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#1
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Glass
I sure hope I don’t get a war of words going, but I would like get some
recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I know Lexan scratches easily but it is very impact resistant (falling winch handles or a whipping snap shackle). I know Plexiglas is a bit cheaper than Lexan but it is not a concern for such a small size of project. To reduce temperature expansion stresses and drilling difficulties, I plan to just use a flat sheet with a squishy bedding (silicone?) and a sort-of loose oak frame with a retaining bracket. Can anyone offer some suggestions as to which is a better choice material? Jude and Randall |
#2
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Clear hatch boards seem like such a good idea, until you find out that
both you and all of your possessions are on full display ALL THE TIME. Personally, I'd go with a good quality plywood. Jim Jude Douglas wrote: I sure hope I don’t get a war of words going, but I would like get some recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I know Lexan scratches easily but it is very impact resistant (falling winch handles or a whipping snap shackle). I know Plexiglas is a bit cheaper than Lexan but it is not a concern for such a small size of project. To reduce temperature expansion stresses and drilling difficulties, I plan to just use a flat sheet with a squishy bedding (silicone?) and a sort-of loose oak frame with a retaining bracket. Can anyone offer some suggestions as to which is a better choice material? Jude and Randall |
#3
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"Jude Douglas" wrote in message ... I sure hope I don't get a war of words going, but I would like get some recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I'd go with hard coated polycarbonate. This is PC with a specially hardened surface that doesn't scratch as easily. Most businesses that sell sheet PC or acrylic will have the hardcoated material too. Matt |
#4
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On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 16:23:20 -0400, Jude Douglas wrote:
I sure hope I don’t get a war of words going, but I would like get some recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I know Lexan scratches easily but it is very impact resistant (falling winch handles or a whipping snap shackle). I know Plexiglas is a bit cheaper than Lexan but it is not a concern for such a small size of project. To reduce temperature expansion stresses and drilling difficulties, I plan to just use a flat sheet with a squishy bedding (silicone?) and a sort-of loose oak frame with a retaining bracket. Can anyone offer some suggestions as to which is a better choice material? Jude and Randall I would use polycarbonate. Another poster mentioned getting hard-coated polycarbonate and that is a good idea. But make sure the coating is UV resistant, too, or it will cloud. Don't expect it to be cheap. Marine plywood would probably be cheaper. --Mac |
#5
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Jude,
The material names you refer to are either Polyacrylate or Polycarbonate. Of the two, polycarbonate is the strongest. There are three grades of polycarbonate, uncoated, coated on one side and coated on both sides. Of the three grades the double coated variety is the most expensive and the only choice I would make. It does not scratch easily and is much more resistant to UV damage. Secondly, do not use silicone for a bedding material, it is inferior in both adhesion and durability in the marine environment. You should use a polysulfide rubber compound that is designed for this application, like Sikaflex 292 (I think). You need to allow at least 6mm of gap all around, as the expansion rates of the materials are different. Steve "Jude Douglas" wrote in message ... I sure hope I don't get a war of words going, but I would like get some recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I know Lexan scratches easily but it is very impact resistant (falling winch handles or a whipping snap shackle). I know Plexiglas is a bit cheaper than Lexan but it is not a concern for such a small size of project. To reduce temperature expansion stresses and drilling difficulties, I plan to just use a flat sheet with a squishy bedding (silicone?) and a sort-of loose oak frame with a retaining bracket. Can anyone offer some suggestions as to which is a better choice material? Jude and Randall |
#6
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Thanks for the information. We are now considering using lexan instead of
plexiglass. Jude and Randall Jude Douglas wrote: I sure hope I don’t get a war of words going, but I would like get some recommendations on which sheet material to use for our sliding main hatch: polyacrylate (Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, Perspex, etc.) or polycarbonate (Lexan). I know Lexan scratches easily but it is very impact resistant (falling winch handles or a whipping snap shackle). I know Plexiglas is a bit cheaper than Lexan but it is not a concern for such a small size of project. To reduce temperature expansion stresses and drilling difficulties, I plan to just use a flat sheet with a squishy bedding (silicone?) and a sort-of loose oak frame with a retaining bracket. Can anyone offer some suggestions as to which is a better choice material? Jude and Randall |
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