Working with plexiglass/lucite???

Cyric13 · January 19, 2000, 02:37 PM

I'll be untaking a project to build a set of grips for my 1911. And was wondering on how to work on plexiglass/lucite? Can I cut and polish it so it's clear? And is it easy to drill? Any help out there?

thanks in advance, Cyric13

JoeHatley · January 19, 2000, 05:28 PM

It can be brittle and scratches easily, but it is workable. If you are sawing, use fine blades with lots of teeth.

I polished some lucite a couple of weeks ago with flexible polishing sticks from Brownells. I think it was the 600 grit. Worked very well, but took a while by hand.

If you have a local eye glass shop, you may want to see if you can talk one of the techs in to doing the polishing for you. They already have all the trick equipement. Come to think of it, they may even be a source for some hardened plastic.

Good Luck...

Joe

------------------
Go NRA

OkieGentleman · January 20, 2000, 12:09 AM

Try this on a practice piece. Smooth with a fine grit, then fire up the propane torch and pass it over the piece several times. If you do it carefully and get the feel of it the plastic is perfectly clear and smooth.

January 19, 2000, 02:37 PM	#1
Cyric13 Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 1999 Location: Statsboro Posts: 159	I'll be untaking a project to build a set of grips for my 1911. And was wondering on how to work on plexiglass/lucite? Can I cut and polish it so it's clear? And is it easy to drill? Any help out there? thanks in advance, Cyric13

January 19, 2000, 05:28 PM	#2
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	It can be brittle and scratches easily, but it is workable. If you are sawing, use fine blades with lots of teeth. I polished some lucite a couple of weeks ago with flexible polishing sticks from Brownells. I think it was the 600 grit. Worked very well, but took a while by hand. If you have a local eye glass shop, you may want to see if you can talk one of the techs in to doing the polishing for you. They already have all the trick equipement. Come to think of it, they may even be a source for some hardened plastic. Good Luck... Joe ------------------ Go NRA

January 20, 2000, 12:09 AM	#3
OkieGentleman Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 1999 Location: OKC Metro Posts: 521	Try this on a practice piece. Smooth with a fine grit, then fire up the propane torch and pass it over the piece several times. If you do it carefully and get the feel of it the plastic is perfectly clear and smooth.