need acrylic help [Archive]

christopher1260

12-10-2002, 8:47 PM

i'm thinking about dabbling in building a few acrylic aquariums and was wondering if anyone had good websites for this. also, what are the guidelines for acrylic thickness. i was planning on using a router to make all cuts. this seems like the best tool for the job, but i may be way off. one more thing: if any of you have tried this and committed beginner mistakes, please let me know what they are so i don't make the same ones:)

slipknottin

12-11-2002, 10:00 AM

you want to use a tablesaw for the first pass.

use a router after to clean up the edges.

http://reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96763

http://reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98885

latazyo

12-11-2002, 10:54 AM

Excellent how to, including guidlines for thickness (http://www.duboisi.com/diy/BNdiytank/bndiytank.htm)

Luca Brazzi

12-11-2002, 2:51 PM

My advice is that if it is at all possible, get your acrylic supplier to cut the material for you. Ive been building a sump/biotower and an aquarium. The sump will be made from 1/4" and the tank from 3/8". I had the acrylic shop cut the pieces for the tank, and I am cutting the pieces to make the sump. Since the sump wont be visible, it doesnt have to be perfect, just water tight. Even though Ive been very careful at cutting on my tablesaw, Im finding that it is hard to get a nice straight glueable cut. This may be due to fragments of acrylic blowing into the path of the piece Im cutting. Be sure to use a blade meant for cutting plastic, and blow off your saw after every cut.

As far as gluing goes, Im tryin different applicators out. The 1st one is a small squeeze bottle with a long needle on the top. This works well but it tends to drip on the work if Im not careful. I also bought a syringe style applicator, this seems like it will be better at least when it comes to the dripping part.

Luca Brazzi

12-13-2002, 10:20 PM

I need to change my opinion on the saw blade. I went and bought a 7" 150 tooth blade that claims it was MADE for cutting plastic. However, its been VERY hard to get a straight cut using this blade. SO tonight I changed back to my 32 tooth 10" blade, and Im getting a much better edge.