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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: TazMan on February 03, 2003, 02:21:43 pm

Title: Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: TazMan on February 03, 2003, 02:21:43 pm

What have people here had the best luck with in polishing the edges on cut plexiglass.  I am using 1/8" thick plexi,  I can cut it using either a router (laminate bit)or a  jig saw with plastic cutting blade  - but they both seem to leave a dull edge.  Obviously, sanding just dulls it more.  I know you can flame polish acrylic - but I believe that is reserved for thick pieces (like 1/4" and up). I have a grinding / buffing wheel; but, wasn't sure what buffing compund to use.  Any ideas?  Thanks

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: eightbit on February 03, 2003, 03:00:47 pm

A buffing wheel wilk work with plastic polish compound. Most places that sell plexi should sell buffing compound.

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: Gopherboy on February 03, 2003, 06:52:41 pm

Have you tried the old favourite - toothpaste?

gb

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: Dave Dribin on February 04, 2003, 12:21:28 am

Use Novus #3, #2, then #1:

http://www.novuspolish.com/polish-home-content.cfm (http://www.novuspolish.com/polish-home-content.cfm)

I've used it on some heavy scratches.  It takes a bit of elbow grease, but it works.  I got mine at some pinpall website (don't remember off the top of my head).

-Dave

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: RandyT on February 04, 2003, 11:41:48 am

Quote from: TazMan on February 03, 2003, 02:21:43 pm

What have people here had the best luck with in polishing the edges on cut plexiglass.  I am using 1/8" thick plexi,  I can cut it using either a router (laminate bit)or a  jig saw with plastic cutting blade  - but they both seem to leave a dull edge.  Obviously, sanding just dulls it more.  I know you can flame polish acrylic - but I believe that is reserved for thick pieces (like 1/4" and up). I have a grinding / buffing wheel; but, wasn't sure what buffing compund to use.  Any ideas?  Thanks

Just curious, but have you TRIED flame polishing it?  I know people that work in the business, and it's the only method they use regardless of the thickness.  You just have to be more careful, ie. move it fast and don't concentrate the heat on one area.

Practice on a scrap first. If it works, it'll be the easiest way.

RandyT

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: eightbit on February 04, 2003, 02:47:33 pm

We did flame polishing back in Junior High wood shop with a lighter. It work pretty good, it takes a little longer than with a torch but its harder to mess it up with a smaller flame.

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: TazMan on February 04, 2003, 03:05:24 pm

Thanks for all the tips gents  ;D

I am hoping to do the polishing tonight and will report back on my results.
- that is, assuming I can get my frickin' Java app working for my Client / Server programming class, but I digress :P

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: TazMan on February 17, 2003, 10:39:17 am

well... as it turned out, I didn't have to polish the edges afterall.  switched from the jigsaw to the router and Bingo, crisp, clean edges.  ;D

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: Silverwind on February 17, 2003, 11:35:59 am

Quote from: eightbit on February 03, 2003, 03:00:47 pm

A buffing wheel wilk work with plastic polish compound. Most places that sell plexi should sell buffing compound.

I got a buffing wheel that was meant to wax my car.. how will that work on it? hehe

Title: Re:Polishing plexiglass edges
Post by: eightbit on February 17, 2003, 01:46:36 pm

Quote from: Silverwind on February 17, 2003, 11:35:59 am

Quote from: eightbit on February 03, 2003, 03:00:47 pm

A buffing wheel wilk work with plastic polish compound. Most places that sell plexi should sell buffing compound.

I got a buffing wheel that was meant to wax my car.. how will that work on it? hehe

Usually you want the kind of buffing wheel that you would mount on a bench mount grinder. You don't want to polish the whole sheet of plexiglass or maybe YOU want to polish the whole sheet.... But thats not normal....
(http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/36100-36199/36127.gif)