What type of acrylic cement is best for this job?

[Phixer]

I have some cell cast acrylic panels that are 1.25" thick. They are 10FT in length and about 36" tall. Im trying to decide which method to use to bond them. I have made lots of smaller tanks but none with material this thick or panels this long and heavy. Up to this point I have always used solvent cement, but at this thickness Im thinking Weld On #40/42 might be best. Here's where Im confused.

Will #40/42 form as strong a bond as #4 even though its not really a solvent?


Since it's #40/42 and fills gaps, should I bevel the edges of the vertical panels, creating a small gap from the outside bevel. Then fill it in with the cement using a jig to keep it perpendicular. This would create a fillet on the outside that could be routed off.

Using #4 and the pin method, if I let it soak for long enough will the solvent be completely squeezed out of the joint from the weight of the panel after I pull the pins and the panel sinks down or will a long enough set time allow the both surfaces enough time to soften so they mesh together and it wont matter what squeezes out when the piins are pulled?

Confused as to what method and type of cement should be used here.

Thank you

[Geoff]

sorry, i have not used any acrylic that big also. i have heard that most people use #40 when they acrylic gets thicker than 1/2".

i will see if i can find someone who knows the answer to this.

G~

[Loverotties]

That's what I heard too!But never used it either.

[Phixer]

Thanks guys.

[Geoff]

try PM'ing Acrylics. he is on only regularly, but seems to respond to PM's.

G~

[Phixer]

I sent him an email, he has helped me out before. The strange part is the ammount of conflicting information I read. One place says #40 is stronger the other says #4 is. I think its really a matter of technique more so than the type of cement used.