i need a 24inch cylinder

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by loneracer05, Oct 13, 2011.

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  1. loneracer05

    loneracer05 Clown Trigger

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    Well im prepping for my jelly tank build and im trying to think of a cylinder that about 24in wide that wont melt or deform so I can thermoform the acrylic onto it.I thought of a car tire but im afraid it will leave some imperfections from the treads ....any idea?
     
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  3. SkyFire

    SkyFire Clown Trigger

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    Cover the tire with cardboard or something....or maybe you can use a barrel.
     
  4. malac0da13

    malac0da13 Torch Coral

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    55 gallon drum?

    Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
     
  5. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

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    It's a little more work, but I've seen places build their forms for something like this. They build a rib structure and then cover it with plywood or paneling. Not sure exactly how they do it, but is a thought.
     
  6. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    metal bucket, keg cooler, garbage can (metal), get some thin sheetmetal and sha[e it into a cylinder
     
  7. loneracer05

    loneracer05 Clown Trigger

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    Im leaning twards a 2x4 built thing and round off the corners and fill with wood filler to get it smooth.the problem is. I think it will pick up and texture of its mold.and you can imagine how crappy a n acrylic tank would look with tread marks or lines in it would look lol
     
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  9. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    maybe wrap the fixture with painters tarp, how hot will you be making the acrylic? or maybe clear coat it a few times over to make it smoother. it may not be a perfect cylinder but atleast you wont have a lot of dimples but now that i think about it you could always just usea regular mold then sand the acrylic and polish it afterward and it should be fine
     
  10. ricoop

    ricoop Skunk Shrimp

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    When a tank manufacturer thermoforms a tank, they have to sand and polish them afterwards. I would look into that.
     
  11. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    yea i was just thinking that, i have seen some episodes of tanked and when they make tanks they have to sand it down and polish the acrylic until its shiny and clear again
     
  12. loneracer05

    loneracer05 Clown Trigger

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    I've had pretty good luck just heating and bending with previous projects.but if need be I can do that.you wont be looking through the circle that will be the sides/ bottom and top kinda lol