Plexiglass question

[thescreensavers]

I need to buy some plexiglass and i need to know how thick is .125 is that an ok thickness.If you could compare it to an everyday object that would be good.

Basically it is going to go on a wood box to protect something inside it. I don't need it bullet proof nor can i have it too thin. The thing in the wooden box will be fragile so I cant have ppl touching is but they can see.

Now whats the Different of these two

*Clear Film-Masked
and
*Clear Paper-Masked

I don't understand which one can give me the bet clarity?

also do I need special drill bits so I don't crack the plexiglass?


Thanks

 

[wedi42]

.125 is 1/8 of an inch

*Clear Film-Masked
*Clear Paper-Masked
these are just telling you what cover the plexi with to protect it. it shouldn't make any difference in the quality

 

[sswingle]

Ruler anyone?

 

[NiteWulf]

.125 is 1/8th of an inch. About as thick as a car window, I'm thinking. If the wooden box is small I'd say that's thick enough but if it's large and subject to a bit of abuse (feet, kids, whatever), I would go with 3/16ths or 1/4.
When drilling it, use a sharp bit and try to support the glass very close to the hole. If you have a spare piece of wood, put it directly under where you're drilling. This will prevent the glass from bending and perhaps cracking. I don't think you need special bits.

I don't know what the difference in masking is

 

[wedi42]

Originally posted by: ScottSwingleComputers
Ruler anyone?

ruler

 

[drnickriviera]

Originally posted by: johngute

Originally posted by: ScottSwingleComputers
Ruler anyone?

ruler

cut that ruler in half and maybe it will be right

 

[Tiamat]

You need a milling machine to ensure a great job because the milling machine will keep the bit from slipping around and you can be very exact with the drill speed.

I would consider placing the plexiglass between two pieces of wood, vice clamp them together, and drill through slowly clearing away the debris as you go along.

 

[thescreensavers]

Originally posted by: NiteWulf
.125 is 1/8th of an inch. About as thick as a car window, I'm thinking. If the wooden box is small I'd say that's thick enough but if it's large and subject to a bit of abuse (feet, kids, whatever), I would go with 3/16ths or 1/4.
When drilling it, use a sharp bit and try to support the glass very close to the hole. If you have a spare piece of wood, put it directly under where you're drilling. This will prevent the glass from bending and perhaps cracking. I don't think you need special bits.

I don't know what the difference in masking is

the box is 29" by 37.5" the plexiglass will only be supported on the side of the wood about 3/4 on the wood on the edge of the plexiglass. we want this just so ppl can look down and see if its to thin we are afraid it might brake. that thick ness looks fine if it is as thick as a car window.

Originally posted by: johngute
.125 is 1/8 of an inch

*Clear Film-Masked
*Clear Paper-Masked
these are just telling you what cover the plexi with to protect it. it shouldn't make any difference in the quality

Whats better?Do they have the same transparency?


Thanks

 

[bctbct]

The clear plastic or paper is just describing the material the sheet is covered in to protect it from scratching prior to use.

1/8th inch should be fine. Use 100% silicone to attach to box.

 

[eldorado99]

You may want to consider Lexan, as it is quite a lot stronger, and not really all that much more expensive. Just a thought.

 

[thescreensavers]

Originally posted by: eldorado99
You may want to consider Lexan, as it is quite a lot stronger, and not really all that much more expensive. Just a thought.

hmm idk I had lexan for another project b/c I got it at Home depot and the lexan shattered so.. idk really idk

this is what it says upon check out

.125 THICK CLEAR EXTRUDED F/M ACRYLIC


Edit:any one know any sites I can get custom sizes? the site i had is only for resellers

 

[uberman]

Your not bending this or blowforming. I'd go for polycarbonite or the name brand Lexan. The other poster was right.

 

[Minerva]

Homey Depot does not sell Lexan IIRC.

Lexan is strong stuff! I remember taking an old Western Electric (dial) telephone and dragging it for MILES behind a dirt bike at speeds up to 60 mph over rocks and everything and the case did not break! :Q

 

[thescreensavers]

may some one pls post a link to a website that custom cuts Lexan IIRC

What is Lexan IIRC?

 

[StatsManD]

How do you plan to bond it to the box? Screws, Epoxy>

 

[uberman]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
may some one pls post a link to a website that custom cuts Lexan IIRC

What is Lexan IIRC?

Do you have tools for cutting like a fine blade saber saw or table saw? If you do you can go to a place that sells it and buy a piece from their scrap bin for pennies. Polycarbonate is cheaper because you're buying a generic and not the name brand.

 

[fitzov]

Lexan is good if it will be exposed to the elements. Otherwise, Plexiglass is fine, and cheaper.

 

[thescreensavers]

Statsmand:screws

uberman: umm I got a jig saw thats it maybe getting a table saw but not any time soon
thats why i need it already cut.

 

[uberman]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
may some one pls post a link to a website that custom cuts Lexan IIRC

Googling this yourself would be better. I looked, but everyone I know is on the west coast. You know your location and geographic area.

 

[thescreensavers]

Originally posted by: uberman

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
may some one pls post a link to a website that custom cuts Lexan IIRC

Googling this yourself would be better. I looked, but everyone I know is on the west coast. You know your location and geographic area.

ya well... Idk i already searched and cant find anything. Is there a specific name i should look for in the yellow pages here?