WeldOn

[MissT]

what's the cheapest place to pick this stuff up?
www.craftics.com seems reasonable...

Ace, any suggestions?

[cpreefguy]

Allied plastics in SA, I think lowes/HD even has it...

[captexas]

It depends on which type you are looking for and how much. The local places only carry a few of the basics. I've ordered from craftics.com many times and never had any problems back when I was into building stuff with acrylic. Of course if you are only looking for a little to make a repair or something, your best bet is borrowing some from someone local.

[MissT]

I think I probably need a lot because I want to learn how to make a few things. I've got some new tools I can get some use out of, and there's some random stuff I want for home (fan mounts, possibly a frag tank down the road...)
No one in Austin seems to have classes of some sort, so I'll probably end up teaching myself... which is why I assume I'll be going through a ton of solvent and scrap acrylic :bigsmile:

[captexas]

Yeah, it's not too hard to do. Doing some reading on the subject and practicing on some scrap will help. Many of the acrylic suppliers have scrap bins. If you are going to do a lot, might as well order from online and also get some applicators, etc. Not sure if they are still doing it, but reefs.org used to have an acrylics class every so often. It was good for those just starting out and also a good source for info on locating different tools and materials. When I took the course the project was building a kalk reactor. I had already built two monster sumps and a refugium by then, but I picked up some good info and tips. Of course people like Ace, Matt, and a few others who have been doing it for awhile are a good source for learning tricks of the trade.

[MissT]

yeah, I've been reading through Melev's tips and tricks.
Is the plastrip heater worth buying for making bends? I see it's only for 1/4" acrylic though; I guess it's good enough for doing overflow boxes or something... :confused:

[ckimble]

You can get weldon 3 and 16 here locally in Austin at Regal Plastics (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&q=regal+plastics&near=Austin,+TX&fb=1&cid=0,0,11077693194082603681&sa=X&oi=local_result&resnum=1&ct=image) and not have to deal with the shipping costs.

[matt]

For cast acrylic weld-on #4 is better than #3; it's a little slower and better matches the slower melt rate of cast. #16 is something I wouldn't use for any building projects; #40 is much stronger. Ordering from craftics is fine; they're not the cheapest place around, but at least they get the orders right and are reasonably prompt in shipping.

[MissT]

thanks for the info... I'm thinking about making a weekend trip to SA because I heard somewhere down there has classes; anyone know about this?

[ckimble]

My mistake, it is #4 that they carry here locally not #3.

[dapettit]

Have you checked Reagl Plastic here in Austin or do I detected a need for a road trip? :innocent2::angel:

[moneytank]

allied plastics in san antonio has #4, and #16, not sure about #3 but im sure they can order it. They are even open on saturdays till about noon, just call to make sure. (210-655-2415) or (1-800-350-7672) was there earlier this week so i grabbed a few business cards.

[captexas]

Definately call first if you want to go on Saturday. I've gone there once or twice only to find no one there, even during posted Saturday hours.