pneumatic buffer for acrylic scratch removal
- Thread starter Elliott
- Start date
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
It can be done. Try micromesh.
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
You might have more luck with this question in the DIY forum.
Also you will need a DA sander. Don't spend more then $120 on one, as it will be ruined after a couple uses exposed to saltwater.
Also you will need a DA sander. Don't spend more then $120 on one, as it will be ruined after a couple uses exposed to saltwater.
sfsuphysics
Active member
If there are that many scratches, I'd drain the tank enough to deal with them, you don't have to completely drain... but I wouldn't bring an electrically powered tool too close to the water 
You can save the water too (assuming you have the storage).
If it's a few scratches, do it by hand (or magnet)
You can save the water too (assuming you have the storage).If it's a few scratches, do it by hand (or magnet)
not with a pneumatic random orbital buffer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNFSIvicf5k
anyone have experience with it?
I'd be careful unless using a device specially designed for aquarium/underwater. Pneumatic stuff has oil inside and i spews a minute oil mist as its used, and they need occasional additions of oil as ongoing maintenance.
It's possible the guy with video has a special device, or designed his special, or maybe is using a specialized lubricant that's fish safe to lube the orbital sander as needed.
yes, agreed
I know Joe (20,000g tank in NY) has used a pneumatic buffer on his tanks as well
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
What size tank is it? There are several large public aquarium maintenance companies that specialize in this type of service. Its very costly but if you are willing to pay then it can be done.
yes, there is a company in California that does it but I'd prefer to learn it myself
900g tank
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
Do you have any pictures of the damage? You will need a large air compressor and I would recommend using micro mesh. They also have an instructional video posted on youtube. I will see if I can find the link.
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
Found it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnQDNS0nKH0
Use their micro mesh series of products. Be prepared for a lot of work.
Use their micro mesh series of products. Be prepared for a lot of work.
the scratches are hard to see, not deep at all but several are long, about 24"
I didn't notice the cleaning magnet has a granule of sand in it until the damage was done
I'd rather use a buffer than work all day on it by hand
I already picked up 1000 all the way up to 12000 grit 5" wet/dry sand paper for use with a buffer that should do the job well
I could also use with my magnet but too much work for me
I didn't notice the cleaning magnet has a granule of sand in it until the damage was done
I'd rather use a buffer than work all day on it by hand
I already picked up 1000 all the way up to 12000 grit 5" wet/dry sand paper for use with a buffer that should do the job well
I could also use with my magnet but too much work for me
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
Even if you use a DA sander it will take hours.
Here is a list of equipment you will need. If you don't have any of these items it will cost you around $2000.00 to get started.
-Purchase an air compressor that can produce 90psi at 20 CFM+
-Purchase an DA sander "make sure to clean it in fresh water first to remove oils"
-Purchase micromesh sanding dics from 1500-12000.
Hope this helps.
Here is a list of equipment you will need. If you don't have any of these items it will cost you around $2000.00 to get started.
-Purchase an air compressor that can produce 90psi at 20 CFM+
-Purchase an DA sander "make sure to clean it in fresh water first to remove oils"
-Purchase micromesh sanding dics from 1500-12000.
Hope this helps.
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
If the area is small enough you might be able to complete this project by hand. You could purchase micro mesh disc and attach them to your magnet even.
thanks, also hoping to find someone who has experience with this particular application
Carch melanopte
In Memoriam
I have years of experience. Let me know what other questions you have. Its a fairly strait forward process. I would recommend practicing on some scrap acrylic first though.
