DIY Glass tanks

[AndyL]

Hey all,

Want to build a couple custom tanks(as our local shop who does has become less than reliable).

One stumbling block, how do you get clean/straight cuts on glass 1/2" thick? I've had a hard time with 1/8" glass - I can't see 1/2" being easier to work with.

What process is used to polish edges?

Andy

 

[windsor-aquatic]

I would suggest getting the glass cut to size by the supplier, or contact Will at AquariumObsessed and ask his advice. The edges can be polished by using (very carefully!) automotive grade wet and dry sanding paper, or purchase a diamond-impregnated pad to do the job.

 

[AndyL]

Thanks w-a, emailed will.

Glass cut by the supplier is an option, just a very expensive one (lots of cuts, lots of edges to 'finish' of course they charge per cut and per inch of finishing).

I've been poking around, crlaurence sells a neat little converted dewalt cordless circular saw (looks like they added a little water spray head, and a diamond blade) for cutting glass.

I played around a bit with a tile saw I bought for a flooring project - cuts 1/8" glass pretty cleanly. Would just be rather cumbersome to cut a 4x8 sheet with it (then again, I could just have them do the big cuts...)

Not sure I actually need polished edges - just clean / safe edges, no risks of injury to myself when cleaning the tank... Thats my main concern really - polished is probably the wrong word.

Andy

 

[Paverdude]

I had some glass work done at my house (not aqu related)

some was clear polished $ .75 in, some was mat polished $.35 in and

some had the shard edges removed (can't rember what they called

that) included with cut price

 

[thesaent14]

how about this

 

[whitesquall]

i've bought 2 custom tanks in the past from a shop which i'm freinds with the owner and he let me watch the tank build process...

1st you need a large enough bench to lay the glass flat, then you need some fine grade oil and a regular glass cuter, making sure all cut marks are square! then place the metal square on your line.. dip the cutter in oil run cuter back and forth twice with even firm pressure, tap the glace every inch along glass with the ball on the glass cuter and then lift the glass and place the ball of cuter under the cut line and apply even pressure to snap the glass.
Note: From score to snap should be no more than 1min if you want it to be clean..

then to take the sharp edge off he uses a hand held belt sander and runs it along the edge at a steady speed.

one more thing you should never place the side panels of glass on top of the bottom sheet ( it increases the chance of the bottom peice cracking drastically).
he used scrap peices of 1/2" under the bottom sheet and siliconed side panels around the base.

Hth's
Al.