cutout, make sure it's not too close to the top or to long across, as that would potentially weaken the strength of the cabinet. Before any cutting, I would take some spare hose and bend it to how you think it would come out of the cabinet from where your filter is at and then connect to your lily pipes. Again, this is to ensure you're not going to crimp your hose.

Lastly, remember to measure twice and cut once. Better yet, measure 3 or 4 times . You're going to have permanent holes in the side of your cabinet. You want to be sure they look nice (to you) and provide the function you need.