DIYer's - Where to buy acrylic?

[tsproul]

I'm looking into making my own sump since I've not come across any that are readily available. I've done a few acrylic projects in the past but they used very small amounts so I didn't mind overspending at Tap Plastics. What retailers/vendors are less expensive? I called my local glass shop and they want ~$130 for a 4x8 sheet of 1/4 inch acrylic. Seems a bit high but if that's the going rate....

Tim

 

[yamaha racer]

tap plastic

 

[Lordhelmet]

i built my own sump for my 55 that was 40x10x16 that would have cost me about $140 at tap plastic but only cost me $90 shipped with http://www.jmkdisplays.com/ Give them a call and get a quote, they will do a great job.

Chris.

 

[Vincerama2]

I've asked before and people have said that "GE Polymer Shapes" (There is one in San Jose) were cheaper. I have no idea, having never gone there or called there. But you might want to call them up. (Google them).

V

 

[GreshamH]

IIRC, they are a wholesale supplier Vince, thus you'll need a business licence. They also require far more detail about the product in order for you nto buy it, then 99% would even know about.

 

[Vincerama2]

Yeah, that's what I figured. The website looks very whole-sale-ish.
One good thing about Tap Plastic is that if you have patience, then you can occasionally sift through the scrap bins for bits and pieces... though generally the pieces are not large enough for a sump. In fact the Tap Plastic in San Mateo cuts most of their scrap into 8.5 inch squares.

V

 

[Elite]

Why not get a used glass tank? Much cheaper

 

[GreshamH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7566114#post7566114 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Vincerama2
Yeah, that's what I figured. The website looks very whole-sale-ish.
One good thing about Tap Plastic is that if you have patience, then you can occasionally sift through the scrap bins for bits and pieces... though generally the pieces are not large enough for a sump. In fact the Tap Plastic in San Mateo cuts most of their scrap into 8.5 inch squares.

V

The Tap in SJ is one of the only ones I've found that seems not to cut down their scrape. It's my favorite scrape bin.

 

[Vincerama2]

For newbie DIYers playing with acrylic, those scrap bins are a total boon! And depending on which Tap you go to, and who is working at the time, if you buy a custom cut piece, you can ask them for a few practice scraps and they won't begrudge you a piece or two (free, I mean).

V

 

[magma01]

hey gresham,
are you talking about the one on Blossom Hill or the one on The Alameda?

 

[Sparkss]

The Tap in Pleasant Hill cuts their scrap down to 12" square. Still large enough for alot of the little DIY projects (like our recent fish trap, etc). I stock up on the different sizes whenever I am in the area

 

[gsengel]

Check out JBC plastics: http://www.jbcplastic.com/

They will cut everything to size for you at a great price. They can also plane the edges for gluing etc. They've been great for us.