Op's on some old acrylic I acquired

cracker · Mar 5, 2016

Hello I found 2 ,48 by 48 sheets of 1/4 acrylic. It seems to be from an old sun room or something.I plan to use this for a sump build. Any way 1 sheet has a section that looks like shattered/crinkled glass maybe. I can't feel any cracks or such , meaning it's smooth on either side. I can use this section for baffles. but wanted some OP's on the integrity of this. Please click on the x to open the pic. Thanks!

pandimus · Mar 5, 2016

I've heard nothing bud bad stuff about reusing old acrylic,as they say it is hard to use due to it contracting and flexing.. Def following this one, as I've got a bunch of 3/8 ID love to use in garage

cracker · Mar 5, 2016

Ok I'll let You know. Will be cutting on Monday I hope. This is an experiment . The acrylic was free so it,s costing me nothing but time.

pandimus · Mar 17, 2016

How did it work out?

cracker · Mar 18, 2016

sorry for the late reply. It came out very well ! had to reseal a few times. Cut out the crazed parts. Free custom fit sump! Nice and simple! Not sure why but click on the x to get a lot of pics. My entire photo bucket account! Shoot go back far enough you will see some old girlfriends! NO not the dogs! LOL

pandimus · Apr 3, 2016

cracker said:
sorry for the late reply. It came out very well ! had to reseal a few times. Cut out the crazed parts. Free custom fit sump! Nice and simple! Not sure why but click on the x to get a lot of pics. My entire photo bucket account! Shoot go back far enough you will see some old girlfriends! NO not the dogs! LOL

Wow..good job

Pepcrylic · Apr 4, 2016

You are playing with fire. I assume you do not know what type of acrylic it was that you used to build that sump?
I would not trust it in my house. Chances are it will leak.

cracker · Apr 5, 2016

I don't know if it is extruded or caste . I read that one or the other form can leach stuff into the water. The shattered part is called crazing , Caused by exposure to uv from the sun. I used that part for baffles. Holding water for a good 3 weeks plus. I do know it was free. If it leaks I'll tear it out and do something else.
hey Pepcrylic what's your OP on how long a cure for the solvent before it's inert/won't leach chems or fumes into the water. Now PVC cement will cure fairly quickly a couple of hours how about acrylic solvent?

Pepcrylic · Apr 5, 2016

I use wedon 3 or 4 to weld up my tanks. I dont fill the tank for min 4 days. More than enough time for the solvent to cure. I have waited as little as two hours on small jigs.

cracker · Apr 5, 2016

I was building a platform for the skimmer. I ended up waiting till the next afternoon but was just curious on how long was necessary. Thanks for sharing your expertise !