For a myriad of maddening reasons… I need to run a couple 1″ PEX tubes through the front panel of an enamel covered cast iron bathtub (to reroute my hot water radiation).
SO, I find myself needing to drill two 1 1/4″ holes through this thing in a fairly neat and accurate way.
Would you start with a masonry bit first, to penetrate the enamel?
Then do I get some kind of abrasive carbide hole saw for these holes?
Never run into this before, any thoughts appreciated!
Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.
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Replies
If you succeed please post pics. I would think you'd need a diamond type tile hole saw. I have one I think I paid $80 for it. Actually its not the diamond type (that one didnt work) it just a tile hole saw.
If you can get through the cast I think your bigest problem will be not shattering the ceramic.
Good luck.
PEX bends ...
cast iron don't.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
trust me, I'm bending the stuff plenty...There's no good way around the tub.I'm having to reroute supply lines that were buried-copper in cement slab 50 years ago (they're leaking..and my fuel bill is going through the roof).
I've seen extra holes sandblasted in a ceramic/CI sink. It was done taking the sink to the sandblaster, however. Still, you can cut pretty fast with even a small sandblaster if you have the air pressure; i've cut holes in plate glass this way, too. Resist can be a piece of EPDM rubber-cememted to the tub. You'd get some sand under the tub, though....
I've sandblasted patterns on glass before, but never tried to cut through something. It would certainly be the safest way to insure the enamel didn't shatter.This is a finished and heavily used bathroom tho, and I'd worry about all that sand.
http://www.hobuk.co.uk/acatalog/Dtas-Diamond-Hole-Saws.html
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
YEAHHH That's what I was picturing! Any idea if I should be concerned about the enamel shattering?
The fined-tube cover and end plate will cover the holes within an inch to spare, so a little chipping around the hole isn't a problem. I'm worried about spider cracks across the face of the tub kind of thing...
Edited 3/3/2008 10:16 pm ET by Stray
We had the plumbers drill a extra hole in a cast sink they used a special bit made for it I think it was carcide grit it did a real nice hole. I would check with a good plumbing supply co
Good luck
Good advice. I'll hit the plumbing supply on my lunch hour tomorrow.
HI
I just found a site that has what my plumbers used http://www.hermanscentral.com/department/relton-brazed-carbide-hole-saws-10447.cfm Good luck
PERFECT!Thanks.Anyone want to buy a "slightly used" carbide tooth saw? :)
Yes it can crack & chip the enamel.
Follow the directions that come with the saw.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
FWIW Relton makes some good cutting tools and drills. I have used them for years. I wouldn't hesitate to spend money to buy one of their tools for a job. Excellent customer service in my experience as well.
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
make a jig to keep blade from jumping and go slow. use oil to lube, it will help.
i have only done 1/4" holes in my tub, but it is posssble. i just used two of my carbide drill bits, started with an 1/8.
cover bottom of tub with a liner. dust from cast iron makes a mess similar ot soot. but doesn't clean real easy.
might want ear plugs