Plexi questions

[cbmeeks]

1) Where do you get your Plexi?

2) Do you have it cut or do you cut it?  If you cut, then what do you use?

3) Do you just Plexi the top of the CP or do you make it wrap around the sides? (If even possible)

4) Cost of your Plexi?

5) What to use if you want to cut it or drill it?  Anything special?

Thanks!

-cb

[djflip]

1) Where do you get your Plexi?

Home Depot....better selection than Rona...and slightly cheaper too)

2) Do you have it cut or do you cut it?  If you cut, then what do you use?

I cut it myself (i broke my first piece, but am using the scrap for the monitor cover) I use a special Lucite cutting blade......make sure when you buy your plexi that you ask if they have special blades to cut it....also use the techniques described in the BYOAC Bible

3) Do you just Plexi the top of the CP or do you make it wrap around the sides? (If even possible)

Just on top...don't know how to "mould" plexi

4) Cost of your Plexi?

This depends on thickness, size, and brand (Lexan is the most expensive, yet the most strong)

5) What to use if you want to cut it or drill it?  Anything special?

DEFINITELY BUY A FORSTNER BIT FOR DRILLING.  I CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS ENOUGH.  I've tried to use a spade bit, but it cracks the plexi (unless you sandwich it between two pieces of wood.....but that's a pain).  

PICK UP Saint's Project Arcade......all your answers are in chapter 15!!!!

Thanks!

-cb

[FractalWalk]

1) Lowe's
2) I cut it myself on a table saw.
3) Plexi on top, plan to put artwork over that.
4) ?? can't remember exact cost, but less than $15 per 28" x 36" sheet.
5) Standard table saw blade to cut edges. Routed holes with plunge router and standard template bit.  No cracks, no problems.

I also counter sunk screws with a regular counter-sink bit.

[Apollo]

Company in my home town called Creative Plastics.
2 sheets of 3mm acrylic for my marquee cut to size $10 NZ.

[mattv]

I got mine for free - It was a sunday afternoon and the guy was obviously pretty baked, I didn't have any cash so he told me to take it and go. Score!

Used my crappy old jigsaw and it wobbled all over the show but didn't crack. I tried the good old score it then hit it trick but I managed to slash my palm open on a sharp bit of plexi (I have no idea how) so have up on that

 Then I used a "flush trim" bit for the router to make it the perfect shape using my MDF control panel as a template.

I also used the flush trim bit to cut out all the button and joystick holes, once again I used the MDF control panel as a template. That thing really is magic.

So lessons learned: Go shopping on a sunday afternoon and buy a flush trim bit for shaping plexi.