plexiglass

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Exabian

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Joined
Oct 26, 2012
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266
Location
South Korea (Camp Humphrey)
I was asked if I can make a pen out of plexiglass. I told him I have never tried I don't think it is a safe thing to do. But since it is an acrylic I figured I would ask here to see if I'm just wrong. So is it possible? Has any one done this? And if so are there any extra safety steps that need to be taken?
 
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Why not just use a clear acrylic rod. I've seen posts about people using it to practice with.:wink:
 
If using clear acrylic consider if you will use the brass tubes or not. I don't think it would look good with the tubes, but would be much harder without them. You would want to consider polishing the inside of the drilled tubes which would be a tough task. I have seen it done, but just some things to consider.
 
I can't find the pic right now, but I did one like this:


  1. Cut the plexi into squares.
  2. Cut black plastic sheet (from a plastic folder) into matching squares. Use whatever color you want.
  3. Sand all flat surfaces. 400 grit is fine.
  4. Glue with med CA and clamp (clamping is IMPORTANT!).
    I used a right angle shopmade fixture to keep it straight while clamping. Just two boards glued and screwed. Lay a sheet of wax paper to keep from gluing the jig to the new blank.
  5. Drill and reverse paint a contrasting color. I used silver spray paint.

Came out great and was really easy to turn. Well, "easy" is relative... heh
 
Here's a simple Christmas pen from green and red acrylic ---

-- as mentioned above, cut squares, sand flat surfaces, glue (I used thin CA),
clamp, drill, reverse paint, glue in tube and turn (with sharp tools)

Joe
 

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