Bioload 75 - Reef Aquarium

[bioload]

The cleanout was simple cut on the miter saw leaving only the tread portion. I could have made the cut thinner but would like to keep all my fingers.



Once that was done I followed the same process as I did for the plug using the router. Before I could do that though I needed to get rid of those little "bumps" on the side. If I didn't I would not be able to rotate the piece on edge. I adjusted the fence to the right distance, and rotated across the bit.



and here is the completed flange/union....which is it by the way?

[bioload]

Here is a shot of the body about to be solvent welded. Nothing special....just place it on the sheet and weld.



Almost forgot.....I usually add some weight before gluing....oops "welding". Paint cans come in handy. P.S. I use Benjamin Moore.....no matter what the guys at HD say .....This was some of the cheap stuff the builder left behind.



Excuse my foam job on the door in the background....that stuff goes a long way!

Off to the router table again. After about an hour or so I cut out the tube making sure I put the bearing back on the flush bit.....it's so easy to forget. I usually place masking tape on the tube if it didn't come with any protective film, which all of the ones I've ever receive didn't have.

[bioload]

A couple teaser shots of what is starting to look like a skimmer .........time to get some sleep, and figure out a way to bend the top into a straight cone.





Did I mention that this build would be Pic Intense

[bioload]

Did some work on the collection cup this morning. Sorry in advance for the breif descriptions....Got to get the kids luch before it's off to the day job.

Some 4" acrylic tubing was cut for the riser



Preped the edge of the rise on the router



Welded the rise to 1/4" sheet



Cut out the center using a hole saw



Finished off the hole with the router

[bioload]

Welded the collection cup to the acrylic sheet....make sure ther riser is centered



Cut out the collection cup from the sheet with a 1/4" roundover bit....I like the finish is gives.



Remember the pylon I posted earlier.......a sneak peak of the next project where I'll try some vacuum thermoforming. Should be the cheapest body (approx $5.00) if I can get it right

[Duey]

Your fabrication skills are immaculate!!!

[TJSlayer]

Wow very cool....

I would never have the patience to do it myself, but very cool none the less....

TJ

[bioload]

Tool Tip:

To cut circles out I would recommend the Jasper circle jigs. They manufacture several templates, guides, and jigs that work really well.

Here are a few shots....I use the 200 and 400 models that can mount right onto the router table.