i want to make one of the t-virus things and i have 2 questions: 1) where do you buy acrylic rods (can't find them in my craft stores and does not like buying online)? 2) is a hairdryer hot enough to make the rods bendable?
1) http://www.mcmaster.com http://www.usplastics.com Or check your local phone book for plastics shops 2) No. You need a heat gun. A heat gun as weak as 60w will work for thinner sheets and rods, and an over-powered hair dryer may work. YOU DO NOT want to heat the plastic by putting it in direct contact with a heat source such as the tip of a hot glue gun or open flame. Beyond 400F acrylic can become rather flammable.
I don't know why you don't like online stores, but www.delviesplastics.com sells the best plexi for pretty good prices. And like everyone else said, a heatgun is the way to go. Mine was 30 bucks at home depot.
A propane torch or heat gun will work well. But you can't just bend it you have to have a form or it iwll look terrible. It is really hard so practice first.
Have you looked at Vito's Log where he shows us how he did it. I wouldn't reccoment a flame for bending, it's too hot and will lead to burning of the acrylic if your not very carefull. To get the acrylic to an even temperature where it becomes plastic will mean the outside will burn. which is bad use a heat gun and/or PM Vito for more information, he's a very helpful guy and his english is very good. Best of luck with it Jimbo
Don't forget you can also pick up all types of acrylics on ebay, I've been shopping around for some black plexi myself
Yeah ebay is a really good place, Red-Display have a shop (not connected with me) which is good with good prices, I was just about to order some stuff from them. Jimbo
