DIY- "Pins" method of gluing acrylic.

[melev]

I would use #4.

 

[swedge]

Ok so here is my forray in the Acrylic manufacturing hobby

I just leak tested my Melev Front Refugium and had a pleasant suprise ... no leaks

Here are some pics with water in them, so it a little hard to get a true feel of the look because of the water. I'll post a couple later after its been drained.

So how do you finish the edges? my bracing is extra sharp after routing it (got a couple nice scrapes vacuuming chips out :lol: )

EDIT: Oh, I think I'm gonna add a top cross-brace, my side brace got routered a little close on the front (only about 3/4 inch) and lets the front bow a little.

 

[Acrylics]

Good Job
For the sharp edges - just scrape them with the side of a chisel or similar. When you get this down - the shaving(s) will be just a long string.

James

 

[melev]

It looks nice. You can always run a propane torch around the inside flange to soften those edges, but not on the outside as it can weaken the seams.

 

[swedge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8418916#post8418916 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Acrylics
Good Job
For the sharp edges - just scrape them with the side of a chisel or similar. When you get this down - the shaving(s) will be just a long string.

James

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8420929#post8420929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
It looks nice. You can always run a propane torch around the inside flange to soften those edges, but not on the outside as it can weaken the seams.

Thanks for the tips.

It was fun/nerve wracking waiting for the seams to leak !! lol

I'll post a pic of it under my tank sometime this weekend.

 

[melev]

That's when it'll leak. :lol: Don't forget the sheet of rigid foam underneath.

 

[swedge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8421413#post8421413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
That's when it'll leak. :lol: Don't forget the sheet of rigid foam underneath.

On my LOWE'S shopping list for tonight. I was going to use an anti-fatigue mat, do you think that will work?

 

[melev]

Possibly. I just use the pink 3/4" stuff that sells for $11 for a 4x8 panel. It cuts easily with a utility knife, and makes a great substitute for woodwork.

 

[highquality]

I used WO #16 and then i see your post about using #4. Now im worried it will crash apart after it setup with water. when I glued the sides on the bottom, It made more bubbles than when i did the sides. so the bottom seams are not as clear as the sides. not sure why the bottom did not go as well. any way i get some pics up soon.

 

[melev]

#16 will work as well, but for a patch I don't think it is needed. Water testing your work is key.

 

[highquality]

Hree ya go, what do you think?

 

[highquality]

BAM!

 

[highquality]

BAM again!

 

[highquality]

And here is the culpret. this seam already has the triangle piece glued in , hence the extra extra bubbles of #16

 

[highquality]

Swedge, what thickness acrylic did you use there? just curious if i should be worried about my back panel.

 

[melev]

I think you did a nice job. Now that you are done practicing, are you ready to make the final version?

 

[highquality]

What is the final version?

 

[swedge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8429857#post8429857 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by highquality
Swedge, what thickness acrylic did you use there? just curious if i should be worried about my back panel.

I used 1/4" all around. The dimensions are 26" x 18" x 16". I was impressed that there was less bowing than expect on the front panel, but I'll brace it anyway as a peace of mind issue.

 

[highquality]

I may do the same - well it looks good swedge.

 

[swedge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8431814#post8431814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by highquality
I may do the same - well it looks good swedge.

I like the 'built-in' overflow you created. If I ever convice my wife to let me have a coral grow-out tank in the basement, I think I'll copy your design. It looks great.