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Using plexi for a CP top instead of wood?

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shponglefan:

The standard top of a CP is usually layered with wood/MDF on the bottom, then art/laminate, then plexi/lexan.

What I was wondering if it's possible to replace the wood/MDF portion with something transparent (like 1/4" or 1/2" plexi).  So the idea would be to have plexi base, a transparent or semi-transparent art sheet, then 1/8" or so plexi on top.

My main concern is strength.  Obviously plexi might be more prone to cracking than standard wood or MDF.  I wonder if mounting a joystick would require addtional support.  The other issue would be not being able to use T-molding around the edges; but I wonder if polished plexi edges might look okay?

My reasoning for this is the possibility of making a glowing/light-up control panel; not just buttons, but the control panel itself.

thatpurplestuff:

I seriously considered doing this for my cab (making the top transparent and the bottom part of the control panel have the artwork), but logistically I couldn't think of a way to make it look nice.  Would love to see someone take a shot at it though!

Nephasth:

I was looking at some 3/4" thick acrylic sheets, seems expensive. But it would be nice to see an example.

shponglefan:

I think I have some 1/4" plexi kicking around, so I might experiment with a simple panel to see how it goes.

HaRuMaN:

Someone here did that before, but I'm too lazy to search for it...   >:D

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