help with DIY skimmer

[billyzbear]

I'm planning on making a new skimmer for new tank. I want to make one kind of like this L shaped one. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=536297&highlight=square+skimmer
Is 1/4" ok? Does it have to be cast? Would a sheet from US plastic be ok? http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...SPlastic&category_name=21314&product_id=10477
With this to give it more strength. http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...SPlastic&category_name=21316&product_id=14118
When I cut to fit with table saw can I sand edge with ? to make a nice surface or do I have to buy fancy tool? Any help would be great.
Billy

 

[dattack]

1/4" is fine but I would invest in a router to clean off the edges before glueing with weldon.

 

[billyzbear]

Can I use a Dremal? I've got a real nice one.

 

[billyzbear]

Bump...We need more pages in the DIY section 1 hour after posting and you can't see it with only 3 pages.

 

[ChemE]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7057718#post7057718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billyzbear
Can I use a Dremal? I've got a real nice one.

Does your Dremel have a flush cutting bit? Have you built a router table for your Dremel? I'd only recommend using a flush cutting bit in a router table this way your cut will be square and smooth.

 

[billyzbear]

It has the nice handles like a router. I can fab a table. What bit # or type of bit should I get? I thought I read somewhere you could sand edge. It wouldn't be ideal but would work.

 

[dattack]

I have a dremel but haven't really used their router bits. But my guess is get the largest straight cut bit to clean off the edges. If you can mount your dremel under table then I guess using the 654 1/4" straight router bit might work for the dremel.
You just need an edge guide or a piece of wood (straight) to use as the edge to route off the saw cut.
YOu can sand the edges too but you have to make sure that your sanding is even and the saw cut is also straight and square.

 

[billyzbear]

If I sand what grit? I would think work my way up to smooth 1000? Or is that too fine?

 

[dattack]

I use 220 Grit and it seems to bond well. 1000 grit is too fine and you won't get a strong joint. You need to clean the surface off before glueing.

 

[billyzbear]

Thanks for the help.

Billy