Ordering plexiglass? Read this...

[leapinlew]

I just called the glass shop where I ordered 1/8" smoked plexi. A 2'x2' sheet cost approximately $25. They said my order is ready. Great. Since I ordered the plexi, I've been thinking maybe I should've went glass. I assumed the price was much higher. I asked her on the phone how much glass was - she said all they had was 1/4" gray and it cost $26 for a 2'x2' section.

Damnit!

I've already got the plexi on order so I'm going with it. But damn..... Make sure you check prices on both in your area. You have a choice - plexi or glass.

[kiddk1]

for safety reasons I would not go with glass.

[gamecreature]

What about tempered glass?

[leapinlew]

What about tempered glass?

I didn't ask. I will when I build my next one though. Is there any glare issues, or issues in general with glass vs plexi? I'm sure this topic has been discussed, I didn't search. I was surprised that there wasn't a cost difference between the two and thought I'd share.

[Kevin Mullins]

Regular glass is cheap.... including smoked.

But it would defineately have to be tempered for arcade type use.
Think about all the older machines with "glass", like Ms.Pac etc...... all tempered.
Regular glass would be way too brittle and fragile. (and shatters jagged sharp)

A playfield glass for an old EM pinball I restored cost around $45 from a glass shop.
Custom cut tempered clear. And that like a 3'x2' piece.

So yeah.... ask for all your options at the glass shops.

[RayB]

I will just add to the point already being made here: It's not a choice between plexi and glass, it should be between plexi and tempered glass.

[deadkenndys1105]

I have dropped my plixi a few time and how I have it set up its not held in place.  Its kinda just lays were it should.  I only do this for swaping bezels and roating the monitor other wise it would be held down tight.

[javeryh]

I will just add to the point already being made here: It's not a choice between plexi and glass, it should be between plexi and tempered glass.

Right - and tempering can be expensive.  My clear tabletop (22" x 32") was only $25 for regular glass but cost over $100 to have the same piece tempered.

[RandyT]

Also bear in mind that it's not always about cost. 

Some properties may only be available in one or the other, like total light transmittance.  If you want dark and the glass can only get you light, then plexi will be the best choice for you...and vice versa.

RandyT

[leapinlew]

ok. good stuff to know. I want tempered glass. So, I should've checked on that price. I'll pick it up tomorrow and inquire about it.

[Breaker]

Hey all,

I picked up a piece of shatter-proof glass from a car place in town. It has a thin layer of something in the middle to protect against dangerous shards if broken. I haven't mounted the glass yet, but it does seem to have significant 'reflective' (read: glare) properties. Should I have held out for real 'tempered' glass, and if so, is it less prone to glare?

Thanks,
Breaker.