Questions about working with polycarbonate

[Aeryk]

I have a project in mind that would require working with a solid polycarbonate rod. I have never dealt with the stuff before and was just curious about some things. The project is a clear walking cane with a standard hook/crook handle. Im wanting to use polycarbonate since the acrylic ones out there arent the toughest things on earth, and I use my cane for martial arts practice as well as for a walking aid.

All of the descriptions I have seen say that the stuff is "highly machinable" that means I could shape and carve on it with stuff like files and dremel tools right?

Is it possible to bend like acrylic, by heating? The project would require me to put a 180 degree bend with a 5" inner diameter in a 1.25" solid rod. Is this possible, or do I need to look into different materials?

Lastly, all of the rods I have seen come unpolished, and I would also want to polish up any areas which I carve out. How difficult would it be to bring the stuff back up to glasslike transparency?

Essentially, I am wanting to make a polycarbonate replica of one of the Canemasters Master Canes. Id like to find out if what I want is even possible before I go and put any money into materials or anything.

Thanks
Aeryk

 

[Aeryk]

*bump*

Anyone?

 

[JoeR]

Working with Polycarbonate

Joe

 

[Aeryk]

Sounds like a usefull document, but the link to the pdf file is broken, and I cant seem to locate it anywhere on the regalplastics.com website. Any other sites you know of with similar information?

*edit*

After a bit more searching I found that document on another website, looks like it can be worked just like acrylic from what it says. All I needed to know