I would like to start this post by saying that acrylic is not meant to be drilled or cut with a saw. It is possible, but it is a fool's task.
Enough background.
----------
Hole locations were marked on an acrylic sheet by placing the layout drawing on top and tapping down with a scratch awl to make a small dent in the surface. Border width along the edges and between the modules was measured as the width of electrical tape. In the future, the tape could be applied, even color-coded, to differentiate the different portions of the device.
Pilot holes and full-size holes were drilled into the acrylic sheet. Drilling had to be done slowly so the brittle plastic would not crack and shatter. Going slowly produced dust rather than chips and made a mess in the office. On top of that, the swarf was statically charged, so it stuck to surfaces and flew everywhere.
After the holes were drilled, the sheet was scored and snapped to get rid of the unneeded plastic. This was the most significant advantage of acrylic since it breaks cleanly. Even then, one edge did not snap along the scored notch.
Despite drilling carefully, the holes were prone to flaking at the edges. Perhaps it would have been better to heat the drill bit with a torch and melt through the plastic rather than drilling holes. It was a mess. Don't try drilling acrylic.
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2019-03-09
Enough background.
----------
Hole locations were marked on an acrylic sheet by placing the layout drawing on top and tapping down with a scratch awl to make a small dent in the surface. Border width along the edges and between the modules was measured as the width of electrical tape. In the future, the tape could be applied, even color-coded, to differentiate the different portions of the device.
Marking holes with a scratch awl
Pilot holes and full-size holes were drilled into the acrylic sheet. Drilling had to be done slowly so the brittle plastic would not crack and shatter. Going slowly produced dust rather than chips and made a mess in the office. On top of that, the swarf was statically charged, so it stuck to surfaces and flew everywhere.
Drilling holes in the acrylic sheet
After the holes were drilled, the sheet was scored and snapped to get rid of the unneeded plastic. This was the most significant advantage of acrylic since it breaks cleanly. Even then, one edge did not snap along the scored notch.
Problem with acrylic
Despite drilling carefully, the holes were prone to flaking at the edges. Perhaps it would have been better to heat the drill bit with a torch and melt through the plastic rather than drilling holes. It was a mess. Don't try drilling acrylic.
Problem with acrylic
The rest of the posts for this project have been arranged by date.
First time here?
Completed projects from year 1
Completed projects from year 2
Completed projects from year 3
Completed projects from year 4
Completed projects from year 5
Disclaimer for http://24hourengineer.blogspot.com and 24HourEngineer.com
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, is not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
2019-03-09
Comments
Post a Comment