Here's the pics I posted in the pumping station. and some back-info is there too.
Currently the hole to the left of the skimmer (the bottom of the image goes to the pool) goes to the main drain. I can't use the main drain unless I put a hose from the pump intake to the MD line.
My main problem though is that only half the water goes into the skimmer basket and the rest go to the side of the basket via that space above that third hole. Allot of leaves make it to the pumps basket. So one of the custom parts I want to make is a blocking plate that prevents the water from getting around the basket, fitting into that ridge next to the skimmer basket. That one should be easy and yes, a hacksaw I guess would be all I need.
Another plate I want to make will be the custom part I want that will allow me to pull some of the intake from the main drain.
I'll post a piping diagram when I get more time.