Plexiglass/Lexan/etc question.

[evitagen]

I've read all of the FAQs and I have more than likely overlooked this question, but I'm having a hard time here.

I'm building my first cabinet and I'm almost finished with the control panel.  I've cut the plexiglass to the correct size of the panel along with all of the holes for the joysticks and buttons.

The joysticks will be mounted without the bolts going all the way through the panel.

My question is, what mounts the glass to the control panel?  I've seen some very slick panels on here with glass over the top with absolutely no bolts holding it in place.  I obviously would like to have the clean look like that, but I can't really figure out how the glass/lexan is suppose to secure itself without bolts.

I'm obviously a complete virgin to all of this, so take it easy on me.  I generally have searched the forum for a few days trying to find an answer and I am either horrible at searching or I just haven't found a good answer.

Thanks again guys.

[fixedpigs]

the buttons keep it in place...along with the edge of the t-molding all around it...

[evitagen]

Really?  Is that really all?

I figured it would kind of slip a bit if it wasn't mounted with bolts.  I love the look of having no bolts showing on the CP, so if this is really all it takes... That is great.

[HaRuMaN]

Really?  Is that really all?

I figured it would kind of slip a bit if it wasn't mounted with bolts.  I love the look of having no bolts showing on the CP, so if this is really all it takes... That is great.

Think of the buttons as very large bolts that hold in it place. 

[evitagen]

I feel like an idiot.

I'm so glad I did not drill mounting holes yet.

Thanks for educating me.

Also... I don't actually have plexiglass.  It isn't lexan, either.  I BELIEVE it is some product called Optrix or some crap like that.  Made by plaskolite, or something like that.  I honestly can't remember the correct or exact spelling.

Has anyone heard of this?  It's very easy to work with.  Cutting holes with a hole-saw was no problem.

Found the site:  http://www.plaskolite.com/acrylic-sheets.htm

I have the Optix crap.  Is this a good product from the looks of it?  It seems to be okay... but I'm not all that familiar with these products.

[HaRuMaN]

Well, a big concern will be how it holds up to scratches...  also, will it yellow or crack with time?

[evitagen]

From the site:  http://www.matweb.com/search/datasheettext.aspx?matid=56279

Optix® is a continuously processed acrylic sheet that is crystal clear, impact resistant, weather resistant, and non-yellowing. It offers high molecular weight for superior thermoforming, bending, and flame polishing.

Unless they are BSing me.  I was hoping someone here has used this before and can confirm if it is good.

[evitagen]

While I'm getting my questions answered, I guess it's safe to ask what is the best way to smooth out my edges.  It was my first time cutting any kind of plexi-glass material, so a few spots are a little rough.  Is there anything to use to smooth this out?  Will sandpaper do the job?  Some kind of buffer?  I honestly don't know... but I would like the parts that I cut to be smooth.

[HaRuMaN]

Use a fine sandpaper, and if you really want, you can polish it afterwards using a plastic polish compound, like Novus 2.

[evitagen]

Thank you so much.

Would a hand sander be overkill, or should I just sand it manually to smooth it?

[HaRuMaN]

I would sand manually.  You may remove too much material too quickly using a hand sander.

[Virge]

I used to work at Plaskolite.  Its basically plexiglass but plexiglass is is a trademark name for acrylic sheeting.  Same crap give or take.  We used to take a torch to the white edges after cutting to shine them up.

[evitagen]

So it's basically just plexiglass?  I've never worked with plexiglass, but from the sound of it it isn't nearly as easy to work with(cutting and shaping) as some of the other stuff.

I had a pretty easy time cutting and shaping this stuff and drilling the holes.  I mean, sure, I took my time and made sure I didn't completely ruin everything because I only had one sheet... but still, it wasn't that bad at all.

I guess that answers my question whether or not it's decent, so thanks!