Question for Acrylic Experts

[temponaut]

I have several MR lightsaber display cases that are not being used.

I'm wondering if there is any way to remove the acrylic saber stands that are affixed to each base without ruining the mirror finish of the base. If this could be done, the bases could be combined with custom cut supports and acrylic covers of different shapes and sizes for a wide variety of other props. :love

Can anyone recommend a reliable approach for doing this? Or is it just a pipe dream?

 

[temponaut]

Bump.

Any acrylic experts out there able to lend me the benefit of your expertise?

 

[TK0518]

I haven't examined any of the bases that you are refering to but i can't imagine anyway that you can remove the acrylic stand from the mirror bottom in some negative way.

If they are glued to the mirror you might want to try using a heat-gun/paint stripper to soften up the glue (as well as the acrylic) and see if you can't pry them off gently. any glue residue could be removed with either hot water or heat gun together with a scalpel / razorblade or exactoblade.

the heating may warp the plastic around the base so watch out...

Good luck..

 

[ob1al]

The MR cases always seem popular - you could always sell them and use the money to buy new custom made cases.

 

[kdawg1]

I never seen a case in person but my bet is that the mirror base is acrylic also so that baby is welded.
If you got a plastics shop near by take it to them and see what they have to say, they may have a solvent to break the bond with out killing the acrylic.

 

[temponaut]

Thanks for your thoughts, everyone.

Based on responses here and in the General Modeling Forum, it's sounding to me as if ob1al's idea makes good sense. I'm thinking more and more that, if I try to separate the acrylic supports from the bases, I'll end up with a bunch of ruined cases.

Thanks very much again for your help, gang. :thumbsup