Recommendation for plastic/acrylic shop to cut down skimmer cup

[beezer06840]

The skimmer I just bought is just a little too tall (less than 1/2 inch) to fit in my sump, but after doing a little research I found that many people have simply cut down their skimmer cup.
Does anybody have a recommendation for a plastic/acrylic shop here in town?

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[Zrobotz]

How big is the diameter of your skimmer cup


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[jasonp87]

I cut the bottom inch or so off the body of my skimmer and ran the pump off to the side with PVC to make mine fit. I just used my table saw. That's always what I use to cut acrylic. Otherwise, Ridout on Ruffin may do it but I don't know what they would charge for something like that. Also, if your skimmer lid screws on to the top of the cup, you will lose those threads and just have to set the lid up there. Not a big deal but something to consider.

[beezer06840]

Thanks for the replies so far.
diameter is almost 9". I figure that I would only need to cut about 3/4" off the top and I wouldn't have to touch the inside neck at all. Luckily, there are no skimmer lid screws to have to worry about.

[Zrobotz]

Do you have a pic of it? Is it 1/4 inch acrylic or 1/8?


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[beezer06840]

it is 1/8 acrylic

[Zrobotz]

Hmmmm it's doable but being 1/8 makes it alittle harder I can do it for you if you want I'm a machinist. I would cut the inside one however much you cut the outside or your foam won't be able to get out


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[jasonp87]

Hmmmm it's doable but being 1/8 makes it alittle harder I can do it for you if you want I'm a machinist. I would cut the inside one however much you cut the outside or your foam won't be able to get out


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Exactly what I was going to point out, you can't really cut the outside one and leave the inside alone, leaves no room for the bubbles to flow out. I could only cut the outside portion given my tools so best to go with someone like zrobotz that can do both.

[davocean]

Another possible solution that has worked for some people is if you have an open bottom stand raise the stand by setting it on 2x4's laid flat, and then trim it out.
I agree it's going to be tough to modify that cup and have it work properly, on top of risk of breaking it.

[Zrobotz]

It won't break just need to cut about .05 at a time with a sharp endmill there is a always a chance of messing it up but very unlikely I do this for a living. Acrylic is pretty easy to work with cuts like butter the hardest part is going to be holding the cup but I have a idea


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[Kris]

Dremel, + masking tape cutting guideline.

If you are careful it might even look nice.

[Zrobotz]

That works for some people too but there's really only one right way to do it


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[che3mau]

There is a plastics shop on Clairmont Mesa near the traffic court, called Ridout they can cut it for you, check them out


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[Zrobotz]

Lol


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[Zrobotz]

Nice meeting you! post a pic of your skimmer up and running lets see that bad boy in action


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