I need to cut the 6’’ and 8’’ acrylic tubes for my project (in half).
Any advice on best way to do that (tools, setup, what to look for, etc.)?
Local companies offering cutting services are not willing to help, as they deal with flat surfaces only.
I saw online similar projects of the exact same, but shortened tube with underwater camera setup, so it can’t be difficult
(following some “how to cut acrylic tube” guidance from the internet) you can use a fine-toothed saw-blade (or a CO₂ laser, if you have access to one) to cut it
You may already have / be intending to use some of our enclosure clamps for your application, in which case you may be able to use those to help slide the tube while cutting it on a band or table saw, or keep it in place while cutting it with a hand saw or laser
If you’re using a saw, it may be worth adding a layer of masking tape on the outside and inside of the tube, to reduce the likelihood of it chipping during cutting
Marking a tube at a fixed length can be done by resting it on two parallel rollers (or two boards in a wedge), confined by something straight at each end, then measuring the length you want to cut it, fixing a pen at that location, and rotating the tube against the pen
Alternatively you could push it up against a wall while on a bench, or suspend it on a round rod (through the tube), still with straight confinement at the ends
It’s a good idea to deburr / sand down the cut edges - especially the internal corner (to avoid the radial o-rings catching on it as the flange gets inserted)
There are some very skilled (and experienced) makers out there. It’s great to be inspired by others’ projects and achievements, but “someone else managed it” → “it can’t be difficult” is a pretty big logical leap…
