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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: PedroSilva on November 05, 2003, 06:14:06 pm

Title: How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: PedroSilva on November 05, 2003, 06:14:06 pm

Hi,

Here I am again for another question for you "experts" on the subject ... ;D

I'm going to cover my Cp with an acrylic (believe you guys call it plexiglass) sheet 2mm thickness.

For the cutting / driling no problem ... I'l use metal apropriate.

The quesion is ... How or what should I use to make the borders smoth and kinda round without scratching it ?

Does metal sand papper 600 grain do the trick ?

Thanks

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Infrasonic on November 05, 2003, 08:59:20 pm

I would only sand using a sanding block, with the sandpaper fastened tightly onto it.  Also, it would probably be best to keep the protective plastic, and/or using masking tape to protect the area around the edges.  Using 600 may prove tedious, you could try starting with a coarser grade-like or 220, and move up to 600.  Remember acrylic is brittle and can break easily.  It has better scratch resistance that polycarbonate though, and is cheaper.  Sanding with water-wet wet/dry sandpaper is best.  

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Tailgunner on November 05, 2003, 09:04:52 pm

Heat works nicely. Try a propane torch on a piece of scrap, you just need to get it hot enough that the sharp edges melt and round themselves. Too hot and the acrylic will bubble or warp. With a little practice you'll find the right amount of heat to round the edges quickly and cleanly.

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Zakk on November 06, 2003, 12:22:45 am

Only way I know of to get a real smooth finish is the buffing wheel.  Also takes a little bit of trial and error to get used to, but then it's a piece of cake:

http://www.mameworld.net/massive/How-to/Buff/buffing.htm

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Infrasonic on November 06, 2003, 12:55:09 am

Be careful with that torch, acrylic is inflammable.

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: RandyT on November 06, 2003, 01:42:48 am

Quote from: Infrasonic on November 06, 2003, 12:55:09 am

Be careful with that torch, acrylic is inflammable.

True, but don't let that stand in your way.  

The pros flame-polish acrylic.  Just be careful, practice and take your time.

RandyT

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: PedroSilva on November 06, 2003, 05:13:31 am

Hi,

Thank you all for the great ideas ... this is why I love this forum .. there's always someone who has already had and solved all my problems ...  ;D

Regarding the choice ... I think I'll try to use the suggestion from Zakk ... it's exacly that finish I'm looking ...

Last question:
Is there anything we can adapt to the power drill to do the job ? I don't want to by a buffing wheel just to do that.

Thanks

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Infrasonic on November 06, 2003, 05:22:35 am

you could use a file - I use files, it really doesn't matter what type of file you use double cut, single cut, or double-bastard.  

My main purpose is to remove the sharp edges.  It takes me about a minute and it's done.  

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: PedroSilva on November 06, 2003, 05:29:46 am

Quote from: Infrasonic on November 06, 2003, 05:22:35 am

you could use a file - I use files, it really doesn't matter what type of file you use double cut, single cut, or double-bastard.  

My main purpose is to remove the sharp edges.  It takes me about a minute and it's done.  

What's a file ?  ;D

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: Infrasonic on November 06, 2003, 06:41:06 am

here's a pic

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: PedroSilva on November 06, 2003, 06:57:24 am

I see ...

But with that you have to have a very good eye to maintain the same angle all along ...  ;D

I'll make the test anyway ...

Thanks,

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: neuromancer on November 06, 2003, 11:05:51 am

Files are good for the bulk of the work.

The problem with any mechanical sander is heat buildup melts the plastic, which gets gooey.

Buffing plastic with a wheel is tedious too. It's really easy to press the material too hard into the wheel and melt it.

This is something you want to practice a lot before you try it out.

I don't think your drill press is going to spin any where near fast enough to work as a buffing wheel.

Bob

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: neuromancer on November 06, 2003, 11:06:02 am

Files are good for the bulk of the work.

The problem with any mechanical sander is heat buildup melts the plastic, which gets gooey.

Buffing plastic with a wheel is tedious too. It's really easy to press the material too hard into the wheel and melt it.

This is something you want to practice a lot before you try it out.

I don't think your drill press is going to spin any where near fast enough to work as a buffing wheel.

Bob

Title: Re:How to sand the borders of acrylic
Post by: PedroSilva on November 06, 2003, 11:13:39 am

Quote from: neuromancer on November 06, 2003, 11:06:02 am

Files are good for the bulk of the work.

The problem with any mechanical sander is heat buildup melts the plastic, which gets gooey.

Buffing plastic with a wheel is tedious too. It's really easy to press the material too hard into the wheel and melt it.

This is something you want to practice a lot before you try it out.

I don't think your drill press is going to spin any where near fast enough to work as a buffing wheel.

Bob

Damn ...
I'll have to spend more money ???

Gonna have to stop eating to balance ...  ;D