Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey eveyone
what tools are needed to cut acrylic? I want to make an acrylic tank, but i really don't know how to cut it. Also does anyone know where i could buy acrylic sheets? DOes a place like homedepot sell them?
thanks a bunch
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 imitators(looking for sens and horn line frogs)
0.0.2 Azureus
0.0.3 green pumilio(On waiting list that puts the waiting in waiting list )

You should be able to find a special knife for this purpose at Lowes or Home Depot. The cutting is fairly similar to that of glass cutting. The blade is used to make a slice across the surface of the acrylic (use a stable straight edge for this) and the acrylic is 'snapped' at this fault line resulting ina nice, clean cut.

-Bill J
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Updated list as of: 10/20/03
2.2.3 D. azureus
1.2 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (22 tads in the water)
3.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt'
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'giant orange'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'citronella'
0.0.2 D auratus 'zwartgroene(black)'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black' (tads)
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (very soon)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)

Yes, you can get acrylic sheets at Home Depot or Lowes and some of these stores will cut the sheets for you. IF you are using a thicker sheet 1/4" for example, it is better to have them cut it for you which they do for free. Thinner sheets can be scored with a razor knife, or glass cutter and then carefully snapped. The difficult part is joining the sheets together, if the edges aern't perfect it will not bond easily. There are several different precut sizes available at Home Depot so I usually design my terrariums around those sizes - it makes it easier to replace a scratched up section and makes bonding easier.

Are you sure you can get it at Home Depot or Lowes?

Where I'm at Lowes or Home Depot won't cut acrylic that is 1/4" ( or more ) thick. They sell it, but won't cut it. Also, do a search online and you will find companies ( US plastics is one, I think Rockler too ) that sell acrylic sheets and panels. They are a whole lot cheaper than Lowes or Home Depot. I've used a acrylic knife before, and it can be a pain especially if your cutting thick acrylic. It can be done, but it will take a while ( compared to a table saw ) to make one cut. If your going to use a acrylic knife, make a couple practice cuts. If you slip your going to ruin whatever piece you working on. If your going to use a table saw, make sure you have the right blade, or else you run the risk of either chipping or melting the acrylic.

try drawing a line on the sheet and clamping a 2x4 down and use roto-zip or skill saw type of tool.make sure you adjust the board so that the blade hits the line when held against the board
and DON'T stop halfway through (if you can help it)

Well, I've always been told I'm doing it wrong, but I just run the stuff across my table saw and it works for me.
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3.0.1 Tinc Patricias
0.0.2836 Pea Aphids
0.0.4392 Springtails
0.0.1842 FruitFlies
0.1.30 Dampwood Termites

Nate,
Who's waiting list are you on for the green pums,Patricks?
Mark W.

np
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 imitators(looking for sens and horn line frogs)
0.0.2 Azureus
0.0.3 green pumilio(On waiting list that puts the waiting in waiting list )

i'm on patrick's list, do yuo know of any other people who sell green pums? It seems like they are a less common morph than the bastimentos and red plus i saw some at the national aquarium in baltimore and they really "inspired" me to get some.
p.s. does anyone here have green pum's?
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 imitators(looking for sens and horn line frogs)
0.0.2 Azureus
0.0.3 green pumilio(On waiting list that puts the waiting in waiting list )

Thomas Villegas breeds them with regularity as well as Brian Corey. I'm sure there's more, but those two come to mind.

yeah, they seem to be the most easily produced pumilio yet so finding them shouldn't be too hard. Now, if only blue pumilio were as abundant.

-Bill J
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Updated list as of: 10/20/03
2.2.3 D. azureus
1.2 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (22 tads in the water)
3.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt'
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'giant orange'
0.0.1 D. tinctorius 'citronella'
0.0.2 D auratus 'zwartgroene(black)'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black' (tads)
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (very soon)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)

np
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 imitators(looking for sens and horn line frogs)
0.0.2 Azureus
0.0.3 green pumilio(On waiting list that puts the waiting in waiting list )