22 replies to this topic

[Cybin2000]

So, I started to make myself a glovebox out of a plastic storage tote but failed miserably. Both sides cracked trying to cut and drill, but eventually gave up and cut through the top. I'm not satisfied with my work. Let's see some boxes! Anyone have any ideas to show off?

[Misfit]

Hey just flip the tub over and cut 2 holes in it. I made a glove box in the start also. The gloves stayed on for 3 minutes. Totally overkill and not needed.
Just sanitize your hands or wear regular gloves and spray them with alcohol. It’s also helpful to enter the SAB slowly so you don’t force a ton of dirty air in it. Well, that sounded dirty for sure.

[DonShadow]

If you can find yourself a large sharp holesaw (for cutting holes for ducting etc, that’s the best way to go. Hot coffee can works too.

[Cybin2000]

Hey just flip the tub over and cut 2 holes in it. I made a glove box in the start also. The gloves stayed on for 3 minutes. Totally overkill and not needed.
Just sanitize your hands or wear regular gloves and spray them with alcohol. It’s also helpful to enter the SAB slowly so you don’t force a ton of dirty air in it. Well, that sounded dirty for sure.

Yea... I cracked every side but the lid. Haha. You made it sound very dirty. Flip the thing over and enter slowly. Got it.

[Cybin2000]

If you can find yourself a large sharp holesaw (for cutting holes for ducting etc, that’s the best way to go. Hot coffee can works too.

I am definitely buying a holesaw they're only like $5.

[Cybin2000]

I'll post a picture of my hackjob.. : /

[Misfit]

A hole saw helps but a dry wall saw is better.
Edit: just drill a small hole then use either a razor knife (disclaimer:please be very careful and don’t cut toward yourself) or a dry wall saw.

Edited by Misfit, 11 November 2020 - 10:02 PM.

[Cybin2000]

A hole saw helps but a dry wall saw is better.
Edit: just drill a small hole then use either a razor knife (disclaimer:please be very careful and don’t cut toward yourself) or a dry wall saw.

i tried but it shattered :/

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[Juthro]

Melting with a coffee can, and a torch for the win :)    (IMHO)

 

It's totally the primitive Pete way to do it, I know....  But......,  you won't crack you plastic that way.  However you do it, just realise its a pain in the butt, and take a brake or two in the process.   It's getting greedy and trying to take to big of a bite that generally cause you to break the plastic.  Impatience is the enemy.

 

BTW, my advice to you if you try and drill it, make sure you clamp it to a piece of scrap wood behind the plastic, it's where the plastic pulls in weird angles from side torque from a drill bit that will cause most of the issues (IME).   And for the record, I'm not saying any of the above advice is bad, cuz it's not.  It is just a task that requires some finesse, as well as a good procedure, and in the realm of DIY projects is not as easy as it might look at first.

 

I have faith that you can do it. Good luck on your next attempt :)

 

 

[jrh]

A dremel with their standard "cutting tool" (looks essentially like a drill bit) should be able to do it, although it might not be the prettiest thing in the world.

 

Honestly, the coffee can and torch sounds like the best way if you have a torch. Maybe even one of those creme brulee torches could do the job.

[jkdeth]

I use a number 10 veggie can. With top and the bottom cut out. I set it right on the stove burner to heat it. Bottom cut out makes it pretty easy to handle with just a pot holder, or a pair pliers if you're young enough to still have all the feeling in your fingers!

[jrh]

I love the voice of experience. Maybe it's time to get me a SAB. Sounds like a #10 can is 6 1/4 " diameter.

 

Is it best to have the bin upside down (so the lid is the floor) or right side up?

[jkdeth]

I do upside down. Another tip, get a big one! Remember your going to have both arms in there doing stuff, a bunch of supplies and tools, and things need to go smooth and efficient.

[Misfit]

Not trying to be an asshole but if cutting a hole in plastic is posing an issue, you better buckle in for the rest.

[jrh]

Not trying to be an asshole but if cutting a hole in plastic is posing an issue, you better buckle in for the rest.

 

Maybe not trying, but succeeding. Dude asked for help, no need to shame him imho.

[Misfit]

Absolutely wasn’t. I was noting that things will be harder from here.

[JACKOLANTERN]

Indispensable uses.

[Micogi]

Was it a new tub? If not, the plastic may have gotten brittle which would result in what you experienced.

[bezevo]

jkdeth's   way to go ....is they way to go heh !

.no .fancy attached gloves needed.

just get   really big clear bin use lid as  floor takre big can like tomato juice or fruit oomes in .

heat  can ,melt tow arm size holes . in side .........done ..

 you  might want to practice how you will proceed , using slow steady motions as you work to avoid stirring up air currents ...hence SAB  still , air , box

good luck ,

BEZ

[Cuboid]

Was it a new tub? If not, the plastic may have gotten brittle which would result in what you experienced.

I've not had much luck cutting/sawing new or old plastic tubs. Have to agree melting holes is the way to go.