Acrylic corner weld

[shneerf]

Hello everyone this is my first post here.

I've really been into DIY for saving money and the customization potential and in the future I plan on making my own acrylic tank. One thing I've noticed is that everyone seems to weld their acrylic like the picture attached on the left. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried the weld on the right? I feel like this is actually stronger because there's more surface area and would look better aesthetically. If anyone has any information on this I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Reef-junky]

The best tool for cutting acrylic your self is a router. I would not attempt to make a cut on a 45 angle with one. The only way to do that is on a table saw. Your also going to want to do the pin method not sure if that would even work with a 45 angle.

Welcome to the site

 

[shneerf]

The best tool for cutting acrylic your self is a router. I would not attempt to make a cut on a 45 angle with one. The only way to do that is on a table saw. Your also going to want to do the pin method not sure if that would even work with a 45 angle.

Welcome to the site

Thanks I think you're right. The side pieces might be easy but the bottom weld would be tricky.

 

[Reef-junky]

When you use pins you want the acrylic to drop when you remove the pins with a 45 edge I would think the sides are just going to slide apart. I would be interested to know if bonding an edge like that will do anything to the strength of the bond.

 

[rfgonzo]

Just go with the left weld, then route and flame polish. You'll never see the seem

 

[Greg P]

Keep it simple and go with the 90 degree butt seam. IMHO it's too aggravating to create a perfect 45 degree corner on anything. And it's very difficult to weld a 45 degree corner with acrylic as holding the seam perfectly square while flowing the product is near impossible.
Stick with a 90 degree corner and my personal opinion on aesthetics is to keep the front pane full length.

 

[lapin]

45's can be used. It is a more common method with 2 part solvent that is poured into a gap. Such as making a longer panel than what is avail from the manufactures. They are cut with a CNC machine.