Need Advice on Working Plastic

[ArowanaLover1902]

I'm trying to make something out of plastic, right now I need to make a rectangular box. Where can I get plastic to do this? How do I work with plastic well too? I went to lowes and couldn't find anything.

 

[Ras Bubbles]

I'm trying to make something out of plastic, right now I need to make a rectangular box. Where can I get plastic to do this? How do I work with plastic well too? I went to lowes and couldn't find anything.

Have you tried pvc sheets, they come in 4x8 or 4x10 in different thickness just like plywood and very easy to work with.

Check out my diy sump thread, I used I believe 3/4 thickness.

What are you using the box for?

 

[Labridaedicted]

Tap plastics will sell acrylic sheets then you just need weld on #6. Planned dimensions would help

 

[ArowanaLover1902]

It’s part of a contraption we (a small group) are working on. It goes inside the water. What plastic type from TapPlastics is best for saltwater use? It doesn’t need to be very strong or anything like that, it just needs to hold together. This is for a prototype, it will be tested in the tank. We have the other stuff, this is the final part we need.

 

[Ras Bubbles]

It’s part of a contraption we (a small group) are working on. It goes inside the water. What plastic type is best for the aquarium? It doesn’t need to be very strong or anything. This is for a prototype, it will be tested in the tank. We have the other stuff, this is the final part we need.

You can find those pvc sheets @ Lowe's or Home Depot, if you want a strong tight bond you can use Weldon 6, if it's just a prototype you can use regular pvc glue. But I urge you to use Weldon #6 for the finished product, that's what I used.

 

[Labridaedicted]

If you don't need it to be strong and want it clear, 1/4 inch acrylic will work (which they sell at lowes in 2x2 squares locally for me) if it doesn't need to be clear, pvc sheets as mentioned above are more cost effective.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

what is weldon 6??????

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I'm trying to make something out of plastic, right now I need to make a rectangular box. Where can I get plastic to do this? How do I work with plastic well too? I went to lowes and couldn't find anything.

i always have extra pieces depending on the size you’re looking for. i can even cut it for you.

 

[ArowanaLover1902]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Palight-Pr...24-in-x-48-in-Actual-24-in-x-48-in/1000088585 is this it? This stuff is aquarium safe, rigid, and will hold up?

 

[Ras Bubbles]

what is weldon 6??????

My error, it's Weldon 16

https://www.amazon.com/Weld-Acrylic-Plastic-Cement-Pieces/dp/B0096T6P0A

 

[Ras Bubbles]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Palight-Pr...24-in-x-48-in-Actual-24-in-x-48-in/1000088585 is this it? This stuff is aquarium safe, rigid, and will hold up?

More like this

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-48-in-x-96-in-White-PVC-Sheet-Panel-190360/205079515

 

[Labridaedicted]

what is weldon 6??????

Weldon 6 is a thicker version of the #4 we use for fusing acrylic. It's easier to work with since it's thicker and doesn't require a finished edge.

This is the #4. It basically is a super super strong solvent that melts the plastic together at the points of contact.

 

[lapin]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Palight-Pr...24-in-x-48-in-Actual-24-in-x-48-in/1000088585 is this it? This stuff is aquarium safe, rigid, and will hold up?

This will prob work . PVC is drinking water safe. You will need solvent that is for use with pvc. It might not be as strong as acrylic and could be a bit more brittle. Is some sort of foam and might be a bit more bulky.

Tap Plastics sells acrylic in sheets and pieces. Ask what scrap they have . If you are in a major metro area you might have a Regal or other plastics supplier. They will sell anything form small pieces to full sheets. Lowes and the PO usually carry Polycarbonite and not acrylic.

 

[Labridaedicted]

My error, it's Weldon 16

https://www.amazon.com/Weld-Acrylic-Plastic-Cement-Pieces/dp/B0096T6P0A

Whoops, we both messed up, it is 16.

 

[Labridaedicted]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Palight-Pr...24-in-x-48-in-Actual-24-in-x-48-in/1000088585 is this it? This stuff is aquarium safe, rigid, and will hold up?

I wouldn't use the foam pvc. I think that might float, but I'm not 100% sure. I think that's the semi hollow stuff

The one Ras linked above is what you want.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

just goofing on ya guys. yeah it’s 16. not to be used for water right applicarions though.

 

[Ras Bubbles]

just goofing on ya guys. yeah it’s 16. not to be used for water right applicarions though.

I beg to differ cromag27, I have used all the weldons and 16 was the best at softening and then mending the joints after 24 hrs

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I beg to differ cromag27, I have used all the weldons and 16 was the best at softening and then mending the joints after 24 hrs

you can beg to differ all you want. this is what i do for a living. 16 is utter junk overall and should NEVER be used for water right applications. that’s not it’s ourpose.

 

[Ras Bubbles]

you can beg to differ all you want. this is what i do for a living. 16 is utter junk overall and should NEVER be used for water right applications. that’s not it’s ourpose.

Then what exactly do you use sir, you have made a claim but have yet to educate us on the right way

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

@ArowanaLover1902 if you want to real advice from an actual professional, pm me. i’ll hook you guys up.