Hatch Seal Prop Almost Done - Plexiglass Help Wanted

[bobatrek]

I have all but completed the prop below, except for the plexiglass box.

It's dimensions are 1.8" L x 2.6" W x 1" H and I was wondering if anyone here would be willing to tackle the plexi box for me (just the plexi - I have the decals).

I am in need of three of them, and if you are interested, let me know what your fee would be.

Thanks in advance,
Sean

 

[tictoc]

Why not try a local plastics supplier and do it yourself? Tap Plastics certainly has that clear plastic. I have also seen Lexan at Home Depot.

In order to make a bend, you could use a heat gun. Clamp four peices of wood on each side of the plastic. Leave a gap where you want the bend to be. Heat up the gap (the wood should protect the areas you want to remain flat) and bend at a 90 degree angle. Does that make sense? This is how I bent my styrene stormtrooper belt ( I think after reading something Firebladejedi posted). Seems transferable. Maybe someone else has another idea.


I think it would be fun for you to complete it yourself.

Let's hear what you do.

 

[bobatrek]

I just bought a heat gun for another project, so I'll give that a shot. Thanks for the idea.

 

[Superkrates]

...Clamp four peices of wood on each side of the plastic. Leave a gap where you want the bend to be. Heat up the gap (the wood should protect the areas you want to remain flat) and bend at a 90 degree angle. Does that make sense? This is how I bent my styrene stormtrooper belt ( I think after reading something Firebladejedi posted). Seems transferable. M

Your technique is sound. However Plexi/lexan/acrylic have a tendency to boil when overheated. A cleaner bend can be acquired by placing the plastic just over the element of a hot wire. Small ones can be purchased in the form of an electric wire styrofoam shape cutter and large ones can be built with a small DC transformer and a length of ni chrome wire.

Does the box have ends, or is it just a 'C' (posibly 'L') cover with open ends and a hinge on top?

 

[bobatrek]

All I know about the box is from what I can see in the pic, unfortunately...

This weekend I'll try the heat gun method, since I already have the supplies for that. If I screw that up (and end up in the hospital with third degree burns :lol) I'll look for the wire styrofoam shape cutter.