Too much fun with my Dremel

TwoBallScrewBall

TwoBallScrewBall

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So I have a pair of prescription transitions glasses (tint outside, clear indoors). A few years old, and were the spare pair. They were a little scratched so I took some rouge and my dremel to one of the lenses. It's now opaque, like a bathroom window. <br /><br />Toss it? or is there any way to clear it back up? The lens is polycarbonate.
 
B

Bob in Calif.

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Stiff Nibbles.....<br /><br />You could have slightly melted the surface of the lens, with the heat from the friction from the speed of the Dremel. I have used brasso on some plastic surfaces and have gotten pretty fair results. Not like new, but an improvement. I just use a soft cloth, brasso and my finger, but not a power tool. <br /><br /> ....Bob in Calif...
 
SS MAYFLOAT

SS MAYFLOAT

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

I've tried removing scratches from glasses to. Even bought one of those kits with the 800 grit to 2400 grit and compounds. I did get them close to being like new, but they still wasn't usable. Nothing like the original surface. I ended up tossing the lenses. I've been giving my old spectacles to the Lions Club since. They really appreaciate getting peoples old ones to help those that can't afford them. Good luck there SN!
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Seeing that they're Junk Now,....<br /><br />You could try "Flame Polishing".......<br /><br />When Plastic is brought to the point you're at Now,.....<br />A Flame, aka. a Propane Torch, is LIGHTLY played over the surface,......<br />Keep it moving,....When the Surface melts,.. you have Polished it,.. a Second TOOO LONG,+ the Plastic will Bubble,+ All is Lost.......<br /><br />Maybe a Google of Flame Polishing will bring you a better description..........
 
fireman57

fireman57

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

The product called lens doctor to repair scratches isn't bad but it is hard to use without getting a couple lines in them. You can by it at wallyworld.
 
tommays

tommays

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

when we fix plastic we have a set of polishes that go in steps xxxx to x corse to really really fine<br /><br />takes a long time :) <br /><br />tommays
 
P

PAkev

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Transiton lenses use what is known in the optical industry as an "Embibed" chemical process. Unlike "In Mass" technology which is mixed in with the photochromatic chemicals and used by imitation manufactures to enable lenses to change colors, "Embibed" technology enables all lenses of different prescriptions (different thicknesses) to afford the same color density. Therefore, I believe if you indeed got some scratches out, you can probably expect compromised RX lens performance.<br /><br />Lens buffs and scratch fillers are a GIMMICK<br />While they may have provided a temporary solution for earlier generation plastic lenses, today's high tech lenses of different refractive indexes require a more exact science.<br /><br />Most insurance companies cover new RX eyewear every 2 years and they tend to be conservative. Scratches are normal wear. You can't even drive a car for two years without getting a few scratches on it.
 
S

SlowlySinking

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

I had good luck using jewelers rouge on a buffing wheel.
 
J

jlshields

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Plain ole white Colgate toothpaste
 
FLATHEAD

FLATHEAD

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Originally posted by Bondo:<br /> Seeing that they're Junk Now,....<br /><br />You could try "Flame Polishing".......<br /><br />When Plastic is brought to the point you're at Now,.....<br />A Flame, aka. a Propane Torch, is LIGHTLY played over the surface,......<br />Keep it moving,....When the Surface melts,.. you have Polished it,.. a Second TOOO LONG,+ the Plastic will Bubble,+ All is Lost.......<br /><br />Maybe a Google of Flame Polishing will bring you a better description..........
Click to expand...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- :D :D I love it. I got an old pair that I am now dieing to try that on. :cool:
 
TwoBallScrewBall

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Well since Bondo's suggestion sounded like by far the most fun I went with it. <br /><br />Things I learned:<br /><br />1. Propane flame gives off enough UV to cause the lenses to react and tint around the flame. <br /><br />2. Polycarbonate lenses turn funny shapes with applicaton of heat. <br /><br />3. Polycarbonate lenses then turn into a brittle mess and will crumble in your hands when cooled after exposure to a propane torch. <br /><br />4. At no point did the lens bubble, and after all was said and done the lens was still cloudy.
 
O

one more cast

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Originally posted by Bondo:<br />Seeing that they're Junk Now,....<br /><br />You could try "Flame Polishing".......<br /><br />When Plastic is brought to the point you're at Now,.....<br />A Flame, aka. a Propane Torch, is LIGHTLY played over the surface,......<br />Keep it moving,....When the Surface melts,.. you have Polished it,.. a Second TOOO LONG,+ the Plastic will Bubble,+ All is Lost.......<br /><br />Maybe a Google of Flame Polishing will bring you a better description.......... <br /><br /><br /> LOL, :D I think maybe you didn't take the word LIGHTLY seriously enough. :D Oh well, great entertainment.
 
O

one more cast

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Note the last sentence.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Polishing of Plastics<br /> <br /><br /><br /> There are many methods used to polish various plastics. Flame, buff, solvent, and diamond polishers, are some types. Extruded Acrylic flame polishes beautifully. A Bernz-O-Matic torch works well, and for a professional finish a hydrogen/oxygen torch is preferred. The hydrox flame is wet and doesn't allow oxidation. Cast acrylic needs to be buff polished with a soft cotton wheel and a good compound. PVC buffs well with a soft compound. Polycarbonate is a good candidate for solvent polishing. Solvent polishing is accomplished by exposing an edge to the solvents' vapors or actually wiping a solvent soaked rag along an edge. Diamond polishing is a mechanical operation in which a diamond chip attached to a wheel is spun at a very high RPM and run along an edge. Whichever method is employed you should definitely try it on some scrap first.<br /><br />Flame polishing as shown in the photo at right, is a great way to improve the looks of plastic products, but can also ruin them when done improperly.
 
R

Ron G

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Flame polishing as shown in the photo at right, is a great way to improve the looks of plastic products, but can also ruin them when done improperly.<br /><br />Just a little to late :)i would like to sen the video :D :D
 
Dave Abrahamson

Dave Abrahamson

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Here ya go Ron (the pic anyway)<br /><br />
Flaming_1.jpg
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Ayuh,......... Oh Well,............ :rolleyes: <br /><br />It Always worked Great when I was building commercial Signage,.....<br /><br />I explained it to Tinkerer awhile ago,+ he Flame Polished the Winshield of His Boat,..........<br /><br />Tinkerer said it worked Beautifully,................<br />Except for the 1 Spot where he Hesitated,........He thought that More is Better..........It IS,.. If you like Bubbles....<br /><br />He says that Now,....... He thinks of Bondo,.... EVERY time he goes Boating........... :D :cool: <br /><br />Sorry Steve,........
 
TwoBallScrewBall

TwoBallScrewBall

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

No sweat, they were shot anyway. I probably just need some practice.
 
1

18rabbit

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Re: Too much fun with my Dremel

Originally posted by Stiff Nibbles:<br /> <br />2. Polycarbonate lenses turn funny shapes with applicaton of heat.
Click to expand...
Polycarbonate is the plastic that bulletproof (resistant?) glass at banks is made out of. It’s great at resisting impact but also has some of the biggest expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. That’s its disadvantage and one of the considerations if installing polycarbonate for use as shatterproof windows. It’s also easier to saw/cut and drill holes in polycarbonate without it cracking like other acrylic.
 
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