Interesting topic as I will be needing to cut some Plexiglas myself soon.
So what is the preferred method of cutting down a large sheet to manageable
size if you don't have a large bandsaw at your disposal. Maybe an abrasive
blade of some sort for a power handsaw?
Thanks.
Mike / W8DN
----- Original Message -----
From: "N9EN@VOYAGER.NET" <n9en@voyager.net>
To: "Jim Rhodes" <rhodes@evertek.net>; "Chris BONDE" <ve7hcb@rac.ca>
Cc: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2002 6:58 AM
Subject: Re: [Towertalk] Handling plexiglass
Hello all...
Plexiglas (acrylic plastic) and Lexan (polycarbonate) are
NOT the same. Lexan is considerably stronger and much
more expensive. It is the same material that is used for
a glazing material for "bullet-proof windows."
In working with either material, whenever a hole is drilled,
the edges of the hole (on both sides of the material) need
to be chamfered slightly, in order to reduce the tendency
of the material to crack around the hole that was put in it.
The chamfer doesn't have to be very large; just enough
to get rid of the sharp edge that was produced by the
drilled hole.
73 de Brad, N9EN @ Radio Free Roscoe (IL)...
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris BONDE" <ve7hcb@rac.ca>
To: "Jim Rhodes" <rhodes@evertek.net>
Cc: <towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 15, 2002 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Towertalk] Handling plexiglass
> Plexiglass or Lexon, I believe are the same. Try heating a section, then
> bending. Afairly sharpe curve can be obtained. Someone gave me
> instruction awhile back, but I donot have anymore. I have seen some
people
> (at work, when I was allowed to work) handle the stuff very nicely.
Using
> metal edges, to me is bad as such will interfere with the electrical
> properties. Try a very hot heat gun but move rapidly. Some say heat in
an
> oven, but I forget the temp. For bending use a form similar to a sheet
> metal brake idea. I bent some once using metal on both sides, put in
vice,
> clamp, then use another piece of metal to bend over. Was not bad for a
> beginer.
>
> When drilling go slowly, you want to drill not melt. You can glue pieces
> together as well.
>
> I am planning on making something. I plan on drilling with the drill press
> and gluing the small pieces together.
>
> Chris opr VE7HCB
> ,
> At 07:37 PM 2002-09-14 -0500, you wrote:
> >Use sharp tools and don't rush it. I have found that a drill press rather
> >than hand drilling helps a lot. I use plexiglass scraps quite a bit in
> >projects. Pick them up free from the glass place. Even pieces large
enough
> >to mount a couple of large variables find their way into the scrap bin.
> >Then use small aluminum angle pieces to mount to chassis.
> >
> >At 02:42 PM 9/14/02, Mark Beckwith wrote:
> >>I need to cut and drill plexiglass. I will be making custom insulators
for
> >>mounting matching network components (big air-variable capacitors) to
> >>assorted chasses.
> >>
> >>I have a dim recollection of trying this once when I was a dumb kid and
just
> >>making a big mess and ruining all the plexiglass. What tips do you
learned
> >>ones offer for cutting and drilling plexiglass.
> >>
> >>If anyone has a better (i.e. easier) idea for mounting these big honking
> >>things (besides plexiglass) I would be happy to know it.
> >>
> >>Mark, N5OT
> >>
> >>
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> >Jim Rhodes K0XU
> >jim@rhodesend.net
> >
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an
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>
> _______________________________________________
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http://www.mscomputer.com
> Call 888-333-9041 to place your order, mention you saw this ad and take an
additional 5 percent off
> any weather station price.
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_______________________________________________
Self Supporting Towers, Wireless Weather Stations, see web site:
http://www.mscomputer.com
Call 888-333-9041 to place your order, mention you saw this ad and take an
additional 5 percent off
any weather station price.
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