Looking for Acrylic Sheet Supplier in MA.

[Jeff.:P]

Where do you guys get your acrylic to make sumps and such? I found http://www.interstateplastics.com/materials/acrylic.aspx, which will cost me $130 for a 36"x11"x12" sump/fuge (3/8" acrylic). Which isn't too bad, but I'm paying $30 for shipping. Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnK]

Check the DIY supplies sticky at the top of this forum. There's Altec on B street in boston, and Jfreeman somewhere else in boston. IIRC there are also some other suppliers but those are the ones I know of..

 

[Jeff.:P]

muchas gracias senior.

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

I know that Lowe's in Saugus carries it if you need a local source- not sure on price though.

 

[ZenMastr1968]

I've gotten items from JFreeman before, they're down in Dorchester right off 93. It was last year, so I'm not sure of their prices....

 

[dedfish]

I've bought and had a sheet cut to various sizes from Patriot Plastics in Woburn before.

 

[Jeff.:P]

Thanks guys. I'm gonna try Altec in Boston first. How are these places that you guys mentioned on prices?

 

[JohnK]

Off the top of my head,
a quarter sheet of 1/4" clear acrylite (aprox 18" x 36") goes for $22 at altec. For larger sheets I'd call or e-mail them for a quote. For little stuff, they have a scrap bin which they sell from by the pound.

Also FWIW, be sure you know what your getting if you get sheet at HD or lowes. The sheet I've seen at these places is are different types of plastic. Not to say you can't build a good sump with them, but they are different and IME are quite different to work with (much harder to cut clean in particular, and at least one exp of shattering on the router - scary). Just suggesting talking to people who know the materials and or have some good first hand exp working with them. (maybe chuck could add some here?)

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

Acrylic

Good point jimmy. I think that there are several types of acrylic: extruded and ??? (and probably more). I believe that lowes carries the extruded type that may have the problems that jimmy eluded to. I have used acrylic at Lowes to build brackets and other "non water tight" items. Not sure how well it works for water-tight items though.

Off the top of my head,
a quarter sheet of 1/4" clear acrylite (aprox 18" x 36") goes for $22 at altec. For larger sheets I'd call or e-mail them for a quote. For little stuff, they have a scrap bin which they sell from by the pound.

Also FWIW, be sure you know what your getting if you get sheet at HD or lowes. The sheet I've seen at these places is are different types of plastic. Not to say you can't build a good sump with them, but they are different and IME are quite different to work with (much harder to cut clean in particular, and at least one exp of shattering on the router - scary). Just suggesting talking to people who know the materials and or have some good first hand exp working with them. (maybe chuck could add some here?)

 

[dedfish]

The different types are extruded, continuous cast, and cell cast. For water tight mission critical construction like that of a sump you want to use cell cast. Home Depot and Lowes does NOT sell cell cast, they sell extruded.

http://www.plasticsmag.com/features.asp?fIssue=Jan/Feb-00&aid=2506

 

[JohnK]

Adding;
IME I've gotten plastic at HD that was VERY different to work with than extruded sheet I've gotten elsewhere (altec, usplastics.com). I want to say (IIRC) "lexan" was a HD plastic sheet brand name. "Acrylite" and "Plexiglass" are brand names I've seen that were easier to work with.

Yes, "Cell cast" acrylic is a higher quality and MORE expensive material compared to "extruded". I know nothing about "continious cast".

Extruded absorbs more water than cast, so it swells more (Yes plastic that absorbs water, huh? , but yes.). Cast is also more resistant to crazing IME.




Gustavo, where are you, we need you...................

 

[Jeff.:P]

Thanks guys for the info, I believe I' m going to go with 3/8" cell cast. Try to replicate of Melev's sump model F,except its going to be 36" wide 11" deep. Wish me luck.

 

[Jeff.:P]

Do you guys know if they sell weldon at these places? Altec?
It would save me a trip.

 

[dedfish]

Altec does sell weld-on. I've bought #4 and #16 from them in the past..

 

[JohnK]

And they have the plastic/needle applicator bottles also, don't forget that. $4.00 well spent (get 2).

 

[Jeff.:P]

Thank you.

 

[r2dtwo]

Jfreeman is a good place

 

[Jackapatt]

I want to say (IIRC) "lexan" was a HD plastic sheet brand name. "Acrylite" and "Plexiglass" are brand names I've seen that were easier to work with.

Lexan is polycarbonate, not acrylic. As far as the others go, look for a "G" in the name like Acylite GP, or Plexiglas GS. You can read more here.

http://www.plexiglas.net/methacrylates/en/products/plexiglas/products/solidsheets/

http://www.cyro.com/NewCYRO/sheet.html

Hope this helps.

JP