[sdiy] Plexiglass Panels

[Tim Daugard]

> I'm planning (and budgeting) to build a modular synth (designs by Ray
> Wilson). I'm trying to cut the costs of buying metal panel (MOTM). I think
> that dark PLEXIGLASS panels may be used instead of the expensive dark metal
> panels. The enclosre could be wood+metal rails to host the modules. I know
> that metal panel are more good-looking...
>
> Does anybody have ever implemented rack panels with plexiglass? Which are
> pros and cons of this technique?

Cons:

Plexiglass is brittle, scratches easy, can break when you try to drill it. If you use it,
drill the smallest pilot holes you can then use a SHARP drill for holes up to 1/4 inch.
Don't use a lot of pressure drilling. Always back the plexiglass with a large flat board
to distribute the stress. for large holes you will need to use a reamer or grinder to make
larger holes.

Start with a small piece before trying anything really ambitious.

I have an floor monitor amplifier in one of my effects racks that has a plexiglass front
panel. I occasionally buy cheap stereo's at garage sales and take the circuit board to use
as power amps. The 5 watts or so for $1 or $2 makes it worth while to cut off the radio
portion of the circuit board and use what's left for an amp.

Tim Daugard
AG4GZ 30.4078N 86.6227W Alt: 12 feet above MSL
http://home.sprintmail.com/~daugard/synth.htm