I do archival framing on a regular basis. In most cases, using plexiglas or
acrylic sheets as they are called. These acrylic sheets can be easily cut on
a table saw using a composite blade. A regular crosscut blade would also
work. But the cut may not be as smooth. Or you can score the material and
snap it along the score mark. There is a scoring tool for this.

The material is bonded using a solvent cement, something like Weld On #3,
applied with a needle, not unlike medical syringe.

If the edges are visible, they can be flame polished using a touch. First
the sheets are run through the jointer to smooth the saw blade marks. You
can also scrape it smooth with a razor or sand paper block.

They sell plex cleaners. But mild soap and water with a soft rag works just
as well.

But a visit to the local plex supplier is recommended. AIN Plastics has
branches nation wide 1-800-431-2451.

Tony Palms
USF Contemporary Art Museum
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Richard Barnes" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, September 09, 2001 5:19 PM
> Subject: Working with Plexiglass
>
>
> > Hello, list-members.  I'm fairly new to the list, although I have been
> > "lurking" for a little while.  My wife is the artist of the family and I
> am
> > the builder/carpenter.  She has expressed a desire for some pieces to be
> > framed behind Plexiglas, or perhaps to be encased in Plexiglas, similar
> to
> > displays that we have seen in museums.  I am totally unfamiliar with the
> > material, so I'll ask:  Would anyone like to share their expertise or
> point
> > me to a resource where I could learn about working with this material?
> > Specifically, I am looking for advice/knowledge on cutting,
> > smoothing/polishing edges and techniques for bonding pieces together.
> > Thanks in advance.
>

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