CP Plexi Suggestions?

[urbecrisch]

I'm working on my first CP and I'm not sure what thickness of plexi  Ishould cover the CP with.  Originally  Iwas going to use 1/2" MDF with 1/4" plexi but now I'm wondering if I should use 5/8" MDF with 1/8" plexi.  What have some of you used for your plexi CP?  Are there any pros/cons to using the different thicknesses I mentioned?

[AtomSmasher]

5/8" MDF with 1/8" plexi is probably the most commonly used sizes and is what I used for the two cabs I built. 

[Tahnok]

1/8" is standard, but I prefer 1/4". The deep look just can't be achived with anything thinner.

The cons of 1/4" would be that it's more expensive and you might find it harder to work with.

[urbecrisch]

I already have the 1/2" MDF 2x4.  I couldn't find 5/8" MDF anything other than a 4x8 piece which was way too big for what I needed.  I guess I'll have to go with 1/4" plexi.  If I use a laminate router piece I should be able to cut the plexi pretty easy, right?  Also, will drilling holes through 1/4" plexi be tough?

[Tahnok]

I already have the 1/2" MDF 2x4.  I couldn't find 5/8" MDF anything other than a 4x8 piece which was way too big for what I needed.  I guess I'll have to go with 1/4" plexi.  If I use a laminate router piece I should be able to cut the plexi pretty easy, right?  Also, will drilling holes through 1/4" plexi be tough?

I try to avoid drilling too  many holes in plexi. I drill the wood CP first, and then use a plunge bit followed by a pattern bit in the router to get the button and joystick holes in the plexi. Smaller holes can be drilled using a drill running in reverse and melting through.

[urbecrisch]

Wood CP is already cut so I was thinking all I needed was to clamp the wood CP on top of the plexi like a template and start drilling into the plexi.  What your saying is the plexi is too fragile for a 1 1/8" drill bit?

[Fozzy The Bear]

What your saying is the plexi is too fragile for a 1 1/8" drill bit?

Hell Yes!!!   Don't even think about using a 1 1/8 inch drill on it unless you want huge cracks in it.

Do what Tahnok said and use a plunge router bit on it followed by a flush trimmer bit, following the holes you already cut in your wood panel.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[acevedor2]

I didn't have a plunge router so the option I chise was to use a 3/4" spade bit to drill a hole wide enough the get the pattern router bit through and then routed the rest of the hole out.  It took an extra step but went very quickly actually - and most importantly, zero cracks! 

[ahofle]

Here's a tip if you must use a drill bit on plexi...  DO NOT push down too hard or you will crack the plexi as Fozzy said.  Put the drill on the fastest setting, use light pressure and start drilling.  Let the plexi start melting and then increase the downward force slightly.  Once you get the hang of it, it's actually quite easy.