Cutting acrylic sump with a Dremel?

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

Anyone have any experience? Pros? Cons? I’m debating on opening up my sock filter area to fit the Klir DI4 filter. Not sure if I want to do that or just return the filter.

minus9 · Dec 4, 2018

I modded my sump. Check out my build thread. Wear gloves, eye protection and a mask. It takes some time, but it worked out in the end.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/johns-sps-shallow-90g-peninsula-lagoon-build.330301/page-4

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

Just read your thread. Nice build!! You used a dremel to cut your sump??

cromag27 · Dec 4, 2018

rotary tool would work. needs a steady hand and it will take a while, and you might burn through several cutting discs.

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

I only need to cut out 2 small pieces so I doubt it would take awhile. I’ll take a picture in a little bit and show ya what I mean

minus9 · Dec 4, 2018

I used a generic rotary tool, but used a dremel cutting tool. High speed cutting bit #196. It's messy, but I didn't have to sand the edges, but lightly edged them with the bit.

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

Here’s a pic, I just need to open the sides on the left and right maybe 1/2” total. I feel like a dremel and cutting wheel should be more than fine right? I only ask for a dremel bc I already own one haha

minus9 · Dec 4, 2018

I would use the bit I used and tape the area, use a sharpie or pencil to mark the area to but cut. It’s the same idea as using a router, go slow and you’ll have clean edges. Shouldn’t take too long?

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

minus9 said:
I would use the bit I used and tape the area, use a sharpie or pencil to mark the area to but cut. It’s the same idea as using a router, go slow and you’ll have clean edges. Shouldn’t take too long?

“Shouldn’t take too long?” Was that sarcasm?? Lol I’d definitely go slow, I don’t want to crack the acrylic. On the left is my ATO chamber that I don’t use bc it’s only 2.2 gallons but on the right is my fuge area.

cromag27 · Dec 4, 2018

Sobo's Reef said:
I only need to cut out 2 small pieces so I doubt it would take awhile. I’ll take a picture in a little bit and show ya what I mean

i only say a while in case you break discs and have to replace them.

cromag27 · Dec 4, 2018

actually, if you have rounded tungsten bits, that would work much better than a cutting disc.

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

Are they the cone looking ones?

minus9 · Dec 4, 2018

Wasn't sarcasm, but didn't want to make it sound like it would be a quick job. Poor use of punctuation. [emoji16] This is what I used.

Sobo's Reef · Dec 4, 2018

minus9 said:
Wasn't sarcasm, but didn't want to make it sound like it would be a quick job. Poor use of punctuation. [emoji16] This is what I used.

It’s all good!! I don’t have that bit.. I gotta run to the hardware store so I’ll see if they have one. Thank you!

txrdnk · Dec 5, 2018

Sobo's Reef said:
It’s all good!! I don’t have that bit.. I gotta run to the hardware store so I’ll see if they have one. Thank you!

if you chose to use a cut off wheel on your dremel for this operation PLEASE use a pair of quality safety glasses. friend lost an eye while cutting hard wood flooring. wheel broke and cut his eye in half, he was experienced and knew better. still a tragedy waiting to happen