I have had success drilling a small pilot hole and then making it larger with a step bit. Start with new sharp bits and mask off surrounding areas. Support the shell directly below the spot you are drilling, so you are not stressing the whole shell as you apply pressure to the bit. Others will have suggestions too, so I’d give it a day or two to see what the real experts say.

Good luck.

As stated, support and care are #1- be careful not to scratch ( I masking tape both sides where I am drilling) and never drill through to 'air'-/ that is- have a backing board and SLOWLY go through into that so stress is minimized.- When I'm done drilling I take off the tape and 'chamfer' the holes with a larger lower angle chamfer bit so the holes are not prone to cracking at their edges. Basically you are putting a tiny bevel on the outside and inside of the hole so stress is relieved from the initial drilled hole. (hope I am making it clear enough!) With this method I have had no cracks in the snare I made from a coke bottle Precision drum shell almost 10 years ago... (p.s.- Don't be afraid!- many told me I couldn't drill an acrylic shell and not have cracks later on- HA!- with care you can do it!) I also cut my own bearing edges on a router table- you have to go slow..... but it works!!

As stated it's VERY easy to crack/ruin a piece if caution is not used. Follow advice already posted and (I would) search "drilling acrylics"). Likely a few utube videos showing technique. Good Luck.

I bought a set of drill bits made specifically for acrylic. Even then, all the other advice already given should still be followed.

Thanks for the help guys.

Would a brad point bit be the way to go?

Spur point/ brad point are the 'suggested' and will keep you really accurate- just remember to go slow.../ use a variable speed drill so you can control the speed- not just 'zoom through'! Good Luck with the project!

Great, that will be my course of action. As for the chamfer bit, will a countersink bit accomplish pretty much the same thing (if used carefully)? I see why it's a good idea to bevel the edges.

You got it/ just something to take away that sharp edge/ barely 6 spins/or one slow pull of the trigger - factory doesn't do that but I've heard it 'helps'- ! Sounds like you've got it planned for a successful job!

Cool. Thanks for the advice. Drilling a drum is not my favorite thing to do in the first place much less an acrylic one so this all helps!