16 replies to this topic

[CamponotusLover]

Hey! I made this hole in this plastic/acryilic container (I can't tell which it is) with a knife! Suprisingly, it came out great! And no cracks due to a certain technique I made!

 

Here it is: http://ctrlv.in/930409

 

Anyhow, I have a question, should I keep it as it is, which would mean if I attach a test tube it would NOT go through, But! I can attach it with tape really tight in a manner that the ants when passing through will NOT get stuck or be exposed to tape, and yes the hole is big enough to fit all my queens sizes.

 

OR I could make it big enough to fit the entire test tube THROUGH the hole.

 

Do note 1st of all: I will be adding grout up to level with the hole so they won't fall if they trying to go into the container.

Do note 2nd of all: I don't know yet if I will add a test tube or a tube that connects to another nest, but I am pretty certain I will connect a test tube...

 

Opinions on what I should do please?

[BMM]

I also make holes by hand. It feels much more controllable than doing it with a drill and there's not really any risk of cracking.

 

As far as attaching tubing or a test tube, I use bits of rubber to make grommets. You make a ring with it that matches the circumference of the hole and then push the tubing or test tube in. It'll sit snug with no space for the ants to escape and you can easily disassemble it if you need to make changes.

[dspdrew]

Drill bits were designed for making holes and will always produce much better results. You just need the proper bit.

 

[Zeiss]

I agree with drew, a step-bit ( Methinks that is what they are called) works much better.  

[CamponotusLover]

I also make holes by hand. It feels much more controllable than doing it with a drill and there's not really any risk of cracking.
 
As far as attaching tubing or a test tube, I use bits of rubber to make grommets. You make a ring with it that matches the circumference of the hole and then push the tubing or test tube in. It'll sit snug with no space for the ants to escape and you can easily disassemble it if you need to make changes.

My vocab is very poor sorry, I need a more simple word explanation.

[CamponotusLover]

Drill bits were designed for making holes and will always produce much better results. You just need the proper bit.
 

I plan o buying one in the future, but I won't be going to a store any time sokn. Either way I'm just happy I still got something that works.

[Kevin]

You need some kind of adapter, a test tube will never perfectly fit into a thin acrylic hole from my experience. 

[Bracchymyrmex]

Fixed the image: 

 

[BMM]

 

I also make holes by hand. It feels much more controllable than doing it with a drill and there's not really any risk of cracking.
 
As far as attaching tubing or a test tube, I use bits of rubber to make grommets. You make a ring with it that matches the circumference of the hole and then push the tubing or test tube in. It'll sit snug with no space for the ants to escape and you can easily disassemble it if you need to make changes.

My vocab is very poor sorry, I need a more simple word explanation.

 

Here's a picture. Hopefully that helps. You can see the rubber piece between the plastic and the tube. This works quite well for me.

[CamponotusLover]

You need some kind of adapter, a test tube will never perfectly fit into a thin acrylic hole from my experience. 

Oh well, I actually adjusted the hole today, and with ALOT of presicion, I was able to make it fit PERFECT.!

 

 

 

I also make holes by hand. It feels much more controllable than doing it with a drill and there's not really any risk of cracking.
 
As far as attaching tubing or a test tube, I use bits of rubber to make grommets. You make a ring with it that matches the circumference of the hole and then push the tubing or test tube in. It'll sit snug with no space for the ants to escape and you can easily disassemble it if you need to make changes.

My vocab is very poor sorry, I need a more simple word explanation.

 

Here's a picture. Hopefully that helps. You can see the rubber piece between the plastic and the tube. This works quite well for me.

 

Oh well, I actually adjusted the hole today, and with ALOT of presicion, I was able to make it fit PERFECT.! Well not fully, but VERY tiny holes which none of my ants can escae through. HOWEVER those look really good, where do I get them?

[Kevin]

I mean, if you spend some good time carving it with a knife it could work.

[CamponotusLover]

Yeah, and so it is what I did. Though all your ways are still better since well.. Like you said "spend some good time" key word there... "Time."

Took me like 30-45 minutes. If I had the resources I would do it you and everybody elses way/

[BMM]

30-45 minutes??? What type of knife are you using? I use a knife for scoring plastic and I can make a similar hole in about 2 minutes. 

[CamponotusLover]

30-45 minutes??? What type of knife are you using? I use a knife for scoring plastic and I can make a similar hole in about 2 minutes. 

Idek what plastic it is. But my knife is really tough and good, its just.. This plastic is really strong and a tiny bit thick.

[CamponotusLover]

30-45 minutes??? What type of knife are you using? I use a knife for scoring plastic and I can make a similar hole in about 2 minutes. 

And I will admit 30-45 minutes is a bit exaggerated. It was more like 10-15 minutes, but also I go pretty slowly while carving a perfect hole cause i don't want any cracks.

[Alabama Anter]

1000 DEGREES HOT KNIFE CHALLENGE MOST SATISTFYING VIDEO IN THE WORLD!

[Kevin]

Generally, similar containers are made from injection molded polystyrene, a somewhat brittle plastic.