JBs Calcium Reactor DIY

OK JB this is for you!!
Its time to get started on this project.
I know that there isn't Lot of DIY threads, But maybe we should add a DIYers Coulomb in the forums..... Hint,Hint!!!
OK lets get started.
I'm building JB a dual stage Cal reactor. 6" main chamber 4" secondary.
First thing cutting the tubes to length using a chop-saw. 

Making ends flat for gluing, ( some day I'll make a jig to hold the tubes for this !)

Sanding the ends down with 1200 grit for good adhesion

Buffing the scuffs and scratches out before gluing.

The layout for the base plate.

Cutting out the base plate, access will be used for the sides and top plate (later on ).

The router table with the baseplate.

tubes and base plate ready for pump holes and edging.

Thats about it for today, lots more to come stay tuned.

 

Sweet. what are the chances of getting that pump? this weekend? I'll need it to lay out the plumbing points.

 

That would be great!!

I have a few questions for you when you come on the setup.

 

Its here Bill, if you ever need to do something, you are more then welcome!!!!

 

JB, That works for me, saves you the trip.

Thanks for the comps guys.

More pics in a little bit.
-Rick-

 

I got some more done today.

More pics, sorry some are blurry!
Making the caps and lids, Drilling the hole for speed fitting, 4" lid.

Tapping the hole, and putting in the fitting.


Drilling the hole for the pvc union on the 6" lid, and inserting the union.


When drilling cast acrylic, I use a special bit. Keeps from cracking and chipping.

I use a trim or edger bit in the router table to trace patterns.

I use patterns when ever possible, makes things go a lot faster!!!

Double sided sticky tape (the thick stuff) is used to hold the patterns in place.
Getting ready to cut out the top plate.

Tracing the pattern, for the top plate.


Looking good!!

Ready to do some gluing, and drilling the hole in the bottom plate for the pump return.

Thats all for tonight, more to come !!

 

Not a problem Jason.

My original plan was to mount it under the reactor and hard pipe it with PVC, but what I can do is just hard pipe the main fittings and just put on some hose barbs to hook up the pump.

The pump will just sit on the floor beside it, if that will work for you. Will be easy to clean that way!
I can have this done for you by noon tomorrow.
I'll pm you with the total.

 

Some more pics.
Sorry about the quality of the pics, I think my camera has died, or it needs to.
Its glue time, I use weld-on 4 and applicator for the main parts.   

The #4 glue is very thin, and just bleeds right in to the joint.

Once the #4 is dry I use a thick glue #16 to place a strong bead around all areas.  

Now its time to make the diffusers.

The beast.

Setting up to cut the disc's.


Cut out ready to lay out a pattern of holes.

Drilling the holes.

Diffusers done and installed, base plate and supports also done!


Done ready for fittings and leak tests.

Here you can see the thin plastic tank divider that I cut up to help keep the smaller pellets from falling below the diffuser.


Well thats all for this build.
Thanks for all the comps.
And thanks to JB for having me do this for him!