Acrylic Sump ?

[nealplumbing]

I am building a sump and I am just wondering if there is any way of cleaning of glue slop after it is dried. I used weld-on 3 and it is so runny.

[Geoff]

as far as i know, no.

the weld on actually softens the acrylic. you may be able to buff it out, but i think it would take a lot of work.

G~

[big t]

I would look at it like this, hey its just a sump and my first acrylic project! Just chalk it up as a learning experience, and next time be more careful with the application of the glue. If you came up with any bad seams just beef them up with some triangle stock and glue them in with weldon 16.

[nealplumbing]

Thanks for the advice. I figured out why I was so sloppy with the glue. I had to big of gaps between the to pieces. I used smaller pins for spacers and used alot less glue therefor alot less mess. Thanks for the help guys

[Scuba-do]

If you do again, have the shop cut to size. The weld-on should be applied with syringe and let capilary action work for you, perfect seams are clear.

[kellymm]

try flaming the runs. practice on a scrap piece with some dryed weldon on it , it won't remove it but it will clear it up quite a bit

[Mr. S]

When you built the sump, is there any set formula as far as bracing the tank, like across the middle in a glass tank? Is your sump 1/4" acrylic?

[nealplumbing]

I didnt use a formula I just kinda guessed and made sure they didnt interfer with any piping. I have 4" brace from front to back on both ends and a 5" brace in the middle front to back. I will try to draw a picture and post it.

[nealplumbing]

Here is a design of the sump I used. IF you need more detail let me know.

[Mr. S]

thanks. 1/4" acrylic? What were the dimensions of the finished project?

[nealplumbing]

yes it is all 1/4' acrylic and I think the dimensions are 29x18x18 it is all I could fit in my stand otherwise I would have made it bigger.

[wanareef]

nealplumbing

I would suggest using weldon #4 next time. It's a little thicker that #3 and dries if I remember right, a little faster.

[Acrylics]

Originally posted by wanareef
I would suggest using weldon #4 next time. It's a little thicker that #3 and dries if I remember right, a little faster.

#4 isn't any thicker, just slower, it's got more TCE in it which slows the reaction down and makes it flow a little nicer. Hence will dry slower as well giving more working time for the solvent to react with the acrylic. #5 is even slower as IPS adds acetic acid which does the same thing.

James

[nealplumbing]

That is true with #4 but I have gotten alot better joints with the 4 than 3. I also tried to order #5 but they told me that they are not making it anymore. If anyone else has heard that let me know. Thanks Jim

[Acrylics]

Instead of #5, you can buy MCBond from Polysciences (www.polysciences.com), they are roughly equivelent or make your own by adding 5% or so acetic acid (not vinegar) to #3 or 4.
Your experiences are not at all uncommon, many have an easier time with the slower solvents as they will also dissolve more acrylic, slower solvent -> longer reaction -> more plastic dissolved. This works up to a point, if you use too much acid, the joint will get a "grainy" look to it which is not attractive though long term strength is very debateable.

James