Best drill bit for acrylic and polycarbonate?

I know that plastic suppliers sell (or at least used to) special drill bits for acrylic and polycarbonate. However we always just use a std steel drill bit and chuck it loosely. That way if the bit grabs into the plastic near the end of the hole it doesn't break the plastic. No lube, just the drill bit.

Also, I've had people tell me to use a dull drill bit for plastic instead of something brand new and very sharp. TBH, I've never put much stock in that, but I can see the point. It's similar to not chucking the bit tightly so that you won't break the plastic.

+1 for this.

Proper tool to do the job properly.

I like these over the step bits because once the place the point, its set. The bit wont dance around and leave scuffs around the hole (make you own joke there).

Good for when you need to put stand offs in a part but need to keep the rest of the sign surface pristine.

A proper tool is whatever performs the task.

I've never had the step bits wander or leave scuffs (??). They work great. They also ease their way through due to the stepped sizes, rather than trying to take out all of the material at once. And they never bind. And they're really inexpensive.

A proper tool is whatever performs the task.

I've never had the step bits wander or leave scuffs (??). They work great. They also ease their way through due to the stepped sizes, rather than trying to take out all of the material at once. And they never bind. And they're really inexpensive.

I agree. Step bits are the way to go. It's like a center drill, drill, and reamer all in one. They work fantastic on both plastic and sheet metal. The straight flute design makes a very nice hole and is less likely to grab and ruin a hole.

A proper tool is whatever performs the task.

I've never had the step bits wander or leave scuffs (??). They work great. They also ease their way through due to the stepped sizes, rather than trying to take out all of the material at once. And they never bind. And they're really inexpensive.

I agree. Step bits are the way to go. It's like a center drill, drill, and reamer all in one. They work fantastic on both plastic and sheet metal. The straight flute design makes a very nice hole and is less likely to grab and ruin a hole.

Yes, the step bit is THE RIGHT TOOL for the job drilling a hole in plastic, if you use the right step bit of the right size it never wanders, and drills a clean hole.

[video=youtube;1TmP3r60mN8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TmP3r60mN8[/video]

A proper tool is whatever performs the task.

I've never had the step bits wander or leave scuffs (??). They work great. They also ease their way through due to the stepped sizes, rather than trying to take out all of the material at once. And they never bind. And they're really inexpensive.

I must politely disagree with your first statement sir. I could bang in some brads with the heel of my boot. I could cut my porterhouse with the same blade I use to butter my roll. Then I could use the same blade to tighten up the hinges on the shop door. I think you get my point.

What I meant by "scuffs" was this: The last few times I attempted to drill acrylic, the debris stuck around the bit and made circular scuff marks around the hole which I didn't like.

But I see from the number of pro posts for the step bit, its another (probably better) way to go. I will give it a try. Thanks for the tips.

A proper tool is whatever performs the task effectively.

I've never had the step bits wander or leave scuffs (??). They work great. They also ease their way through due to the stepped sizes, rather than trying to take out all of the material at once. And they never bind. And they're really inexpensive.

I must politely disagree with your first statement sir. I could bang in some brads with the heel of my boot. I could cut my porterhouse with the same blade I use to butter my roll. Then I could use the same blade to tighten up the hinges on the shop door. I think you get my point.

What I meant by "scuffs" was this: The last few times I attempted to drill acrylic, the debris stuck around the bit and made circular scuff marks around the hole which I didn't like.

But I see from the number of pro posts for the step bit, its another (probably better) way to go. I will give it a try. Thanks for the tips.

Performing the task 'effectively' was implied, but I included it above so it's official.

I've never had the scuff marks, regardless of which bit I've used. But I also clean away the debris as I go.