How to cut 1/4" plexiglass

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K_Red_Raider

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I am building a top for my open top 30 gallon tank. I have a blue spotted jaw fish that will jump out so I need something to close the tank up with. My thoughts are to get a 1/4" piece of plexiglass cut it to the exact shape of the tank. Then I will cut out the center of the plexiglass with a 3" border and use a router to make a 1/8" groove around the "lid" and use screen/net to make it a jump proof tank. I have cut the plexiglass to the exact width and am trying to think of a way to cut the rounded front and the center piece. I picked up a fine tooth blade for my skill saw earlier today and plan on using it to cut out the bowed front (unless someone can think of an easier way to do this) and no I dont have a laser. Also, to cut the center out of the lid I have thought about drilling holes in the corner and using my skill saw to complete the cuts or just using a router to make the hole. Any better ideas??

In the picture the scribble is what will be cut out of the center.
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Just use a router to cut it out. For the inside, drill a hole, and then use the router to cut that out also. I got a bit from Lowes (HD didnt have it) for around $15 to make my cuts. I would make a couple of practice cuts on scrap, so you get used to the plastic flying out.
 
Yes, it will. Here are some pictures to help you visualize how to cut that out in a jig. You'll spend more time preparing it for the actual routing process than it'll take to route it out. You need a laminate trimming bit, one with a bearing.

http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/diy/flange.html
 
Well I got It finished. Its not the cleanest or best looking but for my first time I thought it looked ok. I put this on my 4 month old sons 30 gallon tank.

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Thanks I appreciate the kind words. It is a little rough but you cant see the rough spots without looking hard or knowing what you are looking for.
 
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