bonding acrylic

[scott s]

I have read many DIY acrylic tanks and understand how to do it. Here's my question. Since preparing the edges is such a pain in the butt, has anyone experimented with just bonding unprepared edges together to see how it holds? My first thought is a problem with air bubbles but I would like to hear from someone who has experimented with this. Thanks.

 

[Chaz88]

My experience when experimenting with some stuff that did not have smooth flat edges was that you tend to get an incomplete bond unless you use a thicker bonding agent. Even then the bond is not as strong as when you have nice smooth square edges. A small jointer is great for preparing the edges, just use sharp blades and do not feed the material to fast.

 

[scott s]

When you say " stuff that did not have smooth flat edges", do you mean edges that were cut with a saw and simply were not smooth ( but are flat ). Or edges that were a little beat up?
I'm just thinking what if I have acrylic cut to size ( and of course measure it ). Bond it with the thin agent, then go over it with the thicker agent. Sure would save alot of time and prep work. Any thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Chaz88]

When you say " stuff that did not have smooth flat edges", do you mean edges that were cut with a saw and simply were not smooth ( but are flat ). Or edges that were a little beat up?
I'm just thinking what if I have acrylic cut to size ( and of course measure it ). Bond it with the thin agent, then go over it with the thicker agent. Sure would save alot of time and prep work. Any thoughts. Thanks.

Yes, I am mostly referring to saw cut marks. If the saw used to cut it has a fine enough blade, or even better a water jet saw is used, it might not need any more prep work. The saw marks tend to interfere with a smooth capillary action bond. Also if the depth of the tank does not bring up pressure issues the strength of the bond is not as critical as long as it is water tight.

 

[scott s]

Thanks! Anyone else?

 

[ronp327]

i was thinking the same thing. if you have large pieces it will be hard to use a machine to help you unless you use a router. but on the small pieces like baffles for a filter you could use the jointer or a router table.
I was also thinking if someone had access to a CNC machine. I'm sure that would cut some nice smooth edges. I do know you cant hit them with a tourch and then weld them together. The acrylic will turn all white and not bond very well.
I guess its best to spend the time and hand prep all the pieces just to make sure its done right. Acrylic is not cheap so di it right the first time. Good luck.

 

[Chaz88]

One other thing. If you source the acrylic from a local shop that handles a lot of precision work they can normally prep the edges properly for you. If the price for the extra work is not ridiculous it is probably worth it.