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Plexiglass for control panel -- cut it myself or have glass shop do it?

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ThePaul:

If you already have a router I'd say do it yourself. The guys at the glass shop will probalby just bust out their router and do the same thing anyway  ;D

Hoagie_one:


--- Quote from: johnnysmitch on July 13, 2004, 01:48:52 pm ---a 'flush trim' bit is a straight router bit that has a smooth area either above or below the cutting part (mostly for use in either table or plunge routers) that allows you to run it along a template and route an exact copy of the template.  I can't tell if that makes any sense or not.  As GI Joe always said "Knowledge is Power!".

--- End quote ---

Actually GI JOE said, knowing is half the battle, YO JOE!!!

sofakng:

Well, I'm still a little confused... (sorry I'm very new to woodworking, but I've learned a TON by doing this project).

First, I thought the way to cut the plexiglass is by using a drill (not a router) and using a forstner bit with the drill is reverse.

You're saying I should use a router (not a drill) using a flush trim bit?  I don't have a bit so I would need to buy one.

When I called the glass shop they made it sound like cutting a template would be dirt cheap.  I'm just worried that perhaps that holes won't be as smooth or something and that is why everybody is telling me to do it by myself.

If the glass shop is only going to charge a couple of dollars extra AND they will do a good job (this I don't know), I would think I would be better off letting them do it then buy a $15 router bit I'll only use once.

Please keep suggestions coming though... I consider this piece very important because it will be the most visible and I want it to come out as good as possible.


sofakng:

Errr, one more question...

What size flush trim router bit is required?


Buddabing:


--- Quote from: sofakng on July 13, 2004, 01:29:12 pm ---From reading all the posts on here it seems like EVERYBODY has cut their own plexiglass for their control panels (the button holes, etc).

Given that everybody else cut their own plexiglass I had assumed that glass shops typically don't do this kind of work and only do straight cuts for large pieces of plexiglass.

Well, I called a local glass shop and asked if I bring a piece of wood (eg. my mdf control panel) would they be able to cut a piece of plexiglass to match it (including holes, etc) -- they said they could that.  I didn't ask for a price but I'll check back with them later.

Is this uncommon?  I've never heard of anybody else getting this done so I'm wondering if I should cut the holes myself for some reason.

My father insists that the glass shop will do a better job (which would make sense), but because I've never seen a single post on here regarding this I'm a bit skeptical.

Anybody have any information on this?


--- End quote ---

First, you need to know how much the glass shop will charge you and how much you are willing to spend.

Then, figure out how much time you will probably spend on cutting the plexi yourself and how much materials (extra plexi when you mess up cutting the last hole and extra drill/router bits) will cost. Figure how much money this time is worth to you. Also figure into this figure the fact that the glass shop will do a better job.

Finally, compare the two and take the lowest cost.

Personally, I agree with your dad, since the plexi will be one of the more visible parts of your cab.

Good luck!


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