BrianB Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 I took apart some really old tanks and saved the glass, can anyone on the board cut glass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeFit Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 cutting glass isnt to hard, but you will need to know if those tank glass were tempered or not. you can't cut tempered glass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted October 17, 2010 Author Share Posted October 17, 2010 I know the sides were not tempered. the bottom not too sure, easy enough to find out tho with a hammer lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsoz Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 I have a glass cutting tool and experience cutting glass (I have made stained glass windows). I have even cut thick glass from a 55g tank. As long as the glass is not too thick, it should be easy to cut. You would need a scoring tool ($5 from home depot) and a straight edge. If you use a couple of padded clamps (cloth wrapped around clamps) to hold the straight edge in place while you score it is best. Then use a dowel or something like it (even a pencil) under the glass at the score mark and gently push down on each side until the score mark opens up. Most of the time it goes without a hitch. Sometimes you get it cracking where you don't want it to. :( If you have a dremmel with a diamond bit it can be used to clean up any sharp edges when you are all done. I would offer to help you cut it, but the next three weekends are booked solid for me, and evenings are hectic just getting everything done that I need to do. If you are not in a big hurry, maybe on a weekend sometime next month. dsoz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted October 17, 2010 Author Share Posted October 17, 2010 I just called my cousin and it looks like he has all the tools needed. So I am gonna head over there now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harold B Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Doesn't home depot cut glass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totoro Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 Is the glass 3/8" or 1/4"? If it's 3/8" thick, you may be better off reassembling the aquarium in its original configuration, as those Old School tanks are substantially tougher than what's on the market nowadays. Modern tanks in the 40-55G range that are made with 1/4" glass rely on the plastic trim for a significant portion of their structural strength. And in any case, the thicker the glass is, the dicier it is to cut it cleanly... If it's 1/4" thick, you may find reading this to be worth your time: http://www.austinglass.com.au/The%20secret.htm I've cut 1/4" glass before, and it's pretty straightforward -- but sanding down the rough edges so you don't open up an artery is tedious work and absolutely not to be neglected. I can also take the tops off of wine bottles, which turns out to be a useful skill in the fishkeeping hobby... Who knew? EDIT: Whoops... Spent too long typing! Glad to hear your problem found a solution. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianB Posted October 17, 2010 Author Share Posted October 17, 2010 the glass is for baffles in a sump.. Not trying to build a new tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 I just take it down the street to the glass shop (I learned that glass cutting is not one of my skills). When they charge me (usually they don't) then it's $5 cut to whatever dimensions I need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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