cutting acrylic tank

[PelagicMagic]

Is it possible to cut lets say a 52"x24"x36" down to 52x24x12? I am looking to build a look down tank and can buy a built tank cheaper than I can build one but I would have to cut it down to 12" in height.

[wharyat]

I would think a router would be the best tool. I would try a 1/4" down spiral moritising bit with a stream of water for lubrication/cooling. A circular saw with a plastic blade would probably work pretty well too.

I'm not sure how the vibration from cutting would treat the seams, but they can always be fixed.

[Seaweed88]

A fine blade installed backwards in a table saw should work also.

[Fat Tony]

never run a blade backwards in acrylic, you will melt trough it causing it to weaken and then you will break it. Always use a quality 80 tooth blade for the initial cut and then finish cut with a router using a guide.

[cutietwo]

bump! i am no good with drilling tools!

[wharyat]

A table saw could work too, I do not recommend it on a bench top saw, you'll want a nice heavy contractor/hybrid/cabinet saw. If you find a good saw make sure you have a few people help with keeping it straight.

Table saws are extremely unforgiving. I regard it as the most dangerous tool in my shop. Using it in this particular way really heightens the chance of something bad happening.

[PelagicMagic]

lots of good tips here thanks. I was thinking about clamping 3/4 plywood cut to the height I want the tank to be. Clamp all 4 sides and use the plywood as a guide. The saw I am thinking about is a variable speed jig saw so I can cut slow.

[Loverotties]

Try it up higher 1st to test it out!

[mxracer19]

+1. Just get a fluted edge-cutting router bit, clamp some 1X3's around the tank as guides and go to town.