DIY- "Pins" method of gluing acrylic. - Page 15

highquality · 10/20/2006, 08:13 AM

Too late....lol What is the shortest time you all have waited to fill up a tank or sump after glueing? Im in a hurry to get it setup! I have orders coming in.

melev · 10/20/2006, 01:05 PM

Minimum 12 hours. I prefer 24 hours, but then again I'm referring to a sump rather than a display tank. James would have the best answer for your question.

Acrylics · 10/20/2006, 01:40 PM

Personally, I'd wait as long as possible. *In general* solvent bonded joints reach 90% strength in about 24hrs, 95% strength in about 72hrs, and full strength in 7-14 days. I know you're not gonna wait that long though

Give it 24hrs and then have a go at it. But, if you can still smell the solvent in 24hrs, give it another 24 - hope this make sense.

FWIW, I wait at least a week before I ship anything.

James

highquality · 10/20/2006, 03:51 PM

So if I wait three days i should be good for sure ? I can go ahead as well and put some WO #16 in a few joints that look a little weak. It wont affect the WO #4 drying after 24 hours?

Acrylics · 10/20/2006, 08:32 PM

You should be fine after 3 days. From a theoretical POV, you *should* wait on adding anything to the joint as adding stuff *may* inhibit/delay the joint from coming to full strength. However in the real world, I *personally* wouldn't hesitate to add 40 after 24hrs but if you have 16, there ya go.
Trying to walk a fine line between what ought to be recommended in a perfect world and what is realistic...not always easy if ya know what I mean

HTH,
James

highquality · 10/23/2006, 04:54 PM

i know what you mean, Thanks - Shes finished

melev · 10/23/2006, 05:00 PM

highquality - you forgot one thing.

highquality · 10/24/2006, 02:53 PM

I knew that was coming , here a partial shot of the tank on end while the exterior overflow box was being glued on. i post some final shot later on.

highquality · 10/25/2006, 06:29 PM

Ok , I have a leak! I originally ran a bead of wo 16 around all inside corners. I used a small tip and made the bead of 16 real tiny . there is some bubbles at the leak . should I put a acrylic block in there or just run some more wo 16, but this time put a little more on? Is this pretty normal for you guys ever?

highquality · 10/25/2006, 07:51 PM

Im gluing in a triangle piece right now to stop the leak and reinforce. what should i use for this: WO #3 or #4 or #16?

melev · 10/25/2006, 08:58 PM

I would use #4.

swedge · 10/26/2006, 07:42 AM

Ok so here is my forray in the Acrylic manufacturing hobby

I just leak tested my Melev Front Refugium and had a pleasant suprise ... no leaks

Here are some pics with water in them, so it a little hard to get a true feel of the look because of the water. I'll post a couple later after its been drained.

So how do you finish the edges? my bracing is extra sharp after routing it (got a couple nice scrapes vacuuming chips out

)

EDIT: Oh, I think I'm gonna add a top cross-brace, my side brace got routered a little close on the front

(only about 3/4 inch) and lets the front bow a little.

Acrylics · 10/26/2006, 08:20 AM

Good Job

For the sharp edges - just scrape them with the side of a chisel or similar. When you get this down - the shaving(s) will be just a long string.

James

melev · 10/26/2006, 01:25 PM

It looks nice. You can always run a propane torch around the inside flange to soften those edges, but not on the outside as it can weaken the seams.

swedge · 10/26/2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Acrylics
Good Job
For the sharp edges - just scrape them with the side of a chisel or similar. When you get this down - the shaving(s) will be just a long string.

James

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
It looks nice. You can always run a propane torch around the inside flange to soften those edges, but not on the outside as it can weaken the seams.

Thanks for the tips.

It was fun/nerve wracking waiting for the seams to leak !! lol

I'll post a pic of it under my tank sometime this weekend.

melev · 10/26/2006, 02:30 PM

That's when it'll leak.

Don't forget the sheet of rigid foam underneath.

swedge · 10/26/2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
That's when it'll leak. Don't forget the sheet of rigid foam underneath.

On my LOWE'S shopping list for tonight. I was going to use an anti-fatigue mat, do you think that will work?

melev · 10/26/2006, 05:52 PM

Possibly. I just use the pink 3/4" stuff that sells for $11 for a 4x8 panel. It cuts easily with a utility knife, and makes a great substitute for woodwork.

highquality · 10/27/2006, 04:26 PM

I used WO #16 and then i see your post about using #4. Now im worried it will crash apart after it setup with water. when I glued the sides on the bottom, It made more bubbles than when i did the sides. so the bottom seams are not as clear as the sides. not sure why the bottom did not go as well. any way i get some pics up soon.

melev · 10/27/2006, 04:49 PM

#16 will work as well, but for a patch I don't think it is needed. Water testing your work is key.

highquality · 10/27/2006, 05:41 PM

Hree ya go, what do you think?

highquality · 10/27/2006, 05:41 PM

BAM!

highquality · 10/27/2006, 05:43 PM

BAM again!

highquality · 10/27/2006, 05:44 PM

And here is the culpret. this seam already has the triangle piece glued in , hence the extra extra bubbles of #16

highquality · 10/27/2006, 07:33 PM

Swedge, what thickness acrylic did you use there? just curious if i should be worried about my back panel.

10/20/2006, 08:13 AM	#351
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	Too late....lol What is the shortest time you all have waited to fill up a tank or sump after glueing? Im in a hurry to get it setup! I have orders coming in. __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/20/2006, 03:51 PM	#354
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	So if I wait three days i should be good for sure ? I can go ahead as well and put some WO #16 in a few joints that look a little weak. It wont affect the WO #4 drying after 24 hours? __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/23/2006, 04:54 PM	#356
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	i know what you mean, Thanks - Shes finished __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/24/2006, 02:53 PM	#358
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	I knew that was coming , here a partial shot of the tank on end while the exterior overflow box was being glued on. i post some final shot later on. __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/25/2006, 06:29 PM	#359
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	Ok , I have a leak! I originally ran a bead of wo 16 around all inside corners. I used a small tip and made the bead of 16 real tiny . there is some bubbles at the leak . should I put a acrylic block in there or just run some more wo 16, but this time put a little more on? Is this pretty normal for you guys ever? __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/20/2006, 01:05 PM	#352
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Minimum 12 hours. I prefer 24 hours, but then again I'm referring to a sump rather than a display tank. James would have the best answer for your question.

10/20/2006, 01:40 PM	#353
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,230	Personally, I'd wait as long as possible. In general solvent bonded joints reach 90% strength in about 24hrs, 95% strength in about 72hrs, and full strength in 7-14 days. I know you're not gonna wait that long though Give it 24hrs and then have a go at it. But, if you can still smell the solvent in 24hrs, give it another 24 - hope this make sense. FWIW, I wait at least a week before I ship anything. James

10/20/2006, 08:32 PM	#355
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,230	You should be fine after 3 days. From a theoretical POV, you should wait on adding anything to the joint as adding stuff may inhibit/delay the joint from coming to full strength. However in the real world, I personally wouldn't hesitate to add 40 after 24hrs but if you have 16, there ya go. Trying to walk a fine line between what ought to be recommended in a perfect world and what is realistic...not always easy if ya know what I mean HTH, James

10/23/2006, 05:00 PM	#357
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	highquality - you forgot one thing.

10/25/2006, 07:51 PM	#360
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	Im gluing in a triangle piece right now to stop the leak and reinforce. what should i use for this: WO #3 or #4 or #16? __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/25/2006, 08:58 PM	#361
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I would use #4.

10/26/2006, 07:42 AM	#362
swedge Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 133	Ok so here is my forray in the Acrylic manufacturing hobby I just leak tested my Melev Front Refugium and had a pleasant suprise ... no leaks Here are some pics with water in them, so it a little hard to get a true feel of the look because of the water. I'll post a couple later after its been drained. So how do you finish the edges? my bracing is extra sharp after routing it (got a couple nice scrapes vacuuming chips out ) EDIT: Oh, I think I'm gonna add a top cross-brace, my side brace got routered a little close on the front (only about 3/4 inch) and lets the front bow a little. __________________ 'The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.' - Bertrand Russell - Current Tank Info: Now Defunct: 70 gal Reef 4/30/04, 29 gal Sump/Refuge, CPR SR-4 Skimmer, 4x65W PC, Maxijet 1200 PH, Aquaclear 500 HOB Filter, 90lbs Tonga Kaelini, 20lbs Tonga Branch. 65gal Hex Reef tank in the process of converting to Equus tank.

10/26/2006, 08:20 AM	#363
Acrylics Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,230	Good Job For the sharp edges - just scrape them with the side of a chisel or similar. When you get this down - the shaving(s) will be just a long string. James

10/26/2006, 01:25 PM	#364
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	It looks nice. You can always run a propane torch around the inside flange to soften those edges, but not on the outside as it can weaken the seams.

10/26/2006, 02:30 PM	#366
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	That's when it'll leak. Don't forget the sheet of rigid foam underneath.

10/26/2006, 05:52 PM	#368
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Possibly. I just use the pink 3/4" stuff that sells for $11 for a 4x8 panel. It cuts easily with a utility knife, and makes a great substitute for woodwork.

10/27/2006, 04:26 PM	#369
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	I used WO #16 and then i see your post about using #4. Now im worried it will crash apart after it setup with water. when I glued the sides on the bottom, It made more bubbles than when i did the sides. so the bottom seams are not as clear as the sides. not sure why the bottom did not go as well. any way i get some pics up soon. __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/27/2006, 04:49 PM	#370
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	#16 will work as well, but for a patch I don't think it is needed. Water testing your work is key.

10/27/2006, 05:41 PM	#371
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	Hree ya go, what do you think? __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/27/2006, 05:41 PM	#372
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	BAM! __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/27/2006, 05:43 PM	#373
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	BAM again! __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/27/2006, 05:44 PM	#374
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	And here is the culpret. this seam already has the triangle piece glued in , hence the extra extra bubbles of #16 __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -

10/27/2006, 07:33 PM	#375
highquality Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: n.c. Posts: 550	Swedge, what thickness acrylic did you use there? just curious if i should be worried about my back panel. __________________ " If you can touch people with wildlife, then they want to save it." Steve Irwin Current Tank Info: One of my tanks is a 50 gallon Mini Reef - 250 wt 20k on a PFO mag. ballast - a 250 wt krystal star 11k on a dynamic E-ballast - ASM G2 1/2 skimmer -TLF phosban reactor with 1 1/2 carbon in it -