Acrylic Gluing Question

[OneDummHikk]

This thread is a continuation of a question I had in this thread:
http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/f7...ml#post1461835

I started a new thread to keep from hijacking an awesome DIY build thread.

I have access to a CNC router that we are going to use to cut the top out with so that it matches the tank. The plan is to make a test piece using MDF to get everything right, then cut the acrylic. But yes, it will be test fit to make sure it fits. When its cut, how much margin do I need to allow on the inside? I know it can't be overly loose but I don't want to have to force it into the slot. Is 1/16" too much, not enough?

I think you understood and answered me but here are some pics to make sure. I can't draw in Google Sketchup so I am stuck drawing in Paint.





The first picture is a top down view of the tank.
The black is the original tank.
The red is an overflow box I am adding to it.
The dark purple line is the opening that will be cut in it.
The orange are the drain holes.
The blue line is a "lip" that a lid will sit on. Not sure if the tank itself will have a lid yet (probably won't) but the overflow box will have a lid on it so I can get into it for maintenance.

The outside joints I can cut the acrylic top down to be able to get directly to the joint by leaving myself about 1/16"-1/8" extra material there for a lip to put the glue on and then rout it flush. The overflow box won't be glued on it until the lid is on it so that I can get to the joint between the overflow box and the tank itself. I may end up just leaving that completely open for an overflow instead of cutting slots in it, not sure yet.

I can pre-cut the opening in the lid and elevate the tank so that I can reach up inside the tank to get to the inside of the joints.

The picture on the right is a simple cross section of the joint. The black will be the lid with a slot cut in it, the red would be the tank that slides down into that slot.

[wanareef]

What you are planing should workout fine, either 1/16" or 1/8" lip will work.

Do cut that opening in the lid so you can turn the tank upside down and be able to stick your hand in there to add more #4 if needed. Usually if the parts are touching maybe even use some of that blue masking tape to help hold it down, the solvent will wick all the way down, But with the opening there it'll help.

If you do have a small gap, you can use #16 to fill it - but no more than 1/16" or you'll have to use #40

good luck and post some pix of your project.

[wanareef]

Hay Hikk

How did you do on that tank and hood? Is it finished yet?

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by wanareef

Hay Hikk

How did you do on that tank and hood? Is it finished yet?

Hiya

To be honest, I haven't messed with it. I left Wednesday night and am in Fla. I had a Dr Appt Thursday, back surgery Monday the 26th so I haven't been at home with it. When I get back home and get recuperated enough, I am going to get it finished and set up and will post pics of what I did and how I did it.

I have access to a CNC router which is going to make it a lot easier to get the top piece cut. I get out of the hospital next Saturday and on my way home, going to try to stop and get it cut so it will be ready when I am. Its on my way home and would make a good resting stop.

Sorry I haven't finished it yet but I will.

[wanareef]

Just wondering.

Sorry to hear about the back, I was diagnoised (sp) with a hernated disc 3rd in the lombar and all I got was a 50/50 chance. Told the dr to pound sand and I meet the guy who invented the inverted bar/boots and the swing bed. Got me back on my feet but still have aches and pains but no where near what it used to be - this was back in the 70's from UPS.

Take it easy

[OneDummHikk]

L5/S1 is artificial already. They are fusing L4-L5 and L5-S1 and only giving me 70/30 that it stops my pain. Thats after three years of going through nearly every procedure known to the medical world to try to stop it. He was honest enough to tell me that if this doesn't stop the pain, then only my maker in heaven can stop it that there isn't anything else he can do other than write prescriptions for me.

Its been a long time coming and I will be glad to get it over with.

But, the tank. I have had it for a little over a year. It had water in it for about 6 months and everything I put in it DNSR - Did Not Survive Randy. I got impatient and the last time I emptied it, I promised myself I wouldn't get in a hurry, would take my time, and I won't put water in it until its the way I want it with the sump and everything else filtration wise setup. So I figure that I have been working and planning this for 6 months or so and 2-3 weeks is just a small bump in the road on the way to a successful 12G nano SPS/Clam setup.