Bed for dolls made from Perspex Sparkle

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:45 am

I have never done flame polishing because it's difficult without the correct torch.

After cutting it I use a file to draw file it, then sand it with sand paper, then wet and dry paper starting with 600 grade and then finally 1200 grade. I then use a cloth and use rubbing compound and then finally polish the edges using metal polish (silver polish is good on Perspex). I could only find stainless steel cleaner in the garage this time so I used that.

I did use a sanding drum in the pillar drill this time for the internal corners, but you have to be careful with machines as they can cause stress cracking due to the heat build up etc.

Retired · Post by **Retired** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:56 am

Hi,

Thanks Chez for your full and comprehensive reply. I used a sisal mop with Solvol Autosol chucked in the DML lathe for final buffing of my Perspex but it was a long tedious dob; well worth it though in the end; the bed looks like its been factory laser cut it is so good.

Kind regards, Col.

Rorschach · Post by **Rorschach** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:03 am

Polishing plastics is part of my living, best setup is a variable speed buffer with 3 grades of compound. You still need to wet sand up to a 1000grit for best results though. Sure beats hand polishing! lol.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 3:00 pm

I have uploaded the video of how to make a line bender-

Chop · Post by **Chop** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 7:16 pm

This brings back memories of Design and Technology at school when we made the boxes for the battery and speakers for the shaky hand games.

I remember we used a line bender in that project, very difficult the get the bend square and not heat the perspex too much, it bubbles and scorches.

Just showed this thread to the missus, she said, 'Awwwww' you've sent her weak at the knees I think.

Rorschach · Post by **Rorschach** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 8:39 pm

Now I need a video on making a large gentle curve in perspex. I could really like to make an infinity background for product photography using perspex, currently I use white card which works ok but it soon gets scruffy. I have tried and ruined 2 pieces trying to get that gentle sweeping curve :(

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 10:53 am

I managed to edit the video last night

Retired · Post by **Retired** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 2:35 pm

Hi,

Excellent informative videos Chez; I've just watched both on YouTube allowing full screen. You are a star.

Kind regards, Col.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:23 pm

Rorschach wrote:Now I need a video on making a large gentle curve in perspex. I could really like to make an infinity background for product photography using perspex, currently I use white card which works ok but it soon gets scruffy. I have tried and ruined 2 pieces trying to get that gentle sweeping curve :(

Roughly what size does this need to be?

And how much of a curve, say for example it was 2 feet long how high would you expect the curve to be in the middle if it was laid down?

Rorschach · Post by **Rorschach** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:28 pm

ultimatehandyman wrote:
Rorschach wrote:Now I need a video on making a large gentle curve in perspex. I could really like to make an infinity background for product photography using perspex, currently I use white card which works ok but it soon gets scruffy. I have tried and ruined 2 pieces trying to get that gentle sweeping curve :(
Roughly what size does this need to be?

And how much of a curve, say for example it was 2 feet long how high would you expect the curve to be in the middle if it was laid down?

I'll take some measurements of my "booth" tomorrow. It's pretty big though, I currently use A2 sheets are card which go through an almost continuous 90deg bend, it's just slightly straighter on one edge to leave a flat area for products to sit on.

The problem I had was evenly heating such a big piece of sheet and then the weight. Basically as one area got slightly warmer than the others it would warp and collapse from the sheer weight of the rest of the material.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 6:34 pm

Rorschach wrote:
ultimatehandyman wrote:
Rorschach wrote:Now I need a video on making a large gentle curve in perspex. I could really like to make an infinity background for product photography using perspex, currently I use white card which works ok but it soon gets scruffy. I have tried and ruined 2 pieces trying to get that gentle sweeping curve :(
Roughly what size does this need to be?

And how much of a curve, say for example it was 2 feet long how high would you expect the curve to be in the middle if it was laid down?

I'll take some measurements of my "booth" tomorrow. It's pretty big though, I currently use A2 sheets are card which go through an almost continuous 90deg bend, it's just slightly straighter on one edge to leave a flat area for products to sit on.

The problem I had was evenly heating such a big piece of sheet and then the weight. Basically as one area got slightly warmer than the others it would warp and collapse from the sheer weight of the rest of the material.

It sounds like you would have to make a former perhaps out of some flexi plywood.

But as you point out heating such a large piece is the problem, without the correct equipment it's not going to be easy.

kellys_eye · Post by **kellys_eye** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 7:48 pm

Just watched the perspex bender in operation Chez and mightily impressed with how neat the finished bend is..... brilliant.

If I wanted a smoother radius (say a 30mm radius) would I need a few 'lines' of elements to spread the heat or would it stll be possible to make such a bend with a single heater element?

Rorschach · Post by **Rorschach** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 7:59 pm

kellys_eye wrote:Just watched the perspex bender in operation Chez and mightily impressed with how neat the finished bend is..... brilliant.

If I wanted a smoother radius (say a 30mm radius) would I need a few 'lines' of elements to spread the heat or would it stll be possible to make such a bend with a single heater element?

If you moved it back and forth you might be able to do it. If you want a smooth curve then you want to use an internal shaping tool as well, something like a dowel of suitable diameter.

Hitch · Post by **Hitch** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:27 pm

Nice job that Chez

Kids love this sort of thing don't. You could probably buy something suitable for a few quid, but no where near as much enjoyment

(Usually)

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 9:59 pm

kellys_eye wrote:Just watched the perspex bender in operation Chez and mightily impressed with how neat the finished bend is..... brilliant.

If I wanted a smoother radius (say a 30mm radius) would I need a few 'lines' of elements to spread the heat or would it stll be possible to make such a bend with a single heater element?

I'd try and do a larger radius using a heat gun, but on wide pieces of material it would be impossible keeping the piece adequately heated.

I'm just eyeing up a flame polisher on ebay for about £150+ import duty from China