Aluminum waste tank

[realclean]

What is the best way to add an opening to an aluminum waste tank that has no other opening other than the vac port.

 

[Mikey P]

a metal hole saw drill bit..

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_14?url=search-alias=tools&field-keywords=metal+hole+saw&sprefix=metal+hole+saw,tools,213

 

[dgardner]

How big and what shape? For larger and/or non-round holes a jigsaw works fine. drill a small pilot hole to start, use a fine toothed metal blade. Beeswax is a traditional lube used for aluminum, the dark sulfur-based cutting oils aren't nearly as good on aluminum.

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-JS470E-120-Volt-7-0-Amp-Top-Handle/dp/B004323NPK

Here's the cutting oil I use for aluminum works as well as beeswax:

http://www.amazon.com/Pint--9-Alum-Cutting-Fluid/dp/B0000DD2EY

Tip: if you go this route, lay down some masking tape around the shape to be cut, prevents the saw base from marring the surface around the hole.

As Mike mentioned, the holesaw is best for round holes up to about 3 inches or so.

 

[realclean]

I can cut the opening, but how do I close the opening?

I am looking for something that I can install in order to access the waste tank on regular basis for cleaning and the ability to add a zinc anode.

 

[Larry Cobb]

Jesse;

We put a aluminum plate over the hole and use a tap & fine-thread bolts to fasten the plate.

Zinc anodes will work , but have to be in electrical contact with the base metal.

 

[dgardner]

Also you can buy the ports like you see on porty waste tanks, with the 6" screw-in cover from several places.

Here's an example :

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--screw-in-deck-plate-8-smooth-white--11743069

 

[realclean]

Jesse;

We put a aluminum plate over the hole and use a tap & fine-thread bolts to fasten the plate.

Zinc anodes will work , but have to be in electrical contact with the base metal.

Please explain for us dummies.

 

[realclean]

About the electrical contact part.

 

[dgardner]

Larry means that when you install the anode inside the tank you have to physically secure it solidly to the tank with bolts or screws, after cleaning the aluminum so the anode makes good contact. Electric current flows between the two. Just dropping the anode into the bottom of the tank won't work.....

 

[Scott S.]

zinc anode with screw hole. i would secure it to a internal brace in your waste tank, some where it will be submerged the most.
http://www.amazon.com/Martyr-CM8261..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=0QADTTJYRX0N2BPFHRZ2

 

[Larry Cobb]

We have the access covers.

http://www.cobbcarpet.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=3146