Plexiglas Bar Stool

[cabinetman]

I've made a variety of Plexiglas/Lucite items, but this one was a thriller to figure out the angles and mortising the members for a clean clear joint. Not much room for error. I don't know how the picture will show, as the subject is see through. Thought I would post it for an example of something not to try if you get angry and throw things around the shop.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[JoeyGee]

Very impressive

Very, very impressive, but if you don't mind...WHY? Was this for a client, or just to see if you could do it?

[cabinetman]

It was for a client, had to make four. It was one of those questions that came up when rent was coming due "Can you make plexiglas bar stools?" My answer was, "I can do that." Once again, I got lucky.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[mschrank]

While I'm very impressed with your workmanship, I have to question the safety aspects. Given that this is a barstool, one would assume it might be used in a dimly lit room frequented by folks who've had a few...gotta wonder if transparent furniture is the best idea...."

[GeekMom]

Interesting concept and nice execution!

[bigsteel15]

VERY COOL IDEA!! Beautiful job.
I can't think of any other material that would show true crafstmanship, or lack thereof more clearly.
I don't think we'll being seeing "Made in China" on massed produced plexiglass product anytime soon.

[25]

Nice job.

How did you get the holes to come out so nice and clear? Any time I have cut plexi or other plastics, the cut edge is looks like frosted glass.

[Wood_workur]

looks nice. And 25, I belive you want to use a blowtorch on it.

[Stytooner]

Excellent stuff there. You are a man of many talents.
I have found that for looks, you can't beat acrylics. I find polycarbonate easier to work, but it's not quite as crystal clear as acrylics can be.
I know polycarbonate has moisture inside it and if you want to thermoform or even get a perfect glue joint without haze or bubbles, you have to remove the moisture. That process takes about a day in an oven at specific temps and has to be worked immediately after. Far too involved for what I do.
Acrylics also lend themselves better to flame polishing for this very reason. Try to flame polish polycarbonate that still has lots of moisture and you will get lots of tiny bubbles. Okay in champaign, not so desireable in a plastic product.

[Bollox]

That is cool. Well done.

[MilDoc]

Have to agree - very nice! But, at my age, I much prefer a padded seat!

BTW, any idea what load that stool could hold???

[cabinetman]

Thanks for the compliments. Without getting technical, they were as sturdy as a wood stool, but slightly heavier. Polishing can be done with a torch. Sanding and rubbing out works better for some areas than a torch.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Pappy]

As much as I have to hide minor mistakes, don't think I would even want to attempt something like that!

[boblon]

That is way cool, but personally, I have to go with Pappy on this one.

Wouldn't even attempt it, but do admire it none the less.

BobL.

[os1kne]

Very nice!! You are one skilled dude!

I hope my wife never sees any of your work - she will realize how much my woodworking ability is lacking.