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Lexan for jigs
I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why
couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike |
Lexan for jigs
wrote in message ps.com... I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike I used 1/4" ply. Worked fine. Lexan "should" work, but plastic can shatter and throw out shrapnel. I would avoid it. |
Lexan for jigs
I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why
couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike I would think it would work but after some use it would scratch up badly. I'm unsure of its stability with heat. It melts easily. I use 9mm Baltic Birch (3/8") Plywood. Stable and strong. Dave Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services ---------------------------------------------------------- ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY ** ---------------------------------------------------------- http://www.usenet.com |
Lexan for jigs
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Lexan for jigs
Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the
piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. "Toller" wrote in message ... wrote in message ps.com... I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike I used 1/4" ply. Worked fine. Lexan "should" work, but plastic can shatter and throw out shrapnel. I would avoid it. |
Lexan for jigs
"CW" wrote in message .net... Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Really? Oak must be pretty shatter prone, because I have seen many of peices of Lexan or acrylic sheeting shatter. I tried to cut a peice with a CMS once, wasn't pretty..... |
Lexan for jigs
Where can one purchase Lexan and what sizes does it come in?
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Lexan for jigs
wrote in message ps.com... I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike 1/4" will probably flex too much for a sled |
Lexan for jigs
LRod wrote:
On Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:06:10 -0400, "TBM" wrote: "CW" wrote in message nk.net... Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Really? Oak must be pretty shatter prone, because I have seen many of peices of Lexan or acrylic sheeting shatter. I tried to cut a peice with a CMS once, wasn't pretty..... Really? Acrylic yes, but you'd be hard pressed to get Lexan (polycarbonate--different stuff altogether, I believe) to shatter. Post pictures if you do. In fact, it's used to make shatter proof features, even bulletproof in thicker construction. Yesterday I was milling some parts of 3/8" Lexan sheet. On my metalworking vertical mill with a regular 2 flute end mill for aluminum. What I can say Lexan is amazing stuff. Tough, not melting, not brittle, pure pleasure to work with. 1/4" deep 1" wide single pass cut is very smooth, shavings from the mill are clean and don't have a slightest sign of melting. Aluminum is much worth--it DOES melt and sticks to a mill. Regular 6061 alloy machinability is considered fair. I would give Lexan "Excellent" grade. Pure pleasure. It would definitely made fantastic jigs. Much better than oak. --- ************************************************** **************** * KSI@home KOI8 Net The impossible we do immediately. * * Las Vegas NV, USA Miracles require 24-hour notice. * ************************************************** **************** -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
Lexan for jigs
On Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:06:10 -0400, "TBM" wrote:
"CW" wrote in message k.net... Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Really? Oak must be pretty shatter prone, because I have seen many of peices of Lexan or acrylic sheeting shatter. I tried to cut a peice with a CMS once, wasn't pretty..... Really? Acrylic yes, but you'd be hard pressed to get Lexan (polycarbonate--different stuff altogether, I believe) to shatter. Post pictures if you do. In fact, it's used to make shatter proof features, even bulletproof in thicker construction. -- LRod Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999 http://www.woodbutcher.net Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997 email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month. If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't care to correspond with you anyway. |
Lexan for jigs
Any plastics place. It's quite common. 4x8 sheets. Thickest I've seen it was
2". "Tom" wrote in message m... Where can one purchase Lexan and what sizes does it come in? |
Lexan for jigs
So, which was it? Lexan (polycarbonate) or acylic. Completly different
stuff. I know, it was clear stuff, right? "TBM" wrote in message ... "CW" wrote in message .net... Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Really? Oak must be pretty shatter prone, because I have seen many of peices of Lexan or acrylic sheeting shatter. I tried to cut a peice with a CMS once, wasn't pretty..... |
Lexan for jigs
wrote in message ... On Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:06:10 -0400, "TBM" wrote: "CW" wrote in message nk.net... Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Really? Oak must be pretty shatter prone, because I have seen many of peices of Lexan or acrylic sheeting shatter. I tried to cut a peice with a CMS once, wasn't pretty..... It had to have been acrylic which will crack/shatter very easily. It does have the benefit that it doesn't scratch very easily. Lexan on the other hand will never shatter even hitting it with a sledge hammer, but will easily scratch. Acrylic is much brittler (is there such a word as brittler?), but I have had lexan shatter when cutting it with a CMS. It sent some pretty impressive shards out. |
Lexan for jigs
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Lexan for jigs
"CW" wrote in message nk.net... So, which was it? Lexan (polycarbonate) or acylic. Completly different stuff. I know, it was clear stuff, right? Both. |
Lexan for jigs
CW wrote: Lexan shatter? Unless you freeze it, it's less likely to shatter than the piece of oak you're cutting on the sled you built. Normally Lexan (polycarbonate) will bend into a pretzel long before it shatters, but there is one way to make it brittle. Lexan is mechanically tough, but chemically it's weak. Lots of common chemicals, including household solvents and detergents, can change its behaviour like this. I used to work on big production-line machinery. One toolroom had a mis-match between its very expensive 1/2" Lexan safety shields around all the CNC machines and the cutting fluid they were using. Eventually there was a mishap on one machine and a chunk of metal came loose. It hit the screen and went straight through it, shattering the glazing like a Hollywood saloon window. They had to change cutting fluids, then replace every screen in the place. Normally I'd have scrounged the scrap, but this stuff was so embrittled that plant maintenance couldn't even unbolt the screen panels from the frames without most of them cracking or breaking. I'd also advise against Lexan for jig making. You don't need that level of impact resistance and the stuff's a pain to work with. |
Lexan for jigs
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Lexan for jigs
"willim" wrote in message ... wrote in news:1156283102.389344.3920 @p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com: I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike Lexans attribute is that it does not scratch as easily as other plastics. I use 3/8 all the time for jigs. It is used as trays and stuff for wheelchairs. 1/4 is a little thin for a sled but I think it will work if you are careful. Chamfer edges, holes and slots; cracks will propagate. Bill Actually Lexan (Polycarbonate) is much softer than acrylics like Plexiglass. That is what gives it its impact resistancs, down side is at does scratch much easier than Plexiglass. Also cost about 2X Acrylic, 1/4" thk is around $10.00 sq/ft. Kevin |
Lexan for jigs
Ahhh yes... the acrylic/Lexan mistaken identity. A simple flame test
tells the difference. Google it, because my lawyer advises against sayng too much *G* Lexan is good enough for jet-fighter canopies, I'm told. But the whole discussion is moot because all you need to do is call for a price on Lexan. I have built many a display case for a variety of jewelry stores, and often used Lexan with a sheet of glass on top (scratch restance and hammer resistance in an affordable sandwich). In my solid surface fabrication, I make a lot of jigs/patterns/templates, and I invariably use MDF and Baltic Birch...OR..solid surface left-overs. My favourite jig material is 1/2" phenolic, which can be bought with laminate already attached. Nothing quite like it. r |
Lexan for jigs
I see. Either you don't know what you are talking about or you're incredibly
inept. "TBM" wrote in message ... "CW" wrote in message nk.net... So, which was it? Lexan (polycarbonate) or acylic. Completly different stuff. I know, it was clear stuff, right? Both. |
Lexan for jigs
"CW" wrote in message nk.net... I see. Either you don't know what you are talking about or you're incredibly inept. "TBM" wrote in message ... "CW" wrote in message nk.net... So, which was it? Lexan (polycarbonate) or acylic. Completly different stuff. I know, it was clear stuff, right? Both. This coming from a top poster? Lexan is shatter resistant, not shatter proof. I PERSONALLY had a peice of 3mm lexan fly apart in many small peices. Maybe you don't consider that shattering, but I do. I also have had simular experiences with plexiglass, which should not come as a suprise. Regardless, there is no reason to be an asshole, so welcome to my killfile. |
Lexan for jigs
"TBM" wrote in message ... This coming from a top poster? The correct way, of course. I PERSONALLY had a peice of 3mm lexan fly apart in many small peices. Glad I don't work around you. Takes talent. |
Lexan for jigs
"CW" wrote in message nk.net... I see. Either you don't know what you are talking about or you're incredibly inept. I don't have any experience with Lexan, but another poster in this thread also experienced a peice of lexan shattering in a CMS. Possible they are confusing Plexiglass with lexan, it's a common misperception. What is the reason for the snarkiness? |
Lexan for jigs
On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:05:16 -0400, "Locutus"
wrote: "CW" wrote in message ink.net... I see. Either you don't know what you are talking about or you're incredibly inept. I don't have any experience with Lexan, but another poster in this thread also experienced a peice of lexan shattering in a CMS. Possible they are confusing Plexiglass with lexan, it's a common misperception. What is the reason for the snarkiness? Well, there's at least one historically (and consistently) misinformed individual so confused, and this one was number two. All after some very knowledgable responses to the OP indicating the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic and how it is exceedingly unlikely to be able to duplicate the effect on one in the other. I get testy about them, too. Makes me want to give them their sign. -- LRod Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999 http://www.woodbutcher.net Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997 email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month. If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't care to correspond with you anyway. |
Lexan for jigs
wrote in message ps.com... I see most crosscut sleds use 3/4" plywood for the base, but why couldn't I use 1/4" Lexan instead? It's a stable material, isn't it? Mike Lexan is good stuff. The down side is that 1/4 inch is really flexible so you would have to back it up with the plywood anyway. Cost is also an issue unless you have it scrap. Others have mentioned shattering. If you avoid sharp inside corners impact resistance goes through the roof. Poly carbonate is rather soft and will scratch easily. They do make a scratch resistant grade but it is usually used for glazing. One thing that does work great for jigs is Formica laminated wood/MDF/particle board. The particle board is the last choice except for cost if you can get sink cutouts cheap and or free. Good till you drop it or get it wet. -- __ Roger Shoaf Important factors in selecting a mate: 1] Depth of gene pool 2] Position on the food chain. |
Lexan for jigs
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Lexan for jigs
"LRod"
Makes me want to give them their sign. ROTFLMAO I never heard of Bill Engvall and his "Here's your sign" bit until I got XMRadio. The first time I heard his show I almost crashed my truck! Very funny guy. Dave Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services ---------------------------------------------------------- ** SPEED ** RETENTION ** COMPLETION ** ANONYMITY ** ---------------------------------------------------------- http://www.usenet.com |
Lexan for jigs
"LRod" wrote in message ... On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:05:16 -0400, "Locutus" wrote: "CW" wrote in message link.net... I see. Either you don't know what you are talking about or you're incredibly inept. I don't have any experience with Lexan, but another poster in this thread also experienced a peice of lexan shattering in a CMS. Possible they are confusing Plexiglass with lexan, it's a common misperception. What is the reason for the snarkiness? Well, there's at least one historically (and consistently) misinformed individual so confused, and this one was number two. All after some very knowledgable responses to the OP indicating the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic and how it is exceedingly unlikely to be able to duplicate the effect on one in the other. I get testy about them, too. Makes me want to give them their sign. -- LRod Since everyone is adamant that Lexan won't shatter, then I must concede I was mistaken. Perhaps it was in fact plexiglass. |
Lexan for jigs
On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:58:42 -0400, "TBM" wrote:
Well, there's at least one historically (and consistently) misinformed individual so confused, and this one was number two. All after some very knowledgable responses to the OP indicating the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic and how it is exceedingly unlikely to be able to duplicate the effect on one in the other. I get testy about them, too. Makes me want to give them their sign. Since everyone is adamant that Lexan won't shatter, then I must concede I was mistaken. Perhaps it was in fact plexiglass. And just for the record and your own piece of mind, you weren't the "historically (and consistently) misinformed individual" to whom I referred. -- LRod Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999 http://www.woodbutcher.net Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997 email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month. If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't care to correspond with you anyway. |
Lexan for jigs
"TBM" wrote in message ... Since everyone is adamant that Lexan won't shatter, then I must concede I was mistaken. Perhaps it was in fact plexiglass. I have shattered polycarbonate, all it takes is a bad design with sharp inside corners. Avoid that and the stuff is literally bullet proof. -- Roger Shoaf If you are not part of the solution, you are not dissolved in the solvent. |
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