Help Cutting Starboard

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!

 

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.

 

This main issue is that I don't have anything like a table saw or jig!

 

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.

 

What area are you in?

 

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.

 

Not familiar with starboard. Can someone explain what it is and what its use is?

 

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.

 

Old Photo here, but gives the idea.

 

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.

 

You are my hero!!! Thank you!!

 

Would you have any time this weekend?

 

Should be around all weekend, let me know what will work.

 

How about Saturday mid/late morning? Like 10?

 

Thank you so much!!! Fits perfectly!

 

Glad to help and glad it fits.

 

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