How thick does plexiglass/acrylic need to be?

[The_Universe]

I'm building my game table, and I'm getting ready to buy a 4'x6' sheet of plexiglass to use as a dry erase surface over maps, mats, etc.

But how thick would such a piece of plexiglass have to be in order to be easily removable for map/mat placement, but still strong enough that it's not going to crack any time I pick it up?

Any idea?

 

[Cabled]

I'm building my game table, and I'm getting ready to buy a 4'x6' sheet of plexiglass to use as a dry erase surface over maps, mats, etc.

But how thick would such a piece of plexiglass have to be in order to be easily removable for map/mat placement, but still strong enough that it's not going to crack any time I pick it up?

Any idea?

Plexiglass is remarkably strong, and if you don't get all crazy with it, 3/16" will probably suit you fine.

 

[Festivus]

I am pretty sure that is what I use (I bought the thinnest I could find). The only thing you really need to be careful about is dropping it... mind shattered the corner when I dropped it. A little super glue fixed it just fine however.

 

[The_Universe]

I am pretty sure that is what I use (I bought the thinnest I could find). The only thing you really need to be careful about is dropping it... mind shattered the corner when I dropped it. A little super glue fixed it just fine however.

If I might ask, where did you acquire the plexiglass? So far, I haven't found anything but online retailers, and their prices are a little steep...

In any case, it appears that the thickness start as low as .06 inches at most places, and then go up incrementally from there (.08 inches, .1 inches, etc.)

 

[stonehill_troll]

http://www.professionalplastics.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/85259/sesent/00

http://www.rplastics.com/plexiglas.html

The prices look pretty reasonable to me, the shipping costs will definitely push it up. Recommend that you search for a source near you and borrow a pickup truck to go pick it up. A list of alternate sources http://www.thomasnet.com/products/plastic-sheet-sheeting-acrylic-60000403-1.html

 

[The_Universe]

Thanks - the thomasnet site, in particular, looks pretty useful. Any recommendations on thickness?

 

[stonehill_troll]

It's been many years since I used plexiglass (note that there are variations of plexiglass plastics, such as acrylic), when I was still in construction. The worst part I remember is that it scratches very easily (acrylic sheets are more resistent to scratches and flexible versus hard plastic plexiglass) and with constant use becomes almost useless, losing much of its transparency. On the other hand acrylic sheets are more easily permanently marked by some markers.

From memory
~1/16" is too thin IMO and can snap (hard plastic versions specifically), 1/8" is ok, 3/8"-1/4" is very good and durable, but a bit thick and heavy for some people.

For a hands-on review, go to a craft store that sells custom picture framing equipment, they should have small sheets (3'x4') of plexiglass for poster frames of various thickness and types.

 

[dagger]

I have gotten mine from Lowes and Home Depot for very cheap.

 

[Umbran]

I have gotten mine from Lowes and Home Depot for very cheap.

If I recall correctly, either will also cut it into any basic rectangular shape you need.

 

[Greylock]

Sounds like you could use some Transparent Aluminum.

That's the ticket, laddie.