securing plexi to mdf questions

[traksta15 10+ year member]

So im thinking of making a box with a plexi glass window, my question is-how should I go about securing the plexi to the mdf?? The window won't be very big at all, about 12x12ish, maybe smaller. Would simple clear silicone sealant work? My plans are to make the back of my box have a window, then attach the plexi to the back therefore covering the window, then screw/glue the back mdf piece (with plexi) to the rest of the mdf box, I hope that explains it well enough, lol. Thanks in advance!

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[Trixter 10+ year member]

pan head screws w/ washers every few inches and some silicone...use at least 3/8" or 1/2" plexi.

 

[traksta15 10+ year member]

Yeah I planned on using 3/4" plexi-what exactly are pan head screws? I can't just glue it to the mdf?

 

[bumpnzx3 10+ year member]

I have always been told to use lexan rather than plexi. Lexan isn't as flexi as plexi. Where 3/4" plexi is used- 1/2" lexan can be used in it's place.

 

[traksta15 10+ year member]

im getting it off http://www.estreetplastics.com is this stuff ok?

http://www.estreetplastics.com/category_s/31.htm

 

[bikinpunk 10+ year member]

flexi as plexi

awwww, that's so cwute. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[traksta15 10+ year member]

lol

 

[traksta15 10+ year member]

bump, is estreet good stuff?

 

[THUMPPER 10+ year member]

I recommend using Lexan for the enclosure...

it is stronger and drills with a regular drill bit

with out cracking and it is crystal clear.....

this link shows how I attach MDF and Lexan.....

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26736

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Prob with Lexan is that if you scratch it it's trash. You can buff out scratches in plex (acrylic). Acrylic is not brittle like polycarb is and it also drills just fine with a normal drill bit.

 

[Grim 10+ year member]

No you cant just glue it..

You need to drill and screw down. But be careful, it can be cracked easily and if you drill to fast, it heats up...

 

[Trixter 10+ year member]

...exactly are pan head screws?

(self tapping) panhead screw--->

 

[traksta15 10+ year member]

what length do you guys recommend?

 

[Radioflyer97 10+ year member]

I have always been told to use lexan rather than plexi. Lexan isn't as flexi as plexi. Where 3/4" plexi is used- 1/2" lexan can be used in it's place.

I recommend using Lexan for the enclosure...it is stronger and drills with a regular drill bit

with out cracking and it is crystal clear.....

I agree

lexan can be picked up at an lowes or Home depot. It really is drill friendly.

As far as attaching it, the cleanest way would be with the aformentioned screws. I'd also reccomend a rubber or dense foam seal around the edges. This will keep the enclosure air tight and also act as a spring lock washer to keep the screws from backing out.

 

[Trixter 10+ year member]

what length do you guys recommend?

long enough to hold, short enough to not go through the to the other side of the wood....1"...1 1/4"...since your going with 3/4" plexi/lexon.