Acrylic lids any tips or tricks

[tom g]

Wanting to build a acrylic lid with brs mesh
Anyone have any tips and tricks. Tools and such that made the job easier
Photos of the lids u built
Trying to fig out what tools I need planning on purchasing a compact router
Trying to fig what bits I would need for the router

 

[mcgyvr]

Depends on what specifically you are doing to this acrylic..
Just cutting to size? Pockets/lips?

A pattern(template) bit works great if you plan on making a wood pattern to copy to the acrylic.. It can be used for recessed lips/pockets too..

 

[tom g]

Acrylic lid

Acrylic lid

I want to make a lid with a mesh insert similar to aluminum one with the mesh from brs...I like the aesthetics of the acrylic way better...that's just me looks way cleaner ..

 

[mcgyvr]

Like these?
https://www.clearviewlids.com/

If so you will also need a bit sized for the spline you intend to use..

 

[sfdan]

Enjoy: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2682515

Lids still going very strong after 2 years of usage.

 

[tom g]

lid

lid

quickly skimmed thru will be doing some serious reading tonite hope I can ask some questions if needed .. thanks again

what router bit did u use for the spline ...

 

[mcgyvr]

quickly skimmed thru will be doing some serious reading tonite hope I can ask some questions if needed .. thanks again

what router bit did u use for the spline ...

Spline diameter = bit diameter

 

[tom g]

bit

bit

awesome thank you

 

[dattack]

Most of lid manufacturers use polycarbonate and not acrylic. Make sure to use appropriate router bits at least sharp because polycarbonate tends to grab. Or route small shavings at a time to be on the safe side.

 

[laverda]

As Dattack stated polycarbonate is usually used for this application. Acrylic will end up bowing over the because it will absorb more water on he side closer to the water.