need help with acrylic welding

[topenjoin]

Hi guys so I am trying to build a frag tank out of 3/16 acrylic. I am using Weldon #4. What are the best ways to have a clean weld, the only part I need help with is when I try and apply the solvent, the solvent does not want to get in all the spots due to the pessure from the sheet. What are some ways to fill in completely first try? I have heard about guitar strings. Alsowhat are the best methods to keep the acrylic squared. Are there any specific clamps I can pickup locally?

Also any recommendations on router bits?

Thanks,
David

 

[NeilFox]

Get some corner clamps. Pins used for sewing work good. Get the ones with round heads to pull them out quickly. If you run a router over the edge you will have a nice mating surface. I made a router table with a fence for this. I use staight bits with a ball end so you can use the same bit and trim the excess after assembly. Just make sure to tape off where the ball makes contact with the acrylic surface. I have a 1/2" chuck on my router and use carbide bits with at least 2 cutters. It's been a while since I built a tank but that is the basics. The bits I used had 4 cutters. I think they where made by Hansen? My brother borrowed all that stuff about six years agoand still hasn't returned anything.

How big is the tank going to be? 3/16" is very thin...

 

[tatuaje08]

You tube has videos showing the 'pin method.'. Most hardware stores sell corner clamps.

 

[topenjoin]

Thanks for all the info! The tank is going to be roughly about 14 gallons eurobraced more of a prototype to get all the seems right. Also for the pins how long do you wait till you pull them out. I have read on some other forums that you should wait about 60 seconds seems way to long. I have been pulling my guitar strings right away and get a big splash of Weldon. i just want to get the acrylic seems as best i can get them.

 

[tatuaje08]

Depends on the Weldon used. I know I did a build and left them in a little too long. It created air gaps where the wire was removed. It can be hard to do if its a large tank. Yours is small so you shouldn't have a hard time pulling all of the pins. I don't remember how long most people say to wait.

 

[peppie]

The correct answers for all your questions are here
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056956&page=134

If you are going to build an acrylic tank this is the best info you can find ANYWHERE

 

[NeilFox]

That thread is awsome but huge. Your little tank will be fine. Use Weldon 4 not 3. It will give you a little more time and it is stronger. You should pull the pins after ablout 15 to 30 seconds. You actually want a little glue to come out and make a little fillet. When you trim the outside with a router you won't notice it. The 3/16" will give you a nice feel for things.

 

[topenjoin]

Thanks, yes i have done a ton of reading on the thread last night, a ton of information, i just picked up some 1/2 inch acrylic, really don't want to mess up the seems on this build!