DIY bending plexi / lexan

If you find yourself needing an angle in your DIY adventures but not sure how to proceed? Look no further, we'll do it together!!

What you need:

-Some plexi to bend, hopefully you have enough to practice with.
-A propane torch and tip (less than 20$ for sure)
-A jig with the appropriate angle you wish to bend (may not be necessary)
-A square
-Dry erase marker

Image 1:


This first image is a bit ahead of a proper starting picture, so lets catch you up. First, you need to measure your piece and mark it with your marking tool. I prefer a dry erase just because you wont see a line. After all this is professional work, RIGHT?? Anyways, I took my molding piece which is a simple piece of pine. My bend here is at a 90 degree angle so I also make use if the square, you can see it hanging down in the back of the pic. I'll use this after begin to bend the piece to make certain I have the 90 degree angle I so desperately need! On to the torch!

Image 2: (BAD FLAME!)

Look at how much blue tip is showing, that flame is WAY too hot for our needs!
Image 3: (Good Flame!)

This flame is much better, its really small and a lot less hot! To get a flame like this I was just a hair from having the torch off. Hopefully your torch lets you adjust this as mine does. Beware that some don't and you'll need to practice extra caution when heating up your glass so you don't cook it, or worse start it on fire.

Image 4:

Here's a weak shot from the underside, where we'll be doing the heading. Since we remember that heat rises from sicence class, heat if from the bottom when possible. This is not always possible as you may find. The key here is just like painiting with an air brush, steady speed and steady distance. If you were able to get a nice small flame your goal is about 2" from the glass and moving about 6 to 12 inches a second. With the 1/8 inch plexi it will heat up pretty quickly. Pay attention to your distance and the plexi glass, you can watch the glass to see if it bubbles up. If it does your heating it way too quickly, slow down.

Image 5:

I can't tell you how many seconds it will be until the glass is soft enough to bend, you'll have to be ready for that. The key is not to overheat the glass though or it will become too soft and start to sag. While your heating up your glass, every few seconds give it a little push to see if it's ready to bend. If not keep heating it up, you'll be there before you know it.

Be ready to hold the glass until its cool, a few minutes should do fine. It may try to bend itself back towards the original position if you don't keep it in position. I hope this helps some, feel free to post questions.

 

Great thread.. I'll be putting that technique to use very soon... Thanks and Karma to ya

 

I agree with Monacle, great thread!

That gives me some ideas. Thanks for sharing! 8)

 

I'm very glad it's of some value! Thanks for the nice comments <3