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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 17, 2012, 06:31:17 pm

Title: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 17, 2012, 06:31:17 pm

I'm about to start building an arcade machine & am a bit unsure about what to use for the screen - how good does perspex look?  Does it compare favourably with glass?  Should I be getting clear or tinted/smoked?

cheers! :)

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: monkey puzzle on March 19, 2012, 01:38:09 pm

I used bronze tinted glass and would definately do the same again. I would definately recomend using glass. The trouble with perspex is that it can bow and bend slighty in your cab and the reflected light exagerate this. Also perspex seems to have static that attracts dust and debris. And of course it scratches easy and is more expensive than glass.

If you do decide to use glass, make sure you use toughened glass (for safety reasons).

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: RandyT on March 19, 2012, 04:16:05 pm

Either is fine, but don't let some of the concerns about acrylic dissuade you from using it.  You can cut acrylic, but not tempered glass (most individuals can't cut even regular glass).  Acrylic will scratch, but only if it is abused.  It's much harder and more resilient to scratches than polycarbonate.  As long as you don't go at it 3 times a week with a dry paper towel, it will hold up for a very long time.  Certain transmission ratios are much easier to find in acrylic than glass.  They are also not that much more expensive, if at all, than tempered glass.  If you are worried about bowing, use 1/4".  I have found that for a normal sized cab, 1/8" is fine.  Something bigger could benefit from the thicker.

I've had the same piece of dark acrylic on my cab for about 10 years now, with no noticeable cosmetic issues.

RandyT

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: Smeghead on March 20, 2012, 07:51:34 pm

I used perspex or equivalent. Just make sure its thick enough so it doesnt bend
Its not cheap either but easy to pull out, handle and clean

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: wizkid32 on March 21, 2012, 12:31:04 am

I am planning on using glass.  An then I plan to build the bezel right into that.

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: MTPPC on March 23, 2012, 12:21:58 am

I used a piece of 3/16" glass cut to 21" x 23" and seemed (edge smoothed) I got from a glass shop for $25. I used 20% auto tint on it and I wish I used 35%. It turned out really nice, but the games are a little dim in bright light. This is on my  Ms. Pacmame:

 (http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z182/phatcaddydaddy/pac/IMAG0092.jpg)

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 23, 2012, 01:02:10 pm

Thanks, some good info here.. I think Im going to go for glass but with a sheet of perspex underneath - I'll sandwich my artwork between the two.  Something tells me this isn't a good idea though.  Any thoughts?

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 25, 2012, 05:19:21 pm

 I was wondering to what extent using tinted glass will hide my bezel artwork?  Would clear glass be a better option? I really want my artwork to glow as much as possible under UV but at the same time like the look of a tinted screen.  My plan is to sandwich the art between two pieces of glass.

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: wp34 on March 25, 2012, 05:49:25 pm

Quote from: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 25, 2012, 05:19:21 pm

I really want my artwork to glow as much as possible under UV but at the same time like the look of a tinted screen. 

Now ya got me curious.  Are you going to create a build thread?  I'd like to see your artwork.

Title: Re: Should I use Glass or perspex for my screen?
Post by: Los Abrazos Rotos on March 25, 2012, 06:09:45 pm

Yep, I'll get round to it sooner or later, its discs of tron