Anybody want to go in on a sheet of cast acrylic

[kimoyo]

I decided to make my own sump. So I was going to get a sheet of cell cast acrylic from ACME plastics in NJ. The prices that gave me were,

4'*8' 1/2" - $245 (plus tax)
4'*8' 3/8" - $165 (plus tax)

The even said they would cut it. I told him around 12 rectangular pieces and he said around $20-25. I'm sure they could edge them up for a little extra. They even sell weld-on 4 and 16.

I would only need half the sheet (actually close to 1/4). So if anyone is down for a 4'*4' sheet, let me know. Right now I'm leaning towards doing the 3/8" because 1/2" is overkill for my sump.

 

[meschaefer]

I might be interested, when where you planning on purchasing the acrylic?

 

[kimoyo]

Soon, I was thinking about running over there tomorrow morning or maybe wednesday depending on when someone goes in with me (because of I need to know the cuts). I probably want to build my sump this weekend. I still have to find out how they do the cuts and how smooth they will be. If they are very smooth then all that would be needed is glue.

 

[meschaefer]

I am interested and am willing to take the other half of your sheet, my only problem is that I have a cash flow issue until the end of next week. I don't need to have it pre-cut as I have the tools to do it myself.

 

[joseney21]

why 1/4", wouldn't that be enough for a fuge??

 

[kimoyo]

why 1/4", wouldn't that be enough for a fuge??

You mean why not use 1/4"?

 

[kimoyo]

I am interested and am willing to take the other half of your sheet, my only problem is that I have a cash flow issue until the end of next week. I don't need to have it pre-cut as I have the tools to do it myself.

Do you have a router and table saw?

 

[joseney21]

yeah, that's what i meant, lol....i should've asked what size sump you're going to build before asking about acrylic thickness...so what size is it going to be??

 

[kimoyo]

~21"*24"*16".

I also found out that ACME plastics will computer cut the acrylic so no need for a router.

 

[meschaefer]

Sorry... I got stuck at work late last night in meetings and didn't have time to check back at this thread.

I have access table saw, router and a bunch of other potentially usefull tools.

 

[kimoyo]

Hey Matthew,

Thats cool. I'm probably going to get everything cut by them since they got the computer. Then all I have to worry about is the gluing. I'm probably going to get a piece maybe tomorrow. I'll have the 4'*4' piece leftover so I can hold onto it until your ready, unless someone else wants it.

Do you have any jigs for gluing?

 

[kimoyo]

Something like this maybe?

[URL=http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b170/kimoyo_/32445Pict0045.jpg]
[/URL]

I could use rulers but some clamps attached to this would be so much more secure.

 

[kimoyo]

In case anyone is wondering where I got that image, this has to be one of the best DIY tank threads I've seen. James from Envision acrylics is 'acrylics'.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=390652&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[kimoyo]

Just found out from ACME that they can do a cutout for the top also. He said it would cost around $50 but I don't know if that would include the other cuts also. I'm heading there tomorrow morning to buy the acrylic and get the cuts made so I'll know more after that.

 

[meschaefer]

Paul

I don't have any jigs for gluing, but I am sure when I get to building one I will end up making something.

I havn't been to look at the Acrylic site you posted, but have you been to http://melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html, he has a lot of information on how he builds sumps and works with Acrylic.

 

[kimoyo]

Paul

I don't have any jigs for gluing, but I am sure when I get to building one I will end up making something.

I havn't been to look at the Acrylic site you posted, but have you been to http://melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html, he has a lot of information on how he builds sumps and works with Acrylic.

Thanks! But probably most of melev's info came from James. A lot of the guys doing acrylic on RC learned from James's threads. But its cool how melev documents his stuff.

Actually I'm really thinking about just getting a router and table saw and doing my own thing. I built a few sumps a few years ago and it wasn't too bad.

 

[meschaefer]

I don't know if they are still running the speacial, but Woodcraft had a Porter Cable router for $99 a week or two back. I don't recall how much HP it had, but I wouldn't think you wouldn't need too much to route the acrylic.

I was also able to get a flush trim bit from them for $5, they occasionaly run
specials on their carbide router bits, reducing there most popular bits to $5 a peice. But, you got catch them when they are running a special

http://Woodcraft.com

 

[kimoyo]

I was thinking about going with a craftsman since their stuff is made by bosch. But still trying to decide if I should get a plunge router and if I should make a table or buy one.

I was thinking about this one, http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00917517000&subcat=Routers+%26+Laminate+Trimmers, because of the digital depth control but I'm not sure if this will be useful or dependable.

I like this one also, http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...0926834000&subcat=Routers+&+Laminate+Trimmers.

 

[meschaefer]

I was watching The New Yankee workshop last weekend wich had a special on routers, and Norm suggests that if you have one router make it a pluge router. That being said, a fixed base router is eaiser to use on a table. I have a plunge router, and use it on a DIY table.

If you were going to go with a fixed base router, take a look at the Porter Cable. Here is the deal, they are also offering a special on a bit set. All and all it is a sweet deal.

http://www.woodcraft.com//family.aspx?familyid=5779&HomePageDeal=True

 

[kimoyo]

Is the porter cable pretty much considered the standard? Any reason why plunge would be better if you have only one? Do you have any pics of your table?