Renovation-Headquarters Banner

Choosing The Right Drill Speed For Acrylic & Polycarbonate

It is important when drilling acrylic and polycarbonate to use the correct drill speed to avoid cracking or damaging the acrylic and polycarbonate materials.

acrylic sheet
Figure 1 - Acrylic sheet

Table 1 - Acrylic & Polycarbonate Drill Bit Speeds

Hole
  Diameter  
Inches

Twist
 Drills 

Pilot-
Point
 Drills 

Brad  Point 
Bits

 Forstner 
Bits

 Spade  Bits
With Spurs

1/16 2500        
1/8 - 3/16 2500 3000 1500    
1/4 - 3/8 2000 2400 1500   500
7/16 - 1/2 1500 1600 1000 250 500
9/16 - 5/8 1500   750 250 500
11/16 - 3/4     750 250 500
13/16 - 7/8     500 250 500
15/16 - 1     250 250 500
1 1/8 - 1 1/4     250 250  

Additional information:

Drill Speeds - Hardwood and Softwood

Drill Speeds - Brass, Aluminum, Steel

How To Drill - Ceramics

How To Drill - Porcelain, Marble & Granite