Cool video of diy frag plugs

[Srt4eric]

Does anyone happen to have a set of calipers (or a ruler) and can check the diameter and length of the stem that comes out of the bottom of the top round plate?

I'll go ahead and make the 3D models so I can print them, and then make a few plaster molds for casting these things.

I do. I live downtown sj

 

[MichaelB]

We could possibly also get you various sized frag plugs if having samples in hand would serve better for you?

I think @MarcosD isn’t to far form you and he probably has several size plugs he could get some to you when he's able, otherwise I could make a trip over to you next weekend or one day after work next week and bring some.

 

[timmeh]

So I just found a one plug in my cabinet with a stem, and measured the stem (~9mm diameter).

Ideally, we'd want to identify early (here in this thread) the sizes of plugs we actually want. I can then pre-make a handful of molds for the different sizes. To keep things simple, it's probably best to pick 2 or 3 sizes/shapes that we want. For example:

3/4" diameter top circle, with 3/8" stem that is 3/4" long
1" diameter top circle, with 3/8" stem that is 3/4" long
1.25" disc with no stem

.... or something like that.

 

[MichaelB]

So I just found a one plug in my cabinet with a stem, and measured the stem (~9mm diameter).

Ideally, we'd want to identify early (here in this thread) the sizes of plugs we actually want. I can then pre-make a handful of molds for the different sizes. To keep things simple, it's probably best to pick 2 or 3 sizes/shapes that we want. For example:

3/4" diameter top circle, with 3/8" stem that is 3/4" long
1" diameter top circle, with 3/8" stem that is 3/4" long
1.25" disc with no stem

.... or something like that.

3/4 & 1 inch with stems are probably the most commonly used sizes for most people.

In regards to a disk without a stem I would be more inclined to suggest 2-3 inches. As there isn’t much difference between 1inch with stem and 1.25 without stem.

In the times I need a frag plug without a stem I would just prefer snip off the stem as opposed to buying a slightly larger one without a stem.

I do use disks for encrusting corals, zoas, and leaters to spread out over. Yet For those I typically seek larger plates that are thin making it fairly easy to to frag the corals on the disks. By cutting the disks and gluing peices of the disks to the smaller plugs.

 

[timmeh]

Perfect - that makes complete sense.

Also, the good news about flat discs - outrageously easy to make. Roll out a slab of clay using a rolling pin (or a slab roller, in a ceramics studio) and go to town with a cookie cutter. Shazzam - a gazillion flat discs.

 

[JVU]

Is it possible to make agrocrete plugs/discs like Oceans Wonders makes with this technique or related?

@timmeh Any thoughts on my question about making agrocrete plugs/disks? That would get me interested. I don’t particularly like ceramic ones, though I acknowledge they are very popular and easier to make maybe.

 

[MichaelB]

@timmeh Any thoughts on my question about making agrocrete plugs/disks? That would get me interested. I don’t particularly like ceramic ones, though I acknowledge they are very popular and easier to make maybe.

Is that something possible to find a hardware store, or something that could be ordered online. I can't speak to the proccess of using it. Yet if it's not crazy expensive, I would imagine making some with alternative materials should be possible in some way.

You been doing this way longer
Than I have. I'm curious is there a specific reason behind your preference in plug materials?

I don't personally know the difference between materials except I hate whatever those that are almost impossible to cut are made of.

Though I would be intrested in gleaning knowledge if there is a reason that makes one type more desired than others.