Astute observation Drew! Yes, it does take the 1/8" into account, but in a backwards sort of way. I had originally designed the plans so that the plastic would ride along the edge of the plywood. In that case I was going to mount boards running vertically (flush) between the plywood to act as braces. I think that may be shown in a sketch earlier in the thread. That would have required a bunch more cutting and measuring so I figured it would be easier, faster, and actually more accurate to simply tack the 1/8" panels along the plywood. Rather than back the additional 1/8th out of all the CAD files, I decided to simply change the thickness of the plexi I plan on using for the inner face of the marquee. So I'll use 1/4" for the outer plexi and 1/8" instead of 1/4" for the inner.
Next photos will probably be of a "test bend" or rather test fold using posterboard. This will allow me to (finally!) determine the actual dimensions of the plexi sheet I'll need. (Since the sides will toenail inwards as they are bent down, the sheet will need to be considerably taller than the vertical dimension of the marquee. It will also allow me to determine the angle I'll need to cant the artwork on the side panels.... since the marquee printout will get bent/folded along the 3 planes, I'll need to compensate for that in the layout. So the art on the sides will be angled in the printout and will level out when folded into position. Not sure if I'm explaining that well... it'll be clear on the posterboard though. I also need to attach a "clamping tab" at the 18 degree angle of the front plane so I have something I clamp the plexi against while bending. I'll bend the inner sheet first. Then, leaving it in place on the jig, I'll bend the outer piece over the top of it. This will ensure that they spoon well together.
Of course the entire process involves liberal use of fire, so as far as this thread goes, those pics should be second only in cool to June + family's plasma jet cutter.
In laws will be here this weekend so I may not (probably won't) get to the plastic until... .um.... next week - which is KILLIN' me. But I will definitely get pics of the posterboard test (yeah, yeah I know... yawn) up by tomorrow, so you can see what I'm rambling on about.
And Drew, you forgot to advise about the
proper use of the policeman. You've left me just as likely to misuse it in future posts!
Rain and other jobs have slowed my friend's progress on the floor grinding/poishing. He had hoped to have it done by tomorrow, but now it looks like its another week away. If there is enough tolerance for going OT on it, I'll post mock up pics of different color options for the logo and put it to a vote.... any interest?