nothing complicated, just a simple plexi box, for when i get a job and get my new a64 system, so ill put my axp in this new box So ya its just gonna be a simple box, probly put a character lcd in it and thats about it so what must i do for it? how do i ground it and stuff? how do i assemble it? how thick of plexi do i need? would wood be easier?
First, wood would be easier. For the thickness, I would suggest 1/4" pexi. The more common 1/8" isn't strong enough. There are a ton of ways to cut it. My first suggestion is to have the pexi supplier cut it (but ask for finished edges). It didn't cost me any extra. DYI methods of cutting plexi reaslly depend on your skill level and what tools you have. Hacksaw, dremel, table saw, jigsaw, bandsaw, router...just about anything will cut plexi to some level (well not a nibbler ). Just remeber to cut a little heavy, then sand down to the finished size. Also, securely clamp the plexi while you cut, this will help prevent cracking. Finally, don't rely on just the paper or plastic protectors that the pexi comes in, add your own layer of masking tape. That was a lesson I learned the hard way. I had the supplier cut my plexi to size (and bought extra "raw" plexi), then have used a dremel with routed attachment and a hacksaw to make my cuts. I tried a jigsaw, but it kept catching on the edge and cracking the plexi. Hope this helps, search bit for other opinions.
For the thinner Plexi sheets, if your cutting in strait lines, I fine the best method is scoring with a SHARP razor blade, and then place it on the edge of of a counter, and with a steady even pressure, snap it off quickly, and it should leave you with a pretty clean cut that will require only minor sanding to smooth completely (The cut is messier the longer it is, so cut away from the actual line and sand down if its a long cut) . It doesn't work well on any breaks over 18 inches, or aleast I haven't had much luck. If your cutting it with a Jigsaw, clamp it down REALLY well, and then use a metal blade, the finer the teeth the better, I typically use 36 teeth per inch. Dremel works ok, but your going to melt alot of it, and its a pain in the arse to clean up, because it tosses little chuncks of melted plastic everywhere. The router does a bit too, but when I use my Router table its not bad, and its does VERY good cuts for some of the more difficult cuts. But if your going to be doing strait cuts, I suggest the scoring and snapping method, but with the thicker plexi (which I haven't used.....yet) perhaps the router, or jigsaw (mounted on a router table would be a good idea for this) would do the trick for you.
Do yourself a favor and find the thickness you need in a home depot or the like and have it cut to your needs, they have the blade for it the vertical table saw for it and it'll only cost you pennies a cut Also to have the pro look get yourself some of those acrylic cubes i suggest 3/4 of an inch also for pennies a piece just drill and screw nothing to it http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=136&
