Working with acrylic.

DaveTheReefGeek · 12-03-2007, 08:57 AM

Hi, I am curious if anyone has ever "successfully" cut acrylic with a circular saw? If so, is there a specific type of blade that should be used?

Also, I have been to the local hardware store looking at acrylic and acrylic cement, noticing that there are several different types (cement) which are qualified by number. Is there a prefered type/grade of cement to use when building sumps and other reef items?

Thanks,
David.

Geoff · 12-03-2007, 10:47 AM

i have cut acrylic with just about every kind of say. the most important thing is to use a fine toothed blade. leaving the paper on the acrylic is also extremely important. keeps the bald/acrylic from heating up and melting back together.

there is only one cement to use with acrylic Weld-On. it comes in different viscosities. 3 is like water, used if your cut joints are perfect. 4 is just a bit more viscus. works well with very straight cuts, but may have a few blade marks on it.

since this is your first time playing with Acrylic than i would suggest Weld-On 16. a viscus glue that fills the gaps from using non-fenced cutting tools.

G~

DaveTheReefGeek · 12-03-2007, 10:55 AM

Thank you Geoff,
I am looking to build my first sump (better than paying for one). I am very good with my hands and have taken on a slew of different projects in the past, however since I have limited access to power tools such as a table saw (the drawbacks of living in a condo) I would agree that using a thicker cement would be a wise choice.

crvz · 12-03-2007, 10:56 AM

Find a blade for plastics/laminates. Last one I bought was around 7" and had 70 teeth I think, for around $10. You can get a good blade for around 10 times that much, but this work worked well for me. I made two sumps with it, but I'll probably buy a fresh one for my next project. a cheap blade has a shorter life.

crvz · 12-03-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveTheReefGeek

Thank you Geoff,
I am looking to build my first sump (better than paying for one). I am very good with my hands and have taken on a slew of different projects in the past, however since I have limited access to power tools such as a table saw (the drawbacks of living in a condo) I would agree that using a thicker cement would be a wise choice.

I have a lot of pics at the beginning of the build thread in my signature... not sure how helpful they'll be put feel free to look around.

Loverotties · 12-03-2007, 11:07 AM

Like Geoff said and sand the edges smooth and take your time doing it your 1st time!Good luck

DaveTheReefGeek · 12-03-2007, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvz

I have a lot of pics at the beginning of the build thread in my signature... not sure how helpful they'll be put feel free to look around.

Yes, thank you Chris. I actually reviewed your entire build thread last night. Very informative, and I must say how wonderful a job you did with your stand and canope!

crvz · 12-03-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveTheReefGeek

Yes, thank you Chris. I actually reviewed your entire build thread last night. Very informative, and I must say how wonderful a job you did with your stand and canope!

Thanks! I think they turned out nicer than my sump, but that's probably for the best. I'm actually considering building a new sump when I have some time off over the holidays, but I don't have a lot of data just yet. I'm still soliciting opinions, but be sure to watch this thread for updates as I continue to make decisions.

DaveTheReefGeek · 12-03-2007, 03:15 PM

Thanks for the info Chris, will absolutly follow the thread.
Dave.

tellycoleman · 12-03-2007, 10:28 PM

If you have a plastic supply company in your area than many will cut it.
just make sure to tell them pecision cuts and they will do it.
I used a circular saw building my rock lift and man. I had to put on a long sleeve shirt.
the tiny pieces of acrylic hitting my arm stung like crazy. not quite as soft as sawdust.

Tasher80 · 12-04-2007, 06:45 PM

I built my own sump with the help from this site http://www.melevsreef.com/ . I had my plastics place cut most of the pieces to size. I left the top and bottom oversized then I routered them after the sump was put together.

crvz · 12-04-2007, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tellycoleman

the tiny pieces of acrylic hitting my arm stung like crazy. not quite as soft as sawdust.

Not my favorite part about working with acrylic, but I've learned to stand to the side of any project I'm cutting. Granted I usually use a table saw, but one trip to the ER from kick-back to the face is enough for me, thanks (and yup, I had on protective eyewear and hearing protection... I just forgot my helmet).

Fly Guy · 12-04-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvz

Not my favorite part about working with acrylic, but I've learned to stand to the side of any project I'm cutting. Granted I usually use a table saw, but one trip to the ER from kick-back to the face is enough for me, thanks (and yup, I had on protective eyewear and hearing protection... I just forgot my helmet).

agree. watch a saw blade tooth bury into the wall just once and you wont even think of putting yor head in that sawline ever again.

gotnohaylo · 12-05-2007, 05:14 PM

scary !! i used 2 different saws and changed the blades to when i cut different wood for my stand ....scary !! i dident have no protectshion at all ....

Fly Guy · 12-05-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotnohaylo

scary !! i used 2 different saws and changed the blades to when i cut different wood for my stand ....scary !! i dident have no protectshion at all ....

a little story.......

I had just my regular old medium tooth blade and thought id make a quick cut to a pice of 1/2" one day......the tooth hit the brim of my hat and disappeared into the wall.

Im not going to lieand say that if I just need a quick cut I still wont make the cut with the wrong blade....but my head will NEVER be in that sawline again

I had a friend who told me a story of a tooth going THROUGH one wall and buring into another off his big c and c machine at work