How to master sump building?

Well...I bought some acrylic sheets at Home Depot the other day, tried to make myself a square size sump, it turned out alright however, it had one side that had massive bubbles in it, it also had corner hang on quite a few corners so it obviously wasn't "precision" cut/glued together.

I attempted to use a table saw at first to cut it with a 80T blade however it didnt turn out great at all, it just melted it and turned it back into plastic fiber string, not to mention it did not even cut a straight edge(wavy at one spot) even for a table saw, it was a cheap $120 one from Home Depot but I took it back obviously...I ended up using a cutting knife to score it but it was annoying and I didn't really find it precise. I've looked but I was curious if there is a "master thread" to building a sump precisely, such as tools, techniques, I know its mostly techniques , but there isnt much I can find on cutting precise similar measured sides, as well as gluing "a box" together. I referenced mostly Melves reef but still, the cutting techniques did not help.

Any inputs appreciated, thank you.

 

my sump is in a 20 gallon tank then i just added acrylic sheets as baffles the cutting with a straight edge and a sharp razor knife works and then when you use silicone its perfect =) and having the tank already made makes it a hell of alot easier

 

I don't know if you've had to score and break glass before but it works with plexiglass as well. If you have a good straight edge and some clamps you can clamp your straight edge and use it as your scoring guide. Score the plexiglass deeply (Many passes) put your score line on the edge of the work table and then put steady pressure until it snaps. Your cuts should be pretty clean. If the kerf isn't straight (looks like the blade of an ice skate) you need to correct that before you assemble. Weld-On is the go-to solvent for joining plexiglass. Go slow and make sure the seams are clean before you join the edges. Should come out ok.

 

I had alot better time using a circular saw than a table saw. Chipping is always an issue when using high powered options. I'm sure there is an acrylic fabricator out there that can laser cut you stuff for a liitle extra cost.

 

router?

 

You guys with your "real" tools.....

 

I attempted to construct this 17x17" sump box, for my nano tank, I used the plexiglass cutting knife like I said it was just a pain. I'll look into a circular saw, but the new table saw I bought was pathetic, the blade just melted to were it was starting to warp. I didnt use the wax like Melves Reef said, but I did use a 80T blade, might maybe step it up more?...however short of a laser cutter its a big pain...I've done the silicone/baffle in a small fish tank before, which is what I might be forced to stick with, I just don't like it because I really would like to build a sophisticated design layout, essentially for a square "box" size sump.

I used IPS weldon as well, except it was more of the pvc thin glue base, I know they sell a thicker paste like model glue, I'm just looking to cut and build precision sumps, essentially to sell, but more so burning through $100 sheets of acrylic sucks. Like I said I'm sure its all about technique, it was just a royal pain in the ass to both cut and glue together, even with a straight-edge triangle/clamps.

 

it is definitely a craft. if you are interested in "learning" the trade in order to sell tanks and sumps I might suggest working with somebody who knows the trade already. Or take some classes...or buy $100 sheets of acrylic and practice, practice, practice.

Nothing worth doing comes easy.

 

Glass is so much easier to work with lol