Picture of plexiglass bending

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Agreed! Sounds scammish. I cut vinyl siding with a $6plastic/aluminum blade with a ton of teeth and reverse it also. The manufacturer also suggests using beeswax on the blade, but I've never found that neccessary and have never had a blowout yet. If you ever need another try buying it from Bradco Supply.

 

[92Nitro]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Thanks for the post. I have been looking for 2 windshields for 8 months at the cost of abot 200 each I will try this. Thanks again.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

As mentioned before, how do you avoid scratching the Plexi or Lexan?

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Sorry, I don't have a fool proof non flamable method for avoiding scratches while working the material during the cutting or bending. I bought a plexiglass buffing product at the autoparts store to use with an orbital sander with a buffing attachment to remove the few scratches I got in mine.

With that said, the only real scratch I got on my project came from the days that it sat in the bed of my truck while I procrastinated the project. The clamps didn't leave any noticable scratches and neither did the wood block I bent it with.

Overall, I didn't do a very good job of taking precautions against scratching and still came out ok. Good luck. It looks like alot of people are going to try the DIY way and save some bucks. After doing mine I can't imagine paying $150-$200 for one. The project didn't require any more time than searching out someone to do it for you, dropping it off, and picking it up. Plus it saves money. Money our boats need for more important things like fuel.

 

[DaveHawkins]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

As mentioned before, how do you avoid scratching the Plexi or Lexan?

Plexi or Lexan will come with either a paper or plastic cellophane type of masking. I leave most of the masking on while I am fabricating and remove/cut only an inch or so of the masking away from the bend or edge area that is being worked on. Doing it this way, does a really good job of protecting the product from scratching.

I never remove all the masking until I am ready to install.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Yeap! Think I will give it a try someday before too long. Thanks for the info.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

I may have installed a little out of level, but looks a thousand time better than it did broken. Very snug fit.

 

[Darren Nemeth]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Looks great!

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

What are you using for washers behind the screws that fasten the windshield the console? Anything special or just a standard rubber washer?

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Just neoprene washers . I used tapered head bolts so I used tapered SS wahers that help center the washer and dress the appearance. I'm sure they have a name that I'm not familiar with.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

They are called "finishing washers" or "cup washers"

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

I call em " da purdy ones". Thanks, I'll remember that.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

How tall is your windshield, not sure how tall I should make mine when the time comes or is it a kind of what suits the eye type of thing, haven't come across any measurements in the catologs I have.
My console is about 26" wide and 18" deep and about 30" high. Here's a picture or two. Thanks for any tips on the height of the windshield.

max

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Just whatever you think looks most proportionate really. My window is 16" tall including area used for mounting. It is 29" wide and 6" deep. Yours could definateli stand to be a bit deeper. I have no Idea off the top of my head what the height of my console is but it looks similr to yours as far as the taper goes. The top of my console is about 8 inches deep(just a bit narrower than yours)

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

I had figured about 15" for the height of the winsheild by researching pitures in catalogs I have but the height is hard to judge from the pictures in the catalogs, I got my best figure by looking at yours which I figured to be about 16".

Here where I live so far to fabricate a windsheild myself that looks simular to yours will cost around $90 with the materials that I'd have to buy to do the job. I can do 1/8" clear plexiglass for about $40 with everything I would need, but clear just doesn't do it for me, I think it would be too thin. My local harware store will only sell a 2'x4' sheet in tinted 1/4 plexiglass and that's about $70 plus tax. Not in the budget and almost half the price of a new windsheild by the time I'm finished.
Looks like I've got some decisions to make, buy a used one and make it work, make one, or come up with another idea.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

What parts are you in?? check this site out. I got mine free from a neighbor but this place sells it cheep.
"http://www.estreetplastics.com/Grey_Smoke_Plexiglass_2064_s/80.htm" looks like $35 would get you what you need.

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

looks like yuo might save even more. They also do custom sizes so you won't buy as much. If you need a heat gun check out harbor freight.com . They sell junk but a $10 heat gun will probably do the job. I used a 15 year old Black and Decker. If you know tools you know that B&D is junk.

 

[maxum247]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Thanks for the info on the tinted plexiglass glass the prices sound more in my range.

 

[linstad]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

i am no pro at this, and haven't tried it yet, but couldn't you make a clear windshield and just tint it with automotive window tint? The film type, or the spray type (nightshade?) Just a thought....

 

[cdnfthree2]

Re: Picture of plexiglass bending

Not sure!? If it did work, would it last?