Using Q-Max cutters on plastic

Jolum · Post by **Jolum** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:11 am

Hi all, quick question. Has anyone used a Q-Max cutter on a plastic bucket? I ask as I've got to cut a couple of holes in one that's destined to be a HLT but thought I'd save on buying a hole saw as I already have the correct size cutter. ...tight, I know

borischarlton · Post by **borischarlton** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:15 am

I have not used one on platic. I would drill a small hole with a normal drill then open it up with a rat tail file to just the right size. You can then screw the tap into the hole making a really tight fit.

Rob

boingy · Post by **boingy** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:18 am

They work really well on plastic. Go for it.

brewzone · Post by **brewzone** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:20 am

Hi a q-max cutter works perfectly.

You will need a 21mm cutter for a 1/2" bsp fitting.

A 10mm pilot hole is required.

Jolum · Post by **Jolum** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:40 am

Thanks for the replies. I just wanted to be sure that it wouldn't crack the plastic - bit too overcautious sometimes

Will give it a go tonight.

Kev888 · Post by **Kev888** » Wed May 12, 2010 9:50 am

An alternative 'cutterless' method I've seen used on cold water tanks is to heat up a bit of copper tube and just push it through the plastic - though whilst thats cheap for plumbers its probably only going to be helpful to you if you happen to have a bit of tube already lying around, and some way to get it very hot.

It smells a bit, but apparently it doesn't stress the plastic as much or leave any ragged edges (that could encourage cracks to start) - though i don't think thats especially likely to happen anyway. From memory a 22mm pipe is 'about' right for a 15mm tank connector and 28mm pipe for a 22mm tank connector - but please don't rely on my memory!

Cheers
kev

mentaldental · Post by **mentaldental** » Wed May 12, 2010 11:14 am

I have found conical step cutter to be excellent on plastic. Quick, adaptable, and they leave a very clean hole.

This sort of thing: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=30240

Blackaddler · Post by **Blackaddler** » Wed May 12, 2010 11:36 am

Jolum wrote:Hi all, quick question. Has anyone used a Q-Max cutter on a plastic bucket? I ask as I've got to cut a couple of holes in one that's destined to be a HLT but thought I'd save on buying a hole saw as I already have the correct size cutter. ...tight, I know

Last week, I cut a couple of holes in a 3mm thick plastic drum with a Q-Max. The holes were perfect.

WishboneBrewery · Post by **WishboneBrewery** » Wed May 12, 2010 8:04 pm

The holes I've cut for Kettle Elements and Tank connectors through Blue Mango Chutney barrels have been perfect

Jolum · Post by **Jolum** » Thu May 13, 2010 8:23 am

Job done. I now have a big plastic 60 Ltr HLT with 2 Asda kettle elements (that don't actually leak, unlike when I tried them on one of my NO SS pots)...luvly jubbly

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Using Q-Max cutters on plastic

Using Q-Max cutters on plastic

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Re: Using Q-Max cutters on plastic

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Re: Using Q-Max cutters on plastic

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Re: Using Q-Max cutters on plastic