Acrylic Shelving

[Flathead Red]

I was interested in making some shelving for some 1/24 scale dragsters. I thought of wood but felt it would be to dark. A friend of mine suggested acrylic as it can be purchased at HD or Lowes (Never seen it). Has anyone worked with it? How do you attach pieces together? Glue? Any thoughts?

Flathead Red

 

[72chevy]

Here's a link to a basswood and Plexi case for 1/24th scale.
Mabe you could adapt the plans to your material.

http://www.italianhorses.net/Tutorials/Display/dcase.htm

 

[rsanter]

I have worked with it several times.
there are several types of clear sheet plastic that you can use and there are different glues to use
many of those materials can be cut with a tablesaw, have their edge sanded somewhat smooth and then 'flame polished'

bob

 

[Stuey]

To be honest, if you're thinking of constructing something out of acrylic, check out an industrial or plastics supplier. Their stock is often kept in better condition, and they have a wider selection of thicknesses and sizes. Plus, you'll likely need to get glue and applicators from them anyways.

IPS Weld-On makes decent solvent adhesives. You're also going to want an applicator bottle or syringe with a blunt needle - these can often be acquired from a well supplied woodworking retailer, hobby shop, or arts & craft store (Pearl Paint, **** Blick, etc).

In addition to solvent glue, you can connect acrlyic pieces via threaded inserts, machine screws, etc.

For cutting thinner panels, you can use a "score and snap" method. For thicker pieces, you'll need a saw, possibly with a special blade. I use a non-ferrous metals and plastic blade on my miter saw for the occasional acrylic cut.

 

[rjspitz]

I agree with Stuey, better off using a supplier than HD or lowes. There's also other options like polycarbonate. There are many online suppliers who will do the cuts for you too.

 

[WH0DAMAN]

Here is where I get my Acrylic supplies. They have some instructional videos on this site as well.

http://www.tapplastics.com/

 

[Stuey]

Tap Plastics & Delvies are both reputable, and my experiences with McMaster Carr have always been positive.

 

[A_Pmech]

I'd use glass. I dislike acrylic because of it's tendency to bend and scratch. Plus, I like the "ring" of glass.

A good-quality glass cutter and a straightedge is all you need. Snap the score between the index fingers and thumbs, as if you're breaking a twig. You can finish the edges with carbide sanding discs.

 

[Kevin54]

I'd use glass. I dislike acrylic because of it's tendency to bend and scratch. Plus, I like the "ring" of glass.

A good-quality glass cutter and a straightedge is all you need. Snap the score between the index fingers and thumbs, as if you're breaking a twig. You can finish the edges with carbide sanding discs.

I'd check with a local glass company also. We did away with the wood shelves in our cabinets and also cut out the door fronts and had them replaced with glass. Decent price for all. I gave them the size and had it back the next day. They even radiused the edges of all the shelves for a couple of dollars more.

 

[Damon L.]

Back when I had a bunch of die cast cars, I also used glass boxes. Stop by the local glass shop and see if they will build a few for you. Clear silicone was used for the adhesive.

I had a few of them made with mirrored backs, also.

 

[kf4zht]

plexi and acrylic are not hard to work with unless you go too thin. At about 3/16-1/4 it gets where you can cut it with a bandsaw, some tablesaw blades or a jigsaw quite easily and quickly. Flame polish shown edges and get a glue made for the material and it will go together fine.

If you go with the right kinds some are much more scratch resistant

 

[Da Bull]

I got this for my wife's cup collection. I added a light on the top that shined all the way to the bottom. I'd post a pic but she sold it, those cups keep multiplying.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30114613