Suitable cover for base

[Jeb Jeb]

Dear bottleheaders,

My first post.  ;D  Hello to all.

I'm just getting started on my kit this week and planning to work on the wooden base first.  I think I'd like to add a cover to the bottom of the unit so I was wondering what would be suitable to use -  I have some 5mm perspex sheet and if I put plenty of ventilation holes in it would that be acceptable to use or should it really be metal or wood to withstand the heat? 

I thought the clear perspex might be nice - kind of like an open-back watch case!

Advice Much appreciated!

Jeb.

 

[Chris65]

I thought the clear perspex might be nice - kind of like an open-back watch case!

It is!

 

[Grainger49]

For safety sake a metal cover should be wired to the safety ground.  This in case you have a dangling component that touches it. 

I think any polycarbonate will be fine.

 

[Jeb Jeb]

It is!

Chris, lol, - thats awesome looking, that's definitely what i'll do!

May I ask-  I've never drilled through perspex before - is it prone to cracking?  I'm guessing you start with a pilot hole then work up gradually?

For safety sake a metal cover should be wired to the safety ground.  This in case you have a dangling component that touches it. 

I think any polycarbonate will be fine.

Thanks Grainger - perspex it is!

 

[Chris65]

May I ask-  I've never drilled through perspex before - is it prone to cracking?  I'm guessing you start with a pilot hole then work up gradually?

Don't know, but wouldn't think so if you go slowly. I got mine cut to size & the holes drilled by the perspex supplier, cost very little.
It's 3mm btw.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Acrylic is very prone to cracking when drilling.  When you buy the piece, ask for cast material, as it machines much better.  When you drill it, put a piece of plywood behind it and drill through the acrylic and into the plywood. 

For making larger holes, use a Forstener style drill bit.

 

[Jeb Jeb]

Thanks guys - very helpful!

All the best,

Jeb.

 

[Gerry E.]

For anyone not wanting to DIY, I recommend these guys:

http://www.plasticworksusa.com/home.php

I once had them make me the black bezel that goes around the REL Precedent tuner faceplate (the one I acquired was missing this).  Plast!c Works! did a perfect job and the price was more than reasonable.

Gerry