Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Nacimroc on September 23, 2009, 11:10:43 pm

Title: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: Nacimroc on September 23, 2009, 11:10:43 pm

Laminates:
Anyone know anywhere in Ireland I could find black laminate for a cabinet ? My alternative would be to use this stuff http://as-essentials.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=107_112&products_id=1176 (http://as-essentials.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=107_112&products_id=1176) but it looks more like dashboard cover than a cabinet material ???  I really can't find a supplier of laminate here. I've been looking for any laminate/formica sheet under 1mm. There was a suggestion to paint acrylic sheets and use instead of laminate but would be very shiney for me ?



Acrylics
Do I really need the lexan material and can I do with a plain old acrylic sheet. Its €15 versus €71! Is it that much better ? I couldnt imagine it scratching too much and wouldnt be too hard to change afterwards ?

Thanks

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: saleem on September 24, 2009, 09:29:00 am

all i can tell you is i got some of the grey vinyl covering for my cp.after too much looking around and asking round without any responses (happ said £50 min order) then the guy at their uk place never got back to me after telling me £50+carriage+vat.

i settled for the grey stuff like i said,i had to buy glue but,take it from me its actualy pretty good.i would have preferred the black myself but,at the time i had to make my descision so i chose grey.

so yes,dont be scared of that vinyl if you got to go with it,you might be pleasantly suprised.

i used it for my metal cp.
:)

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: Nacimroc on September 26, 2009, 08:02:36 am

Thanks for reply. I just put so much effort into figuring out all the other parts of the cab, I am going to end up 'settling' for something I'm unsure about using.

I'l take your word for it and give it a try, if it goes tit$ up, I'l be back in a few months complaining to you  ;D ;D

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: saleem on September 26, 2009, 11:53:00 am

you will be ok with it,if i have any regrets,i regret not buying black but,still the grey looks good enough,i can live with it quite easily.
:)

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: BobA on September 26, 2009, 06:04:38 pm

Lexan is more expensive but is bullet proof.   It scratches easier than plexi but is easier to cut and drill as it does not have the same tendency to crack or shatter.

Plexi is not as strong but is harder so it does not scratch as easy.   It can crack when being drilled or cut and if screws are tightened too much.  Basic advantage it that it is much cheaper.

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: Nacimroc on September 26, 2009, 09:56:53 pm

Thanks for that info! I had it completely wrong then! Was convinced Plexi was easier scratch.

Chances are I'l probably screw up the first attempt with the plexi, but thats the whole point of building my own.

Title: Re: Laminates and Acrylics
Post by: Nacimroc on September 26, 2009, 10:01:31 pm

1 final noobie question. I've ordered 13/16'' T-Molding (21mm) but if i use 18mm MDF + 5mm acrylic sheet this makes it 23mm, 2mm wider than molding.

I could get 12mm MDF but after routing etc it may be too thin? Should I get a thiner acrylic sheet instead ???