Ryan Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 My girlfriends dad has a 35 watt computer controlled laser cutter. I recently found out it can cut up to 1/2" acrylic! I decided to give it a try with a simple media reactor. I designed all of the parts in SketchUp, then my girlfriends dad re-drew them in AutoCad. We cut all of the parts tonight! I was very impressed with how clean the edges came out. All edges look as if they were flame polished! Laser Cutter: Here's some pics of the various parts we cut: Heres a video of part of the above piece being cut, I didn't have enough memory on my camera left, so I only videoed the end of the cut... <----youtube video Here are all of the acrylic parts I will be using for the reactor: I'll be tapping all of the holes and assembling it tomorrow...I'll post pics along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAD Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 That is very cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmike Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Wow...you could make some seriously good money making flange kits for DIY'ers like myself. The flange is always the hardest part to make. cool toy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePremiumAquarium Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 I need to get me one of those. That is the coolest thing since sliced cheese! I may have to get ahold of you and work on a design for media reactors for my new system. RAD! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 I need to get me one of those. That is the coolest thing since sliced cheese! I may have to get ahold of you and work on a design for media reactors for my new system. RAD! For sure Garrett! I will be making ALL of the equipment for my next tank! Cone Skimmer, 2 4x12 media reactors, 6x18 calcium reactor w/ 4x18 effluent chamber, & 6x18 kalk reactor. I couldn't resist last night, so I put it all together last night and water tested it this morning. I am very pleased with the results! This is the first acrylic project where I really paid special attention to having very clean cement seams! Not bad for $9 worth of materials! There will be a 1/2" ID acrylic tube going from the top center hole in the lid all the way to the bottom through the hole in the "bubble plate". I accidentally used the hole diameter for the 1/4" NPT tap instead of the 3/8" NPT tap on my sketchup design, so we cut the wrong diameter holes in the lid. We'll have to re-cut the lid before I finish up. I'll be using 2 3/8" JG 90 degree fittings in the top lid. The center fitting will be the supply and the fitting that is off center will be the return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Nice work. What does the cutter cost??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 I didn't ask...but I assume more then most cars. I did a google search for the epilog 35w laser. I wasn't able to find the price for the 35w laser, but someone is selling a 25w for $8,000. Im pretty sure this is the one my GFs dad has: http://www.epiloglaser.com/legend_mini18.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krux Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 retail is 15k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePremiumAquarium Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 WOW! LOOKS AWESOME! Great work there. I am excited to see the finished project. We will definately have to talk when the time comes to get some of this stuff made. PRO! Garrett Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Very slick! I wonder what he uses it for normally? I doubt someone would drop 15K on one of those on the off chance their daughter's boyfriend is a reefer Kind of makes me want to start a list of cool acrylic projects now (plotting) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 Very slick! I wonder what he uses it for normally? I doubt someone would drop 15K on one of those on the off chance their daughter's boyfriend is a reefer Kind of makes me want to start a list of cool acrylic projects now (plotting) He is an architect....He also has a side business of designing very detailed paper & balsa models of landmarks & selling them as kits that people put together. He uses the laser cutter to cut the pieces for the kits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAD Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 OK, if you need some practicing with that thing I need an overflow box for my 40 breeder, could use a reeflo 200 when your ready to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Man! You're G/F is getting cooler and cooler as I read your posts. She got a sister? LOL J/K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 He is an architect....He also has a side business of designing very detailed paper & balsa models of landmarks & selling them as kits that people put together. He uses the laser cutter to cut the pieces for the kits. Ahh... that makes sense, and also kinda cool! I was wondering since it would likely be something involving relatively small parts - and lots of them to be willing to shell out 15K. BTW - nice job on the reactor Ryan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coralreefaquarist Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 hot [language filter] that thig is amazing. let em know when you do a cone skimmer. depending on price you can make 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smann Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 And I thought the I-phone was cool, very nice now we know where some of these type of parts come from when we try to DYI some of these pieces. I was looking at building an ozone reactor and was trying to figure the base and top pieces that I could do myself, definetly wouldn't come out like that!(laugh) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted April 5, 2009 Share Posted April 5, 2009 Wow nice work Ryan! Put that thing to some good use! Skimmer body time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impur Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 That is way cool. Nice reactor too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan Posted April 14, 2009 Author Share Posted April 14, 2009 Update: I re-cut the top lid, and made it a twist to remove top, laser cut the gasket, re-cut the bubble plate, & tapped all the holes. I'll be setting it up tomorrow night. Collar that slides over the down tube: Down tube cemented to the bubble plate: Laser cut gasket & 8x32 nylon thumb screws: Top with 3/8" speed fittings: The finished reactor: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePremiumAquarium Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Simply amazing! (rock2) I think you have mastered the reactor. I havn't seen any manufactured with such thought, precision, and craftsmanship. Pefect setup IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siskiou Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 How perfectly, well perfect! I love it and am jealous! This laser cutter is wonderful and your work looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vancop Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 I so need a new GF !! Will remember that on singles adds....Must have Laser Cutter ...oh and like fish! Great job on the reactor !! looks PRO! Watch out TLF'S and new kid on the bLock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Ryan I use "O"ring material to make the seal, better than a "flat" gasket. No leaks I cut a rabbet on the tube part just 1/8" deep near the top of the bottom flange, this is where the "O" ring sits. The top flange sit's on the "O" ring Try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Copester Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I have a 75watt at work and I have used it to make clear frag racks and overflows. You should send me that file so I can cut one of those for myself. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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