Agreed! The sheer nature of acrylic is such that it will bow; even in small designs.
You do need to brace it somehow. I found, that when making lids, if you run a single strip of acrylic, centered down the entire length of the cover, it provides enough support to keep it from bowing.
Also, there ARE differences in brands and construction of acrylic products. When I'm simply making small "widgets",
HD acrylic is fine. When making
sumps, tanks etc. I order from a local company
J. Freeman (Dorchester, MA) who is known for both high quality, and best selection of acrylic types.
Finally, when making tanks, sumps etc. don't skimp. My new pony tank is going to be 33X20X24 and is going to be thick, thick, thick. With that said, I am still going to "eurobrace" it.
Dave
