13 replies to this topic

[Zrydes]

so im wanting to build a sump but need to cut perpex for the dividers anyone have any experience with this, whats the best tool for the job?

[Leigh]

I have always had relative success with an angle grinder and using a thin cutting disc. Not perfect straight edge, because my hands are not skilled enough but good enough for dividers I would imagine.

Also heard that jigsaw with sharp, fine teeth works relatively well.

[smirq]

Score it deep with a stanley knife, and bend until it snaps.

[Furnix]

jigsaw works fine just have to file the edges as u would if it was wood. (keep the protective sheet on while cutting of course)

[werdna]

You know Perspex doesn't stick to silicone right?

If the sump is a glass tank, I would just use glass dividers.

And they are easy to cut with an $8 glass cutter

[malawiman85]

Yeah +1 or go to masters if you're not at all handy and they will cut a sheet of glass to size for free, only charge is for the sheet of glass. A sheet of 5mm is about $20 and you should get away with 1 maybe 2 sheets at most for sump dividers.

[sydad]

The best tool for cutting acrylic sheeting is a saw bench fitted with a fine-toothed blade. But I agree with Werdna and mm85. Glass is really a superior material for the purpose.

 

Syd.

Edited by sydad, 21 July 2014 - 11:32 PM.

[Zrydes]

did not know silicone doesn't stick to Perspex, does it matter how thick the glass is if I want to drill holes in it

Edited by Zrydes, 21 July 2014 - 03:50 PM.

[werdna]

Depends on the size of the sump, but 5mm should be fine as there is generally very little pressure on the divider as there is usually water on both sides.

[fuggers]

fine blade band saw works well and epoxy for joining..... havent done it for a while so i cant recommend a product. if you want small holes and its thin material a soldering iron is an option to drilling

Edited by fuggers, 21 July 2014 - 05:43 PM.

[Frontosaman]

Bostik Titan Bond works well but a little pricey, would work out cheaper to use glass and silicone, but most epoxy glues that are inert when set, but double check that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bigjohnnofish]

have you ever stuck perspex together with silicon werdna ? what a crock of cow manure... it sticks together well... i made plenty of lids and use silicon to stick on tabs to lift the lid.... admittedly its bond isnt as strong as glass but it does stick...

 

best tool to cut it is a jigsaw and use the biggest teeth like on a wood blade... dont use fine teeth it tends to cut slow and melts the perspex around the blade... a file and a bit of sand paper is good to smooth out the cut....

 

i wouldnt make tanks out of it but its perfect for lids and dividers but they do go opaque over time....

[werdna]

My recommendation was from my experience, so yes I have tried it.
And the bond is crap. About as good as sticky tape.
Every time I have tried it anyway.

[Poncho]

Have to agree with what werdna says - silicon bonds to Perspex very poorly in comparison with most other materials. You can improve the grip by scuffing up the surface of the Perspex where you apply the silicon but if you want the job to withstand the test of time go get some glass.