Glass or plexiglass?

[mleichtle]

I building a flag case, whats the recomendation? Does plexi glass yelow, or get cloudy in time?

[MilDoc]

Two advantages to plexiglass:
1. If it breaks (unlikely) it won't cut what's underneath
2. Lighter weight (probably wouldn't matter in your case)

You can buy UV blocking plexi to protect what's underneath from light. Haven't had any yellow in 20 years.

[dkhoward]

I have always used plexi in my flag cases for the very reasons Paul mentions. It is almost indestructible in small installations such as a flag case, doesn't shatter readily even if hit hard, and you can get UV resistant plexi which protects what is behind it from UV damage over time. For me it is also much easier to work than glass. I have never had much luck cutting glass.

[LCHIEN]

if you get lexan (generic name polycarbonate) instead of plexiglas (generic name acrylic) it will cost a little more but be much more crack resistant.

[gmack5]

I vote for Lexan!

if you get lexan (generic name polycarbonate) instead of plexiglas (generic name acrylic) it will cost a little more but be much more crack resistant.

I'm with Loring on this one, Lexan (polycarbonate) would be a much better choice, and I think easier to work.

[scorrpio]

Polycarbonate (Lexan) would be an absolute overkill on a flag case. It is normally used where high strength and durability is required. Go with acrylic instead. A flag case is a kind of an item just stands there, never exposed to any kind of abuse - other than an occasion sweep with a duster.

Lexan is also a lot harder to work with. It is much tougher than acrylic, and it has a tendency to shatter when machined.

[LCHIEN]

Polycarbonate (Lexan) would be an absolute overkill on a flag case. It is normally used where high strength and durability is required. Go with acrylic instead. A flag case is a kind of an item just stands there, never exposed to any kind of abuse - other than an occasion sweep with a duster.

Lexan is also a lot harder to work with. It is much tougher than acrylic, and it has a tendency to shatter when machined.

on second thought, acrylic (plexiglas) is probably more than good enough for this application. Lexan is not really called for.