Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Dazz on January 21, 2008, 03:04:58 pm
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I currently use a sheet of plexi to cover my monitor/tv screen and bezel on my cabinet. Over the past 3 years the plexi has scratched and looks like crap. I am looking to replace it with slightly smoked real glass or plexi alternative. Something that looks good and more durable then plexi.
What is the standard glass/plexi thickness that would be for this job? Should I even consider real glass over plexi? Or any suggestions for alternatives? I would have used Lexan originally, but Home Depot wouldn't cut it and I don't really have an easy way to cut it either.
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Check with your local glass dealer. They usually ask what you are cutting it for and when you tell them an arcade, they will choose the right thickness for it. It goes for around $7 a square foot by me cut "raw" and $8 a square foot for them to smooth out the edges. I suggest option # 2. So it will probably cost you around $30 or so for 4 square feet. If you want the glass tempered (so that if it breaks it will crumble it small glass crumbs - used in autos) it will cost about double that.
As far as tinting goes. That's a hot topic here on the forums. Basically I would say the rule of thumb is that if you want to use the Actlabs light gun in the future, stick to clear. There have been rare reports that the light gun does not like tinted glass. Others report it works fine on older model light guns. Your mileage may vary.
~ D