JMsAquarium February 8, 2008 February 8, 2008 Here's a little demo from Tap Plastics showing some basics about bonding two pieces of acrylic together. Enjoy.
lanman February 9, 2008 February 9, 2008 Here's a little demo from Tap Plastics showing some basics about bonding two pieces of acrylic together. Enjoy. Awesome! I think I watched their whole series. Cutting, Bending, Bonding, etc. bob
flowerseller February 9, 2008 February 9, 2008 Awesome! I think I watched their whole series. Cutting, Bending, Bonding, etc. bob OH NO, Jeff buys a huge robot router, Dan buys one, and next Bob will buy one. I will say having been gluing DIY plexi projects for about 18 years, it's a lot more to it to produce a nice clean, bubble free, strong, joint/seam.
JMsAquarium February 9, 2008 Author February 9, 2008 OH NO, Jeff buys a huge robot router, Dan buys one, and next Bob will buy one. I will say having been gluing DIY plexi projects for about 18 years, it's a lot more to it to produce a nice clean, bubble free, strong, joint/seam. Very true Master Chip.
NAGA February 9, 2008 February 9, 2008 Yes, those videos are very simplified but, provide how to do a basic bond. How I would say that would apply to anyone here looking to build a sump or refuge using the methods they show in the video is really not for anything that would hold a lot of water. If someone was looking to build a refugium or something less than 25 gallons you could get away with gluing something that way provided your gluing on a jointed/routed edge. saw cut gluing for something thats holding water really is a NO-NO!!
Boret February 9, 2008 February 9, 2008 Here's a little demo from Tap Plastics showing some basics about bonding two pieces of acrylic together. Enjoy. Thanks that was a great link. I did watch the whole series as well. All I need to do is to free up enough space in the garage to actually be able to work in it!!
lanman February 10, 2008 February 10, 2008 OH NO, Jeff buys a huge robot router, Dan buys one, and next Bob will buy one. I will say having been gluing DIY plexi projects for about 18 years, it's a lot more to it to produce a nice clean, bubble free, strong, joint/seam. Not me... I have too many fish tanks to take care of! The extent of my playing will be making little boxes and 'doo-dads'. My router table is home-made, and cantankerous - but I do have some fine table saws. I considered my successful fabrication of a 'hanger' for a little frag rack by bending some acrylic a major success. I'll leave major acrylic fabrication to those who truly enjoy it. bob
Brian Ward February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 Yes, those videos are very simplified but, provide how to do a basic bond. How I would say that would apply to anyone here looking to build a sump or refuge using the methods they show in the video is really not for anything that would hold a lot of water. If someone was looking to build a refugium or something less than 25 gallons you could get away with gluing something that way provided your gluing on a jointed/routed edge. saw cut gluing for something thats holding water really is a NO-NO!! So what's the technique difference between capillary solvent welding and what you would do when manufacturing a tank/sump larger than 25 gal?
NAGA February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 It's a very involved and long explanation that would not be adequately explained by a simple post to your question. Literally a book could be written on this topic if one has not already been done. There are so many variables that factor in on any given project that in my oppinion take years to be exposed enough to where they are mastered as to producing not only a strong joint but,also a asthetically pleasing joint where bubbles are so few or for that matter not existent. I know this from 15years of experience through DIY and being professionally trained in 3 different acrylic shops here in Maryland. Chip (flowerseller) has been doing acrylic for longer than I have and actually brought me into the trade back in 92' and would I know also agree the video is a simplified explanation to achieve a basic bond for primarilly decorative repairs or light duty work. I will certainly agree that for smaller projects in our hobby there is a lot of DIY potential in successfully building something that will last many years of service. Things that aren't going to hold more than 30gallons of water constently is something that most any handy people can do without too much risk of failure if the machining is proper. Anything larger than that really should be done by someone that is professionally trained IMO. Your taking a huge risk IMO if you don't. Who needs that much water on the floor with the wife flipping out. I do hope and plan on working with WAMAS in conducting some workshops where folks that want to have a sump or other project done they can come and do it themselves at a WAMAS workshop. With a recent purchase I made I think that I will be able to offer a great deal more help those who aspire to take on a small project for their tank..........perhaps you will be one of them. Jeff
YBeNormal February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 I DIY a lot of my stuff including acrylic overflows, sumps, ATOs, stands, etc. There is so much more satisfaction in building something yourself rather than paying someone else to do the work and cost savings can be quite substantial. I agree with Jeff though that building of larger acrylic tanks should be left to the professionals or at least to folks with the tools to do the job correctly.
Brian Ward February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 (edited) OK. Good information. I purchased some of the equipment a few months ago but haven't gotten around to doing too much work with it. I was mostly curious if there was a different bonding technique for larger, water-tight boxes or if it was mostly practice. In this hobby, wood doesn't suffice for many of the things we need so learning to build plastic parts is very useful. No more paying $40 for something that takes $10 in plastic and 30 minutes of time NAGA, Any chance we can buy bulk acrylic from you? Weld-On? Getting up to Piedmont by 4pm M-F is nearly impossible so finding another supplier would be very helpful. And I know I'd be willing to pay a modest markup for evening or weekend convenience. Edited February 11, 2008 by Brian Ward
NAGA February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 I agree with Jeff though that building of larger acrylic tanks should be left to the professionals or at least to folks with the tools to do the job correctly. It takes more than just tools to do the larger stuff. Brian, absolutely ..................I can bring you what you need at this weekends meeting. Jeff
Brian Ward February 11, 2008 February 11, 2008 It takes more than just tools to do the larger stuff. Brian, absolutely ..................I can bring you what you need at this weekends meeting. Jeff Thanks, I don't really need anything at the moment, and I probably won't be at the meeting this weekend. I'm taking GMATs on the 18th and I'll be studying away. But it's good to know I can get materials from you as I need them
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