"Corian" tank - 2/24/07 (Finished)

[tropicalfish]

Very good! Just make sure you wash down the inner sides well.

 

[drobertson]

Coming along nicely, can not wait to see the finished product

 

[roka64]

WOW! That's pretty sweet!

 

[Sicklid]

Looks better than I imagined! Can you polish corian like acrylic to a high gloss?

 

[plecoperson]

"That is so cool. "

 

[redswi]

Thank you everyone,

I've built many things in my life, but yesterday when I stood back to look at my progress I couldn't help but think "this is the most beautiful thing you have ever made"...The look and feel, the cabinetry(which is still in my head) it all fits...

now the bad news...I HAVE A LEAK...just a small one,lower left corner,...In all my excitement I did rush to fill it...I cut out that section and resealed...Think I'll wait till wednesday night to test again

Can you polish corian like acrylic to a high gloss?

yes you can, but it shows any and every rub mark... matte is better...easier to maintain

 

[tropicalfish]

okay, just another question... What happened to your overflow thingy?

 

[redswi]

What happened to your overflow thingy?

I have to drill for my plumbing before I install the overflow

 

[Sicklid]

Is the leak at the glass or the corian seam?

 

[redswi]

the leak was at the glass...in the corner...all better now


I hope

 

[redswi]

back from the holidays....hope hope you all had a safe & happy christmas

the tank has been filled and has been holding for the last week...I will be starting the stand and canopy this weekend, and will update w/ pics...I decided on a simple design in alder with a honey finish , matching the shape of the tank...I need to build this first so I can get accurate dimensions for the filter and plumbing.

 

[ZivioRR]

what do u use to glue the arylic?

 

[redswi]

what do u use to glue the arylic?

Corian, and other solid surface materials, are glued together with the same resin that makes the product ,(acrylic / polyester resin and a catalyst)...when allowed to cure it can be machined, sanded, and polished to eliminate any seams....the 3 front panels with glass on this tank are actually made from 4 separate pieces each...all total there are 20 pieces of Corian in this tank

 

[theotheragentm]

That looks incredible. It's times like these that I wish that I was more handy. I'll just have to admire everyone else's handy work. Incredible!

 

[redswi]

I started the stand today using MDF veneered with Alder,and solid Alder...

decided on a modified "Torsion Box" for the top and bottom...

this makes a rigid platform that will carry the weight to the sides and backs and allow me to attach adjustable levelers to the base...

the solid trim at the base creates a 3/4" lip for the sides and backs to be attached from the inside...

the top will have this same lip ,(below to attach the sides and backs,and above to reccess the tank)...

I also routed the back for air circulation and electrical access...

I still need to apply the solid trim, and make a door...I think I may add a shallow drawer also...then I can start the canopy...

more to come next weekend

 

[tropicalfish]

looks nice and sturdy!!

 

[Sicklid]

Sweet... Do you program the CNC yourself?

 

[redswi]

Do you program the CNC yourself?

no...the panels were cut on a manual beam saw,and machined with an overhead pin router...other than that i used your standard shop tools

 

[Sicklid]

no...the panels were cut on a manual beam saw,and machined with an overhead pin router...other than that i used your standard shop tools

Tight work!, I thought for sure this was all routed stuff

 

[redswi]

Tight work!,

that's the nice thing about MDF....sharp tools make clean tight joints