Plexi vs Laminated Glass

[Mark42]

I'm working on the materials list for the Bayliner Cabin project. For the new cabin front and side windows (which are fixed, non-opening) I'm thinking that laminated safety glass would be a nice product to use because it can be cut, won't scratch or dull as easy as plastics. But with plexi, I can make mild curves without heating that will look great.

Anyone know why I should not use laminated safety glass?

BTW, the roof of the cabin will have the original cuddy cabin hatch installed on it so there is (relatively) easy access to the bow for tying off anchor, etc. Point being even though the front and side windows will not open, the roof will have a 16.5" (opening dimension) hatch for egress.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

mark, you must be talking about something i don't know. because all the laminated safety glass in the construction industry, is made to size and shape at the factory. can't be cut because it will shatter to a million pieces, bonded by the plastic inside. same stuff as car windows.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

Lexan is much more scratch resistant than plexiglass. Laminated glass would almost be too costly and tempered glass would be just as bad.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

plus a big difference in weight.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

mark, you must be talking about something i don't know. because all the laminated safety glass in the construction industry, is made to size and shape at the factory. can't be cut because it will shatter to a million pieces, bonded by the plastic inside. same stuff as car windows.

You're thinking of side window glass which is tempered. It breakes into little pieces. Windshields are not tempered, they are regular glass laminated with plastic in the center. I have cut windshields many times. How do you think we get windshields to fit all those chop top cars?

Anyway, there is the weight issue, but I feel that is far offset by the scratch resistance of glass compared to plastic.

Also, just go to any auto salvage yard and there are lots of delivery trucks with large flat laminated windshields that would cut down just nice and (I hope) are cheap. I'll have to see.

 

[OTOGLSMN]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

Absolutly Go With The Laminated Glass. Allthough You Can Not Get The Curves You Want There Is Really No Good Adhesive To Hold Plastics Or Polycarbonates (lexan) In Nothing Sticks Long Term.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

I vote glass.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

thanks, i learned something new. i now resend my vote or lexan, and vote glass. this forum is great.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

I still vote for the plastic. What would you have to glue to it? You can drill and machine the Lexan and it's resistantance to shatter can not be beat. I just can not see an issue with scratches or dulling with Lexan. ...... now if it was the older cheaper plexiglass I would agree. My vote stands

 

[OTOGLSMN]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

True Lexan Is Pretty Amazing Stuff, And You Can Get Mar Resistant Lxan (more Resistant To Scratches) But It Will Scratch, And Fade Over Time. We Call It Clear Sheet Metal, When Kids Throw Rocks At It The Rock Bounce Back. The Windows Should Be Sealed To The Cabin With Some Type Of Sealer No Matter How They Are Installed.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

Ayuh,.......

Glass will Never dull or cloud or Scratch,...........

Glass is Forever,.......... Or till you Break it..........


Btw,...... I Love the Idea of recyclng Truck Windows.......

 

[CTD]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

The laminated glass will turn white if moisture gets to the edges like on old cars so the edges need to be sealed well. How do you cut the laminated glass? Do you grind the edges, if so what do you use .

 

[Mark42]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

Cutting a windshield is not too hard, but if you are cutting a curved one, its harder. Use a regular glass cutter and score one side, then score the other side on the same line. Tap to make the glass crack on the score, one side at a time. Then bend the glass enough to slip in a razor blade and cut the plastic.

I have seen guys score the glass, then heat by pouring rubbing alcohol on it, light for a few moments, then blow out. Then when they tap and bend, it breaks clean, one side at a time. Also because its warm, the plastic is soft and its easier to get a razor in to cut the plastic.

Then sand the edges with emerycloth and then with a grinding disk.

I was told to put sealer in the rubber molding, I assumed it was to help hold the glass, but it might have been to keep air out too.

 

[burroak]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

mark, you must be talking about something i don't know. because all the laminated safety glass in the construction industry, is made to size and shape at the factory. can't be cut because it will shatter to a million pieces, bonded by the plastic inside. same stuff as car windows.

Laminated glass can be cut. Score both sides precisely and snap the glass. pour methylated fluid in the crack and light with a match. When the plastic laminate melts it can be separated.

Usual disclaimer of responsibility and use caution.

 

[burroak]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

You beat me to the reply. I do hate to be an echo.

 

[OTOGLSMN]

Re: Plexi vs Laminated Glass

You Are Better Off Cutting One Side And Breaking It Then Flipping It Over And Cutting And Breaking. If You Use To Much Presure On The Cutter, Or Score It More Than Once (never Do This) And Wait To Long, It Can And Most Likely Will Weld Itself Back To Gether. If You Heat It First It Is More Likely To Run Were It Wants To Instead Of Were You Want It To. Use A Denatured Alcohol Instead Of Rubbing Alcohol. Rubbing Alcohol Burns To Hot And To Fast And Just Smells Bad. As Far As Edge Work, We Use Carbarandom Belts On Belt Sanders. Use A Real Lite Oil To Keep It Cool. Grinding Discs Will Only Bring You Heart Ache And A Trip To Get More Glass.