[sdiy] Plastic Panels

[James R. Coplin]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl [mailto:owner-synth-
> diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of TIm Daugard
> Sent: Wednesday, December 31, 2003 9:41 AM
> To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] Plastic Panels
> 
> 
> > The main problem with plastic is making holes in it.  Some plastics work
> > better than others.  I seem to recall you want to use a polycarbonate
> > plastic, but, I would not take my word on that at all.

[James R. Coplin] 

It depends...

Polycarb is more shatter proof. It's what's used in safety glasses and the
like. However, it is more flexible and has more sag than acrylic.

Acrylic, while less shatter proof, is a bit more rigid and solid feeling.

I use polycarb when making things like router bases and jigs that I'm going
to beat on heavily. I use acrylic when I need rigid strength and for most
general purposes. Both are available from any plastic manufacturing shop in
your town and I seem to recall they cost about the same. I go to shop where
they manufacture plastic thingees and almost always can purchase scrap in
large pieces (1/2 sheets somewhat irregularly cut) for deep discount that
more than meet my needs. Generally this is more than 1/2 the price if I went
to a plastic merchant and bought whole sheet. I generally don't have need to
a 8 foot sheet so a large scrap chunk works out great. I pick it up once a
year or so and always have plenty on hand. Hope this helps.

James R. Coplin