Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

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Part I: Basic Hacks, Tools, and Techniques

Use a square and a permanent marker to draw a straight line across the

Plexiglas, about 192mm from one end. This will be the face of the tank.

Clamp the Plexiglas over a piece of aluminum foil folded over the edge of

the bench, as shown in Figure 2-39.

Ignite a flame on the torch and move the flame back and forth across the

Plexiglas above the place where you are bending, as shown in Figure 2-40.

Try to heat evenly.

Alternate heating the top and bottom sides of the sheet. When the Plexiglas

starts to sag, support it with your hand until it’s soft enough to make the

entire bend as shown in Figure 2-41. Allow the sheet to drop, and make sure

the bend is the same on both ends.

As soon as the Plexiglas has bent at an angle of 30 degrees or so, remove the

clamps and stand the sheet on its side on one of the end pieces (see Figure

2-42). Adjust the bend angle to match the side of the tank. The area you just

heated with the torch will be very hot, so be careful when handling it.

Figure 2-39:

Prepare for first bend

Figure 2-40: Heat area to be bent

Figure 2-41:

Material bending under heat

Figure 2-42: Two complete bends

Hardware Assembly Instructions

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Chapter 2, How to Build an Aquarium ...