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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#1
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 08/30/2017 06:57 PM, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M Stack them in a vise and mill. Cheers Phil Hobbs -- Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics 160 North State Road #203 Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 hobbs at electrooptical dot net http://electrooptical.net |
#2
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas
(Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M |
#3
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
In article ,
Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how.../#.WadJJnWGNo8 "For thicker sheets of plexiglass, cut with a power saw€”be it a circular saw, saber saw, or table saw. (To cut anything but a straight line, opt for a jigsaw.) No matter which type of saw you choose for the task, its critically important to use the right blade. There are special blades designed expressly for acrylic, but any metal-cutting blade with carbide tips can do the trick. Before committing to one blade or another, double-check that its teeth are evenly spaced, with no rake, and of uniform height and shape." For the size you're talking about, I'd think that a table-type sabresaw or jigsaw (with a fence) would be what you'd want. For a fancier approach - the MightyOhm geiger counter kit can be purchased with a two-piece acrylic case, the upper sheet of which has some custom cut-outs made for the tube and the batteries. Their web page says that it's "laser cut". Maker shops may have suitable laser-cutters for their members to use, and there are service companies which will laser-cut-to-size in your choise of acrylic types. |
#4
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
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#5
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Dave Platt wrote:
In article , Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how.../#.WadJJnWGNo8 "For thicker sheets of plexiglass, cut with a power saw€”be it a circular saw, saber saw, or table saw. (To cut anything but a straight line, opt for a jigsaw.) No matter which type of saw you choose for the task, its critically important to use the right blade. There are special blades designed expressly for acrylic, but any metal-cutting blade with carbide tips can do the trick. Before committing to one blade or another, double-check that its teeth are evenly spaced, with no rake, and of uniform height and shape." For the size you're talking about, I'd think that a table-type sabresaw or jigsaw (with a fence) would be what you'd want. For a fancier approach - the MightyOhm geiger counter kit can be purchased with a two-piece acrylic case, the upper sheet of which has some custom cut-outs made for the tube and the batteries. Their web page says that it's "laser cut". Maker shops may have suitable laser-cutters for their members to use, and there are service companies which will laser-cut-to-size in your choise of acrylic types. I've contacted four Ebay sellers of Plexiglas panels, asking if they can cut to my dimensions. Although they all advertise that they can cut to custom sizes, all but one of them say that they can't cut that small due to "liability insurance restrictions", whatever that might be. The other quoted an unbelievably high price for a small order of 25 pieces. That's why I'm looking to do it myself. I looked at the Geiger Counter kit and didn't see any reference to any plexiglas except for a clear panel covering the front of the unit, clearly not what I'm after. At any rate, I'm not going to buy several $100 Geiger Counter kits for which I have no use just to get $15 worth of plastic. Yes, the finishing blade that I mentioned is a zero-rake blade, so that't not a problem. Just concerned about my fingers when they get close to the blade spinning at 3200 RPM. I'm leaning toward building a hot wire cutter into a frame that will keep the wire taut enough to make a straight cut through the plastic. Maybe mount it alongside the fence on my tablesaw. That should keep everything nice & straight. Thanks, Dave M |
#6
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Randy Day wrote:
In article , says... Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? [snip] Is there a makerspace near you with a laser cutter, or a laser cutting company? Water jet cutting? Don't know about a makerspace. Never heard of them. Have to see what Google churns up. Dave M |
#7
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. That should be no problem on a table saw. Make sure to use a zero clearance insert. Cut into the short-side sized strips with a fence than chop those up with a miter gauge with a stop. Perfectly safe. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Your first thought should work just fine as long as you take reasonable care. |
#8
Posted to sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Thursday, 31 August 2017 00:55:19 UTC+1, Dave M wrote:
Dave Platt wrote: In article , Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? yes but not for LED displays. I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how.../#.WadJJnWGNo8 "For thicker sheets of plexiglass, cut with a power saw€”be it a circular saw, saber saw, or table saw. (To cut anything but a straight line, opt for a jigsaw.) No matter which type of saw you choose for the task, its critically important to use the right blade. There are special blades designed expressly for acrylic, but any metal-cutting blade with carbide tips can do the trick. Before committing to one blade or another, double-check that its teeth are evenly spaced, with no rake, and of uniform height and shape." For the size you're talking about, I'd think that a table-type sabresaw or jigsaw (with a fence) would be what you'd want. I would rule out any type of saw for a few reasons 1. Such a small piece is impossible to hold effectively unless you're using a low speed handsaw, which is very ill suited to acrylic 2. Power saw speed plus very slow feed are required, and there's no way you'll get good enough control with such a fiddly unsupported piece 3. Anything else will crack it 4. Your fingers will be at too much risk For a fancier approach - the MightyOhm geiger counter kit can be purchased with a two-piece acrylic case, the upper sheet of which has some custom cut-outs made for the tube and the batteries. Their web page says that it's "laser cut". Maker shops may have suitable laser-cutters for their members to use, and there are service companies which will laser-cut-to-size in your choise of acrylic types. I've contacted four Ebay sellers of Plexiglas panels, asking if they can cut to my dimensions. Although they all advertise that they can cut to custom sizes, all but one of them say that they can't cut that small due to "liability insurance restrictions", whatever that might be. The other quoted an unbelievably high price for a small order of 25 pieces. That's why I'm looking to do it myself. It's doable, but the options shrink heavily. I looked at the Geiger Counter kit and didn't see any reference to any plexiglas except for a clear panel covering the front of the unit, clearly not what I'm after. At any rate, I'm not going to buy several $100 Geiger Counter kits for which I have no use just to get $15 worth of plastic. Yes, the finishing blade that I mentioned is a zero-rake blade, so that't not a problem. Just concerned about my fingers when they get close to the blade spinning at 3200 RPM. I'm leaning toward building a hot wire cutter into a frame that will keep the wire taut enough to make a straight cut through the plastic. Maybe mount it alongside the fence on my tablesaw. That should keep everything nice & straight. Thanks, Dave M Hot wire would do it, and gravity tends to keep it cutting straight. You can sand the edges afterwards to get dimension precise. An easier option is to use an abrasive stone in a dremel, cutting/melting as close as you can to your scribed line, but never over it, then sand it. NT |
#9
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? Polycarb is a bit easier to cut. Acrylic melts and gums up blades easier. -- John Larkin Highland Technology, Inc picosecond timing precision measurement jlarkin att highlandtechnology dott com http://www.highlandtechnology.com |
#10
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M I have scored and snapped Plexiglas. You would need to mount it firmly so that the corners don't break. A small fixture (plywood) to sandwich the piece should work fine. Cheers |
#11
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
I've had a lot of trouble cutting acrylic on a table saw, or drilling.
The problem has been chipping on the back side. I haven't tried backing it with a piece of wood - that should help. What does work very well for giving a nice edge is a router. Not very convenient for cutting into pieces, but nice for cutting shapes to a template, or for finishing edges that have been cut with too much chipping. |
#12
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 6:57:16 PM UTC-4, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M at my job, we cut plexiglass( USA) on a sheet metal shear. makes a nice cut that requires little sanding to make smooth. 1/8 is thin. any tin shop would have shear that could cut that, even a manual one would work. |
#13
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
"Dave M" wrote in message ... Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M Make and use a small parts sled to hold the pieces and keep your fingers out of harms way. Do a search for "woodworking small parts sled" for an assortment of photos and plans. Use the tablesaw to just score the plastic. Don't cut all the way through. Snap on the score lines and file off any rough edges. A propane torch will polish the edges to a glass like finish. Practice on a scrap first as it's easy to burn the edge. Art |
#14
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M Variable speed dremel with a cutoff wheel will work. -- Chisolm Republic of Texas |
#15
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M When a hardware store cuts plexiglass for a storm door or window, they put the sheet in a glass cutting frame. That is nothing more than a rack with a straight edge and a lever to apply pressure against the part you want cut. Then they use a special cutter made for plexiglass, which is really just a sharp blade. They score it with that cutter from top to bottom. Then they use that lever to apply pressure and SNAP, they make a nice clean cut. I was in a place where I had to cut some myself. I did not have that special cutter or a rack. I marked it with a sharpie. Then I took a straight piece of aluminum, laid it on my mark, and scored it with a utility knife with a new blade. Once it was scored, I placed the scored line along the edge of a board and applied pressure with my hand. That worked fine. One thing I learned, never try to drill plexiglass. You will end up with small cracks around the hole. I once wanted to put some hinges onto plexiglass and learned the hard way about the cracks. Then I used a soldering iron and melted holes. It was kind of messy, sicne the melted plastic builds up around the hole and needs to be quickly removed while it's still hot and soft, but that did work in the end. (The soldering iron tip was pretty much trash though, I ssaved it for future plexiglass holes, but would never try to solder with it). |
#16
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 30/08/2017 23:57, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M I would use , don't know what they're called, miniture tenon saw from a craft shop for marketry I believe, blade only about 1 x 2 inches, but large handle, and teeth about the same as a hack-saw size and spacing |
#17
Posted to sci.electronics.design,sci.electronics.repair
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 30/08/17 23:57, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Have a look at laser cutting. Bonus: you can cut complex shapes as easily as simple shapes. Caution: not all materials can be cut like that. Look for a local Hackspace or Makerspace, if you want to learn how to use laser cutters yourself. Alternatively there are many commercial companies available. Usually you just send them the CAD file and they return the items by post, but obviously you could pick them up from a local company. |
#18
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? Does it have to be perspex? 1/8" polycarbonate (Lexan) cuts with tinsnips, no cracks, nice enough edge if you are covering it with any frame; otherwise pass them a few times over a big file held in the vise. |
#19
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Stuff that thin can be scored with a matt knife and broken on the score. With care, even on a curved score. For curved shapes, make a template in thick cardboard and cut along that. If you need to do this more than once, soak the curved edge in a very thin cyanoacrylate glue, then file it to the final shape. That will resist scoring by the blade.
Today, I have a Dremel Scroll-saw with a fine plastic-blade. Makes life easy. I tend to cut a bit proud of the final shape and use a very fine sanding disc to finish. It gives a nice edge and no flash. Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA |
#20
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 2017-08-30, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. use a drop saw instead. -- This email has not been checked by half-arsed antivirus software |
#21
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 2017-08-30, Dave M wrote:
I've contacted four Ebay sellers of Plexiglas panels, asking if they can cut to my dimensions. Although they all advertise that they can cut to custom sizes, all but one of them say that they can't cut that small due to "liability insurance restrictions", whatever that might be. The other quoted an unbelievably high price for a small order of 25 pieces. That's why I'm looking to do it myself. https://www.ponoko.com/laser-cutting/acrylic send these guys 1:1 scale SVG with your outlines, they'll cut them into a sheet. they seem to have a "first order free" deal going at the moment. -- This email has not been checked by half-arsed antivirus software |
#22
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Repeatedly score it with a suitable blade and snap it along a hard strait edge. When I was using a lot of perspex I had a strait edge made with a steel rule glued to a wooden board. Occasionally I needed to use two boards clamped in a vice. Steve -- http://www.npsnn.com |
#23
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 31/08/2017 08:57, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M As others have said, use a CO2 laser. About 40 watts or higher should do the job. They cost from about $4000 upwards, and are so useful that many hobbyists and clubs have them. It leaves a nice smooth edge on acrylic. Acrylic is one of the materials that it can cut well and safely. (e.g. Don't ask them to cut PVC, it makes acidic fumes that attack the mechanism of the machine and poison the bystanders.) |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 8/30/2017 5:57 PM, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. A triple chip for plastic would be your best bet. |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wed, 30 Aug 2017 17:57:06 -0500, "Dave M"
wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? Use the score-and-snap method. Purchase a scoring tool from any of the big box stores or many hardware stores. This tool has a backward pointing scoring point and cuts a 90 deg Vee. Score the plastic along a straightedge to about 1/3 the thickness. That's about 3 passes with the scoring tool. Position the plastic on a counter or bench with a sharp edge, locate the score over the edge. Place your palm on the plastic and firmly push down. The acrylic will cleanly snap. If you get a ragged break or a chunk of plastic remains on one end, you didn't score deeply enough. John John DeArmond http://www.neon-john.com http://www.tnduction.com Tellico Plains, Occupied TN See website for email address |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Jasen Betts wrote:
On 2017-08-30, Dave M wrote: I've contacted four Ebay sellers of Plexiglas panels, asking if they can cut to my dimensions. Although they all advertise that they can cut to custom sizes, all but one of them say that they can't cut that small due to "liability insurance restrictions", whatever that might be. The other quoted an unbelievably high price for a small order of 25 pieces. That's why I'm looking to do it myself. https://www.ponoko.com/laser-cutting/acrylic send these guys 1:1 scale SVG with your outlines, they'll cut them into a sheet. they seem to have a "first order free" deal going at the moment. This looks promising. I'll look into it and see what the costs are (future projects). It's a great concept, sorta like sending Gerber files to a PCB house, and they make the board to my specs. OK, thanks for all the suggestions. I just got a response from an Ebay seller, saying that if I buy a suitable panel of his Plexiglas, he will cut into pieces of my specifications at no charge!! Can't beat a deal like that. BTW, the seller's Ebay name is seefinestore, based in New York. Don't know if he gave me a one-time deal, or if he will do this for any order, but it solves my immediate problem. Thanks for the pointer to ponoko, I'll keep it for reference for future projects. Dave M |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? Real Plexiglas normally cannot be sheared. it can be scored with a special knife and snapped off like glass cutting. It can also be machined with a router or mill. Just be sure the cutter is super sharp and keep the tool moving fast. Cutting slowly leads to heat build up and melting. I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). I do NOT think you can hot wire-cut acrylic. It will make a LOT of fumes and cut very slow. Acrylic has a pretty high melting point. Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Just rectangles? Why would clamping be tricky? If making a lot, you clamp a sheet by the edges, and rout out the pieces, leaving a little space between parts. My scheme, if really setting up to make a bunch, would be to set up a fence on the table saw and cut a bunch of strips the length of the Plexi sheets to match one of your dimensions. Then, stacking a bunch of these strips, cut the other dimension. That would make a lot of parts quickly. If you need highly accurate dimensions, then the mill is the way to go. Jon |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Once upon a time on usenet Bob Engelhardt wrote:
I've had a lot of trouble cutting acrylic on a table saw, or drilling. The problem has been chipping on the back side. I haven't tried backing it with a piece of wood - that should help. What does work very well for giving a nice edge is a router. Not very convenient for cutting into pieces, but nice for cutting shapes to a template, or for finishing edges that have been cut with too much chipping. I worked in a high-end cabinet making workshop and have used a free-hand spindle moulder before for cutting acrylic for kitchen drawer fronts etc. Just fix it to a (thick wooden) template (for the bearing to run on) with double sided tape and Bob's your uncle. A small spindle moulder can be made using a decent router. -- Shaun. "Humans will have advanced a long, long way when religious belief has a cozy little classification in the DSM*." David Melville (in r.a.s.f1) (*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
Hi Dave:
Laser machining is the precision way to go. If you require a steady supply I might be able to help out as I am making some custom plexi bezels and lexan implosion shields for vintage O'scopes and automobile dashboard fascia (flexible 0.35mm & 0.50mm thick material) right now. I have 1mm, 3mm & 6mm clear plexi on hand as well as 0.35mm and 0.50mm EVA material. If you need custom color 'gel' film filters bonded to the EVA I have a process developed for that as well. Ancel On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 6:57:16 PM UTC-4, Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 31 Aug 2017 11:13:25 GMT, the renowned Jasen Betts
wrote: On 2017-08-30, Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. use a drop saw instead. You can cut 3mm acrylic with a fine (eg. 80 tooth on a 10") carbide blade on a table saw. No problem- just don't push it through too fat. Or use a CO2 laser in the 40W range with air assist. Or use a small CNC engraver with 4-flute mill. --sp -- Best regards, Spehro Pefhany |
#32
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 8/30/2017 3:57 PM, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? I have had good results on wood and countertop material with my HF oscillating Multi-Tool. The flat round "sawtooth" blade cuts very cleanly, with no chips. You can clamp a 3/4" board to the material being cut as a guide. Then just press the blade flat against the wood, and slowly move it through the material. It is slow, but very controllable, and low risk. It would very likely work just as well on plexiglass. |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On 31/08/2017 00:55, Dave M wrote:
snip I'm leaning toward building a hot wire cutter into a frame that will keep the wire taut enough to make a straight cut through the plastic. Maybe mount it alongside the fence on my tablesaw. That should keep everything nice & straight. A hot wire cutter will create a lip on the cut surface. I guess it could then be sanded off? I think the sawing approach is easier, but mind your fingers. The last time I cut a more substantial piece of acrylic I used a mitre type of saw. -- Mike Perkins Video Solutions Ltd www.videosolutions.ltd.uk |
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 3:57:16 PM UTC-7, Dave M wrote:
Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? .... Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M All of these suggestions were interesting, but when I wanted something similar, my local plastics stores were willing to cut them to my requirements. This worked both in White Plains NY and San Jose CA. I tried your dimensions on the TAP Plastics web site, and it was $10 for one, $14.90 for ten, and $149 for a hundred (ISTR that the onesies price was lower for walk-in service, especially if you could find suitable stock in the scrap bin so you would only be charged the cutting fee). I vaguely recall that they used a band saw, but it has been more than thirty years. |
#35
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Cutting Plexiglass (Perspex)
On Tue, 05 Sep 2017 13:27:30 +1000, David Eather wrote:
On Thu, 31 Aug 2017 08:57:06 +1000, Dave M wrote: Anyone have experience in accurately cutting 1/8" thick acrylic Plexiglas (Perspex) for LED displays? I need to make filters for some panel meters of my own design, but am having trouble finding off-the-shelf bezels and filters of the sizes I need. Before everyone tells me that there are cheap Chinese panel meters available on the web, I already know about them. My meters are for a unique application and the available digital panel meters can't be modified to fill my needs. The display is the really unique part, and I need to make my own filters for the displays. I need 3 different sizes; 1.25" x 2.5". 2.75" x 5" and 4" x 5". I've thought about using a table saw with a cabinet-grade finishing blade. That's possible, but somewhat dangerous due to the small size of the filters. Also thought about hot wire cutting. That's quite possible, relatively safe (just have to keep fingers off the hot wire). Might be hard to keep the wire taut enough to make straight cuts, and guiding the plastic through the wire or the wire through the plastic. Also thought about cutting on a drill press or milling machine. Again, a bit dangerous due to the small size of the work. Clamping would be tricky. Any suggestions as to a good, safe approach to cutting the plastic? Dave M This is a real non-issue. Just look up laser cutting services on Google and you find a heap that do one offs at low cost -- The latest set of Shadow Broker tools shows the UK, USA, Canada, Australian and New Zealand spy agencies were hacking into domestic home routers. Who gave them permission to spy on our kids? |
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