DIY Tools

[richardhmc]

What tools do you ALWAYS use for DIY?

especially when trying to build tanks?

Because of the new house, repairing and such, my dad bought a few new tools like a Black & Decker 4.5 Amp Jigsaw... Is this enough to cut through 1 inch acrylic?

 

[rallysman]

I've found the best thing to cut acrylic is either a router or rotozip. Jigsaws melt it if you're not careful.

One thing I ALWAYS use is a cordless drill, and a nice handsaw to cut PVC. I have a jigsaw and circular saw that don't see much action (unless I'm building a stand or something)

 

[Wolf3101]

Rotozips.....RULE.
I can't imagine not having one around.
You should also have a good set of bar clamps and some 2x4 stock to cut temporary inside braces out of.
Strap clamps are nice to keep around as well and lastly....
A new tool that I found that EVERY and I do mean EVERY tank builder that works in glass NEEDs to have.
A cordless electric calking gun..for SMOOTH even beads.

 

[richardhmc]

Hmm.. Never heard of a electric caulking gun hehe

Rotozips... description?

 

[rallysman]

Hmm.. Never heard of a electric caulking gun hehe

Rotozips... description?

 

[Wolf3101]

Rotozip and power calking gun although I found a MUCH less expencive one.

 

[richardhmc]

Whats the difference between jigsaw and roto-zip? I can tell that for roto-zip it has a straight cutter... That goes well with thick acrylic?

What's a router as well? Is that a bit piece?

 

[Wolf3101]

The Rotozip is a spiral cutter...similar to a router but with a higher RPM. They can drill thier own pilot hole and have a number of attachments to make holes or precision cuts.

 

[richardhmc]

Ahh.. so pretty much with rotozip.. you can cut in any direction?

 

[Shortandfat]

Its a bit that spins and cuts like a jigsaw without the downfalls of a jigsaw. It cuts through things more smoothly, never used it for acrylic but knowing how it works seems like it would cause less melting of it.
Edit: yes it can, more easily then a jig