Posted by Brian on September 12, 1999 at 22:25:37:
In Reply to: Control panel surface suggestion posted by Torgo on September 12, 1999 at 20:05:34:
: I have just started making my second control panel, and I just wanted to pass along some info I think is worth knowing.
: Instead of using acrylic (plexiglass) to cover the plywood on my panel, I am using a substance called delrin (I thiink thats how you spell it. That's how you say it at least) Delrin is a jet black plexilike substance (I believe it is some kind of resin) It can be perchased in varying thicknesses (I got a 1/8 inch sheet, but could have gotten it as thick as 1/2 inch) The upside to using this substance is, you can cut and drill into it with regular wood cutting/drilling tools without worrying about it cracking. I have drilled several of the standard 1 1/8 inch holes with a regular drill bit with absolutely no problem. Unlike regular plexi, you don't have to put your drill in reverse and melt through (which can cause problems anyway). Just put the drill in forward and you can plow right through the stuff! Also since it is black and super shiney it looks ultra-slick. It also is very crack resistant. I tried to snap a piece by folding it in half (very hard because it is so stiff) and all it did was bend. I whacked a piece with a hammer and all it did was dent it. It is definately more expensive than plexi, but if you don't need a transparent surface, it is well worth the extra cash.
-Another material that is just as strong is poly carbonate. This is just as strong as the delron stuff. I used it on my panel and I was able to get a .093 thick piece. I bent it and tested it too. It's amazing stuff and $$$$ expensive, but TOUGH!!
Either one will work. Just my two cents.