Starboard

FatAbott · 09-06-2006, 05:42 PM

I know this is looking to be an age old question but I was wondering where you get the starboard from and when getting it cut do you get it cut one inch shorter than the width and length.

Thanks
Brian

Weatherman · 09-06-2006, 06:01 PM

I got mine from these guys.

http://www.thecuttingboardfactory.com

They will cut it for you, if you provide them with measurements. Otherwise, it’s pretty easy to cut yourself, since HDPE is pretty soft plastic.

For the measurements, measure the inside dimensions of the bottom of your tank, and reduce it by about a half inch on all sides. This will allow the board lay flat on the bottom of the tank rather than on the silicone seams.

Fly Guy · 09-06-2006, 06:56 PM

I got mine from portplastics in Portland. I had them cut it an inch over so i could cut it to perfect myself. I have an acrylic tank though so silicone seams were not an issue.

I also had to cut it in half lengthwise so it would fit past my eurobracing.

FatAbott · 09-06-2006, 08:59 PM

hey thanks you guys sorry for not replying later I was out for awhile but thanks for the info.

I will check these different sites out.

Thanks Again
Brian

synack · 09-18-2006, 10:38 AM

What did you guys use to cut the board edges to size? I'm debating on if I should just use a table saw or do I hit it with a router.

gwaco · 09-19-2006, 06:09 PM

table saw will work great . use something like a 24 tooth blade.

REEFSTOCK · 09-20-2006, 11:24 PM

More teeth the better. Starboard is just, HDPE any plastic supply warehouse will have it. Black acrylic looks better and does the same protection job. JIMO

Fly Guy · 09-21-2006, 12:40 AM

Actually there is a difference between hdpe and starboard. Starboard IS hdpe but with more UV protection as it is designed to go on parts of ships and boats that get more direct exposure to the sun and not fade. It cost 2-3 times as much as normal hdpe and the only real value to our purposes is that it is availabe in many more colors than just the standard black and white that normal hdpe is. It does come in a couple of really cool mottled colors that are pretty sweet for a reef floor but its just going to get covered in coralline anyway unless you scrape it off so its definitely not worth the extra money IMO. Especially if you require a 3/4" thick piece like i do it would cost a fortune.

REEFSTOCK · 09-21-2006, 08:31 AM

Ah, great clarification... and advice