So I'm thinking ahead to a 75 gallon vertical conversion. When I was making the lid to my current tank, the plexi was very hard to cut. We were using a dremel and I think I went through about 4 disks for a very small amount of plexiglass. Thin glass too.

So for a vertical conversion, I want to have a plexiglass door so I will have to custom cut this down to size. What's the best tool to use? Or should I just try and find a place I can order a custom piece?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

When I built my iguana cage I used a regular table saw to cut the sheets. As long as you don't rush it it works fine.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

table saw. I have one of those! Any special blade I need?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I was using one that belonged to a friend and used whatever blade was on the saw at the time. He does woodwork so I assume it was just a regular wood cutting blade.

You might cut oversize the first time to make sure there won't be any chipping.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

thanks for the tip. This won't happen right away. My hubby still needs a job first! Once the finances get straightened out again, building a big tank will be on my priority list.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

You need a fine tooth blade for the table saw and you have to cut it fast so the friction doesn't melt the plexi and cause it to warp. A jigsaw works well too. With either saw you have to make sure to secure it well so it doesn't vibrate while your cutting it or it will crack.

Easiest way I have ever found is a razor blade, a new one. Secure a guide and then run the razor blade through about 4 or 5 times (this is scoring) then snap the piece in two. They sell plexi glass cutters too, just a modified razor blade that sits at the correct angle for scoring, they work well but don't last very long.

A local glass shop will cut your piece for a few bucks or a custom piece for a few bucks. Last 12x12 I got was 3.40. Cut to fit and stuff so it was cool.

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Up here the big box hardware stores carry the plexi. I assume Lowes would as well . They will cut it to your size for a small fee. I would suggest sanding the corners round and polishing the edges. It will enable them to slide smoother.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa