willing to help people with acrylic

[FishyinKy]

I work in acrylic making fish tanks and fish systems. At this point we make them mostly for pet stores and custom tanks. If anyone has any questions I would be glad to try to help if you'll be patient with me.

Mac

[dattack]

What's the cheapest tool to make circular cuts (large like 6") in acrylic?
A Router?

Also, which weldon do you use to make small tanks or sumps?

Weldon 3? Weldon 4? Do i need to add Weldon 16 after using 3 or 4?

[scubadude]

I want to build a tank w/acrylic but want to use heat/bend method....Im not interested in those cheesy heating strips that are for sale at plastic shops those are junk and ineffecient IMO. I want something thats much more effecient....I have heard of some ppl using heater strips that they build themselves....Im interested in this. Im also interested in pictures and tips on building jigs for tanks hehehe.....Sorry.....but you asked

[FishyinKy]

Originally posted by dattack
What's the cheapest tool to make circular cuts (large like 6") in acrylic?
A Router?

A hole saw is the cheapest and easiest.


Also, which weldon do you use to make small tanks or sumps?
We prefer weldon 3. Weldon 4 takes a little longer to set up. I don't like weldon 16 personally because it can make bubbles and the bubbles can allow leaks and an inproper seal.


Weldon 3? Weldon 4? Do i need to add Weldon 16 after using 3 or 4?

If I was going to add something additionally I would use weldon 40

[FishyinKy]

Originally posted by scubadude
I want to build a tank w/acrylic but want to use heat/bend method....Im not interested in those cheesy heating strips that are for sale at plastic shops those are junk and ineffecient IMO. I want something thats much more effecient....I have heard of some ppl using heater strips that they build themselves....Im interested in this. Im also interested in pictures and tips on building jigs for tanks hehehe.....Sorry.....but you asked

Don't be sorry I did ask and I am willing. The cheesy heating strips work just fine for thin plexi glass. Most people who get serious about doing this do make their own benders out of the heating element of a dryer. You need to make a platform that is coated with a heat resistent material. Then you put the heating element. Something to power the heating element. (bateries usually)

About the jigs. the big thing is to decide what you really want to make and then go for the jigs. Lets talk more about what you are trying to do. *s*

Mac

[dattack]

I want to make a prop tank out of acrylic. I was just wondering how long will an extruded acrylic tank last? Is it going to have cracks within a year or two if I use MHs?

Thank you.

[FishyinKy]

I have acrylic tanks that are still going strong after 15 years. The biggest thing that you need to do is NOT put pressure on them. Metal halides heat causes the acrylic to basically melt. Acrylic is kerosene based if that helpt you to understand. If you use Metal Halide you need to be sure and have some fans to take care of dispursing the heat or you should raise the halides in some fashion. I know that I just purchased metal halides for my system and I'm planning to get the suspended pendants that don't sit directly on the system. What happens when you have them directly on the acrylic is that the acrylic melts and bends. Full tops are notorious for this.

Mac

[FishyinKy]

anyone else?

[jeff fenn]

I was wondering what the average price for a 4x8 sheet of acrylic would go for if I wanted to make a tank that was 60in wide and around 40 inches tall what thickness would I need

Also what is the best way to cut the acrylic so that the edges ar flat enough.

I get the welding part but that is about it
thanks for your help

Jeff

[FishyinKy]

Originally posted by jeff fenn
I was wondering what the average price for a 4x8 sheet of acrylic would go for

This depends on the thickness you need, how much your going to buy and whether or not you can get it for wholesale or not.


if I wanted to make a tank that was 60in wide and around 40 inches tall what thickness would I need

The 60 inches wide you could use any thickness but when you go over 24- 27 inches and then over 36 inches you have to bump UP the thickness. My guestimate at this point is you'd need 3/4 or 1 inch plexi but I'd really need to do some calculations on this one.

Also what is the best way to cut the acrylic so that the edges ar flat enough.

We use a coated wheel. We have a table saw that we do most of the cuts on. We also route the edges for smoothness and do scrap them with metal for smoothness as well.

I get the welding part but that is about it
thanks for your help

Hope this helped and I'll get back with you on your thickness for your tank.
Mac

Jeff

[jeff fenn]

I might just be dumb, but what exactly is a coated wheel. And what kind of router bit would you use, just a flat long one.

Thanks Jeff

[FishyinKy]

Jeff you are in no WAY dumb. This stuff is very new to you I'm sure. You can buy special and very expensive saw blades to cut plexi or you can buy blades that are coated. There are various kinds of coatings and in this case the coating I use is similar to teflon. This blade is blue! And I bought it from Lowes for $9.00. The name of it starts with an M. I can't tell you exactly because i'm at work and not home. The coating keeps the blade working smoothly because when you cut plexiglas and it heats up it tends to melt.

I use a flat router blade made for acrylic and plastics that came from Sears. I also route edges to make them curved. This calls for a router bit that has the curve. The biggest thing with the router tips is to make sure they are the kind that has the depth gauge or guide so they don't slip.

Keep asking Jeff and anyone else. I'll try not to confuse you and I promise I will have brands on things as I can!

Mac

[jeff fenn]

earlier you said that if you get above 36 inches in heighth you would have to bumb up to 3/4 in plexi.
Well I could deel with a 36in tall tank and it would look great. So if I did a tank that was 36in tall what thickness would I have to use and about how much would it cost. I am assuming that I would use 1/2.
thanks again

jeff

[FishyinKy]

For the blade any thin kerf coated blade that's at least 60 to 80 tooth should work.
Any reputable plexiglas dealer should be able to cut the sheets to size for a small fee. Or at least get one or two of the cuts in. I have to research some more from the prices but you can go to www.usplastics.com for a general idea of price.

Originally posted by jeff fenn
earlier you said that if you get above 36 inches in heighth you would have to bumb up to 3/4 in plexi. jeff

yes definitely!

Originally posted by jeff fenn
Well I could deel with a 36in tall tank and it would look great.
jeff [/B]

Originally posted by jeff fenn
So if I did a tank that was 36in tall what thickness would I have to use and about how much would it cost. I am assuming that I would use 1/2.
jeff [/B]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jeff fenn
That's right on the border but you probably could get away with one half. The big deal is that its right on the border and you would need to make sure that what you put it on, i.E. the stand and what's beneath it is supported very well. At this point I'm guessing its going to be around $200 a 4 X 8 sheet of 1/2 plexi.

[NOVAZER0]

I was thinking of making my own tank i was looking at doing a 48" x 24" x 24" acrylic tank with all the edge welded with an arcylic glue.... what thinkness of arcylic do you think i should use? thanks for the help.

don't worry about my question i found a link that gave me my answer if anyone would like it here it is.....http://freshaquarium.about.com/gi/dy...Fbndiytank.htm

[lakersfan0014]

Wow, not sure of what to say or how much experience you have with acrylic tank manufacturing FishyinKY, but to say a tank with 60" in length and 36" in height is ok to use 1/2" acrylic is just not cool! 24" in height is the maximum that 1/2" should be used at, unless the tank is less than 30" in length. A tank of 60"L and 36"H should be 1" minimum! Now I'm not saying that the tank won't hold water, it probably will, but for how long and what will it look like?? It will bow like crazy and cause severe crazing in the seams if built from 1/2". Hope this helps.

BTW NOVAZERO, you should use 1/2" acrylic to build a 48x24x24, with standard center bracing.

[93zm6tally]

I'm considering going with a 60"x20"20". Would 1/2' be sufficient. Top will be a solid sheet with cutouts.

[Future]

I got one for ya...

What is better Weldon joints or mixing a true Monomer Acrylic joint?

[charlie]

Not to be a putz or anything, but this thread is 6 years old.

[Future]

lol, you're right! This is what happens when forums aren't pruned though.