Jonathan P

Hello all, I have finally decided that I want my "caves" to have custom openings. So I bought some standard clay pots from the hardware store and grabbed my dremel.

(Many of you will know what's coming next)

Those darn pots are hard to cut. I went through just about every grinding, cutting attachment I had, then had to go back to the hardware store for new attachments ().

Well anyway, I eventually got them done a tile cutting bit, diamond cutting wheel, masonry bit, and a whole lot of time and dust.

I like the way they came out, still have an even bigger one that I would like to customize.

So how do you cut these pots?

Jonathan

Attached Images

	PICT01841.jpg (70.6 KB, 149 views)
	PICT0183.JPG (224.1 KB, 149 views)

thumper

i just ues a hack saw and cut them in half thats the best way that i have found to do it!!

Indian_villager

My dads got one of those diamond wheel wet saws and I was going to use one of those....I'll let you know how it goes if I can find this thread again.

aquarist48

Good morning. I don't cut mine. I use the entire pot. Your fish are going to love them.

ckarta

Use a wood cutting fretsaw, it seems to be difficult, but with its large cutting edges, it is very easy. I made the toy in the video in my signature, the same way.

Jonathan P

I added photos for all to see. bump

aquarist48

You've done a fine job! The edges look nice and smooth as well.

TedsTank

I dont cut mine either...just lay them over and use pieces from a broken pot to make a smaller doorway. How big are the pots u are using? When i did want more of a cave I chipped/cracked an opening with small pliers.

I have also made my own coconut caves....you can make 2 caves from one coconut at what ever the going price for them is at the store. I've seen the finished one sell for as much as 7 dollors for each cave!! Thats $14 for a coconut...THAT is nutz!!.

Jonathan P

Thank you aquarist48. After I was finally finished cutting, I used the grinding stones to smooth them out and grind done my mistakes/scratches.

Teds Tank - they are about 3" wide and about the same height. They only cost me $1 at the hardware store.

Anyone know if a baked pot can be reheated and broken down like when cured steel is reheated and made brittle?

Robin4

Hi Jonathan P,

The hiding pots you made are awesome!!!

Robin

aquarist48

hmmmmm. Sorry, not a clue.

TedsTank

I don't think you can "un-temper" pottery like forging steel. How about the artifical pots with designs on them??..aren't they fiberglass or somekind of pressed stuff?...might saw easier

Great job on the pots....you even beat the coconut price!!!!

aquarist48

Hello Ted. I wouldn't use any type of pots that aren't listed as aquarium safe. Terracotta is a natural product and very porous making it a great biological media.

Jonathan P

You hit it right on the head. I don't know enough about the other materials to judge their safety in an aquarium setting.

It was satisfying finishing them, but let me tell you I said and thought some special things while doing it .

My problem now is that I want to make more and bigger ones. Maybe even a double level or something.

Oh well, back to the store to see what other toys I can buy and try next time.