Where can I find plexi-glass

[LittleKing]

I light of my other question here (http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/009133.html) , I was wondering were I could find plexi-glass and how much does it cost?

I'm actually thinking about make two different cases, one with plexi-glass and one with wood. The ideas are great but they have their difficulties, in some area. Anyway, if you know were to find plexi-glass that would be great. I'll probably give more info on the cases if anybody wants them, but I want to actually get started on the before I reveal any secret. (yes I know plexi-glass and wood cases have been done before, but I have a new twist to them)

LK

[7bronco]

Try you local glazer, they're in the phone book(how analog).

[jeana]

If you're a student, ask around and find out if your chemistry, physics, or engineering departments have a stockroom.

[drizzle]

For my case mod that I did, I picked some up from Home Depot...great size selection as well as good prices.

[Psylocke]

ins't plexi glass bullet proof? heh, i dont know, just curious. I haven't seen a computer on fire before but doesn't a wooden case pose as a fire hazard?

[Szech]

Don't mean to give you the commercial, but Lexan is supposed to be 25 times stronger than plexiglas. I get mine at Home Depot and have never been disappointed. As for the cost, you'd probably need a couple 24 X 28 sheets, right? I'm going to jump to some conclusions. Anyway, if you get the thin plexiglas, one sheet is less than seven bucks. The thin lexan is less than nine bucks. The thick plexiglas is probably about 25 bucks, and the thick lexan is about 29 bucks. The thin sheets of both are floppy, so depending on your application, you may or may not need the thick sheets. Good luck!

~~Edit: If thick enough, plexiglas is bulletproof, but the sheets you get at home depot are too thin.

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 10-17-2000).]

[LittleKing]

Psylocke, that's something I hadn't considered, but I think that chance is pretty slim if build right. Also, I have some good cooling designed. I feel the biggest problem would be correct grounding between components.

LK

[This message has been edited by LittleKing (edited 10-17-2000).]

[Gomer]

dunno how much you want to spend, and I have never done this, but I have a few ideas for you....

to provide support/grounding for your case, you could use angle/channel aluminum to hold the top, sides, etc. There should be some sort of metal rack at the place where you get your plexi and it is sold in like 6 foot lengths. It is easily cut with a hacksaw, and I believe you can braze it using a handheld propane torch. I think the shine of the aluminum contrasted with the clarity of the plexi would be pretty cool.... You may want to go with lexan though as it is more scratch resistant.

[Gomer]

this is getting frustrating

[This message has been edited by Gomer (edited 10-17-2000).]

[Richard_Cranium72]

Your local Glass Shop has Plexiglas.

In 1/4" a few years back, a 4'x8' sheet was $50

Lexan is an entirely different animal, Race car windshield etc.
ONE 3/8" sheet 4x8' in "82 was almost $500.00.

Get 1/4" Plexiglas, this is the "Thick" stuff.
You'll have plenty of edge material to drill and tap holes for screws. Use size 6-32 Oval Head Phillips Screws in Stainless. Probably 1/2-5/8" in length will suffice.

Cutting Plexiglass is another matter.
Some use a jigsaw.
Others use a paneling blade mounted backwards in a 7-1/4" Circular Saw.
both create a toxic fume and flying debris,, BAD NEWS !!

The EASY way to cut it->>

Get a Straight Edge, made of metal, flat bar will do fine.

Use a Razor Knife and score the glass with ONE pass, push down firmly. Flip it over and carefully score the glass on the opposite side. Be careful or you'll wander away from the guide.

Then place a timber and weights on the glass lying on the floor and weigh it down as much as possible. Put on safety glasses, get a pal and lift up on the glass gently. When it breaks, it sounds like a shotgun, KERPOWWW. Ear protection helps too.

Cutting small pieces, Score them likewise.
Get 2x4's and place them in a vise. PULL or Push until it breaks.

I've cut pieces as small as 8" in this manner and as wide as 4 feet.

Never have I splintered any.

Get a very coarse file and remove the sharp edges, they will slice you like a razor.

On the screw holes, use a larger bit to countersink the holes for the screw heads.

If you live in Bumf**** Egypt and CANNOT find the tools locally, pay the s&h and I'll send the stuff to ya, except the glass of course.. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

DrVette

[thekingofpain]

I think "acrylic" is what youre looking for, you can look at my case here if you missed it: http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum3/HTML/008768.html

[dkozloski]

Your local building supply store will have a scoring tool for cutting plastic laminate. It looks like the worlds chintziest pocket knife but if you follow the directions it works like magic. The prodedure is similar to the utility knife method except that you can score the plastic with multiple passes of the tool and the plastic breaks much easier and much more cleanly. When drilling holes, sharpen the drill so the cutting edge is parallel to the long axis of the bit so the bit scrapes rather than digs. This keeps the bit from digging in. Talk to someone that replaces windows in small aircraft if you have questions.

[Richard_Cranium72]

Hey, Kowalski, thants for the drill bit tip..
Kewl, basically DULL the bit?

Wait a min,, HEY,, I KNOW YOU,, You spent some time with me and Outpatient in Belvue NY Hospital for the mentally insane http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

You're the dude who broke out and stole the Super-Charged 1970 White Challenger with the 426 Hemi engine..

Too bad you got smashed into the bulldozers in the movie Vanishing Point.. Good Movie http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Ole Kolwalski

[LittleKing]

I just want to think everyone for their replies. They will help out tremendously.

Also, if others have input, please feel free to post, your info about building the case is appreciated. As I build the case I'm sure I'll have question, so I'll ask as I get to them. I have a really special plan for this case, but I don't want to reveal it right now. Hopefully I'll get to start by the end of the month, and I have enough funds for the job. (Although I don't think it will be to much)

Again thanks for all you help, I really love this board.

LK

[thekingofpain]

Heres a couple shots of a wood case a guy made also: http://www.overclockers.com.au/ubb/Forum11/HTML/000087.html http://www.overclockers.com.au/ubb/Forum11/HTML/000149.html

[blade_146]

www.caseetc.com (http://www.caseetc.com) has all the stuff you could want for windows and what not.