Someone cut Plexi/Lexan in SJ CA area?

[albert_c]

Does anyone know where I can get some Lexan/Plexi cut for my MAS arcade controller without getting ripped off?  I haven't had any success.  Any help would be appriciated.

[Dave_K.]

Have you tried tap plastics?  Just curious if thats who ripped you off before?

[albert_c]

You must  be psychic!   

The wanted 40 bucks for 9 holes.  What kind of crap is that.....

[geomartin]

Time is money.   It's not so hard to do yourself, but unless you plan on making more than one the tools could end up costing more than the $40.  Really just depends on if it's a one time deal or not.

Geo

[Goz]

For some bizarre reason the prices vary from TAP locations for the same work. The one on the Alameda has been the most cost effective of the work I have had them do.

Same holds true for other business' in SJ like Kinko's price ranges quite a bit from location to location as well for backlight film prints.

Good Luck and if you find a better place let us all know.

-Goz

[albert_c]

I work across the street from the one on the Alameda.  That's the one that gave me the 40.00 quote.  Could I use a table saw to cut the shape?  What kinda bit would be best to use on the holes?  Does the lexan break easy, do I have to be super careful with it?

[jelwell]

Where can you buy Lexan? I used plexiglass on my control panel and it cracks easily and scratches even more easily. So I'm thinking about moving to Lexan.
Joseph Elwell.

[Goz]

Where can you buy Lexan? I used plexiglass on my control panel and it cracks easily and scratches even more easily. So I'm thinking about moving to Lexan.
Joseph Elwell.

Home Depot

-Goz

[albert_c]

 

That's where I bought mine but they have a big ass sign over the lexan "we do not cut plexi"

damn.... 

Anyone around here have the know how and tools to cut it?  I'm willing to pay 10 bucks 

[Rip]

I abandoned plexi long ago as it ALWAYS cracked on the last hole I drilled  .

Lexan is about 50% more expensive but will never crack, and is easy to work with.  You simply need to score it deep enough with a straight edge and sharp blade (Xacto etc) and it'll snap along the straight edge if you apply enough bending pressure against a solid edge.

As for holes, you can buy a 1 1/8" Blu-mol bi-metal hole saw.  It is not a spade bit but instead looks like a drill bit with a tube on the end.

search for "blu-mol 6533" on homedepot.com.

Not only will it cut through Lexan (like butter) but will cut through steel control panels easily enough too (be sure to use a corded drill, my rechargable dies on steel hole drilling).  They are guaranteed for life!

[albert_c]

Thanks for the info.  I'll give it a shot.

[Dave_K.]

Searching homedepot brought up 3 blu-mol products, and only 1 has a 1 1/8 bit and says it will also cut metal...but its the most expensive.  Is this the correct one (for 69.97)?

[cholin]

Seems right, and remember, you can never have too many tools.

[usedelectronics]

Keep in mind that plexi is actually more scratch resistant than lexan.

Lexan's advantage over plexi is it's resistance to cracking/shattering.

[Rip]

That is the whole kit...I don't know if HomeDepot's search is regionalized, but my search for "blu-mol 6533" came up with a 1 1/8" bit for $7.79 ... this is the one I use often

[albert_c]

I used it on some plexi glass.  totally cracked it.  I'm going to give some lexan a shot.  Should be easier to work with.  Thanks guys for the help

[brained]

if you're going to cut or drill plexi be sure to clamp it down to a piece of wood!! some people use the sandwich method I just clamp it down, that way it wont break. If you want to shape the plexi to match your cp, get yourself a hacksaw and let it rip, then take a very high grit sand paper and smooth the edges.

I hope this works for you