best way to cut acrylic?

[nolen502]

I have a 58g acrylic aquarium that has a 6" crack at the top. I've been thinking and id like to use it to take the place of my current 10g frag tank, therefore id like to cut at least 7 inches out of its height to do away with the crack and to make it shallower. Any suggestions on what would be the best tool to cut it?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Router or circular saw

 

[TexasYeti]

From what I've seen, most people use a table saw when they can to cut acrylic sheet. I guess you will need some mates to help and hold things steady though. I've used my Bosch Jigsaw to cut sheet for the baffles in the sump. Using a multi-purpose blade I got good results, with no chipping, however that was for the sump. For something fully visible, I think the table saw will give a much cleaner cut and finish.

 

[nolen502]

If I used a circular saw would I just need to turn the blade where it would be rotating backwards? Like you would use it to cut a sheet of tin or something?

 

[mainereefer]

plywood blade backwards on any saw. I would also use duct tape so there is no vibration on the rest of the tank

 

[kuyatwo]

i used a table saw when i cut an old acrylic tank in half to make a frag tank for frag swaps. I like table saws as it can cut in a straight line with ease.

 

[azjohnny]

A table saw with a high tooth blade

 

[Jgomez324]

Scrap it and snap it. We used a air grinder but it kinda melts it

 

[Troylee]

plywood blade backwards on any saw. I would also use duct tape so there is no vibration on the rest of the tank

That's bad advice right there.... Very dangerous and could lose some fingers... A regular triple chip blade 80 tooth or so will be the best you can get with a table saw... A router is preferred and the best out there for working with acrylic..

 

[nolen502]

thanks for all the advice guys, im just gonna give it a go with a regular skil saw. im gonna cut a little higher than where i actually want just so there is room for error.