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Help Cutting Starboard

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by hart, Mar 15, 2017.

  1. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
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    Hey everyone! For the cube tank I am building I have some starboard for the bottom. I need some help cutting it though, it's thicker than I have used before at .375 and I just don't have the tools. I need around 1/8" cut from each side and then the arch cut for the corner overflow. I think a table saw should work for the sides, but I don't know how to cut the arch shape, jig or bandsaw?

    If anyone can give me a hand with it I will be forever in your debt!
     
  2. Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
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    A table saw or a circular saw should work for the sides and I'd use a jig for the overflows. Depending on the size of the panel it may be easier to clamp a straight edge on the board to guide a circular saw than to pass a large board through a table saw.

    It took me a little while but I managed to cut the overflows out of my 1.25" thick furniture grade plywood with a jig saw.
     
  3. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    This main issue is that I don't have anything like a table saw or jig!
     
  4. Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    Ah.. I would take this as an opportunity to expand my tool box! A 6-amp jig saw for $50 should be able to handle it. $50-60 for a 15-amp circular saw as well. That's what I'd do but I enjoy wood working and would get plenty of use out of these tools to justify the purchase.
     
  5. Actuary Well-Known ReefKeeper

    705
    Adel, IA
    Ratings:
    +145 / 1 / -0
    What area are you in?
     
  6. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I am in Johnston.

    Sounds like I might have to buy some stuff if I can't find anyone that has the equipment! Was hoping to not need that for just a couple min project.
     
  7. nrenn Well-Known ReefKeeper

    311
    Waverly, Iowa
    Ratings:
    +29 / 0 / -0
    Not familiar with starboard. Can someone explain what it is and what its use is?
     
  8. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    It is a commercial name for a very tough plastic that is used in marine environments. High-density polyethylene to be exact. It is also used in cutting boards and a wide variety of other applications.

    Some people like myself like to use it when running a bare bottom tank. Some varieties of starboard have texture and several colors and I have a white board.

    I also use it with FW discus to give the bottom a more finished look while keeping detritus to a min.
     
  9. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Old Photo here, but gives the idea.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. I have a whole wood shop in my shed if you would like to run down to Saint Charles, Ia about 20 to 30 minutes south of Des Moines.
     
  11. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    You are my hero!!! Thank you!!
     
  12. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Would you have any time this weekend?
     
  13. Should be around all weekend, let me know what will work.
     
  14. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
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    How about Saturday mid/late morning? Like 10?
     
  15. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
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    Thank you so much!!! Fits perfectly!
     
  16. Glad to help and glad it fits.
     
  17. hart

    hart Well-Known ReefKeeper

    730
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    Still just removing phosphates in the back room and cycling the ceramic block, but yay for starboard!



    IMG_8874.JPG
     

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