display cases

j leyland · Post by **j leyland** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:40 pm

I have seen display cases made from plexiglass with nice rounded edges. Does anyone know how this is done?

Thanks, John

Grauwolf · Post by **Grauwolf** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:39 am

Hello John,

A sheet of plexiglass is laid on the edge of a table, a bar of metal with a
very clean edge is clamped down at the point where the bend is to be
made. This edge is slowly and carefully heated with a propane torch
equipped with a feathering tips. Once the plexiglass is at the right temp...
you proceed to bend the edge to a 90 degree angle...repeat for the other
side.

Hope this helps,
Joe

mike mccabe · Post by **mike mccabe** » Tue Nov 14, 2006 3:22 pm

John
depending on the size you want Trumpeter are doing some very reasonably priced cases which would suit 1:700 ships, though I'm not sure about anything larger. In my experience plexiglass is a real pain to cut and assemble cleanly, but that might just be me.

Mike

PetrOs · Post by **PetrOs** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:09 am

I just usually stick to straight 2-4 mm plexiglass panels plus decorative edge covers made from aluminium or wooden corner profile. Including the profiles and a wooden (i actually use that composite plates from furniture, not wood) base with decorative planking around it - the showcase costs about 20-25 euro plus a day of work here.

The problem with the rounded edges is that you still have to connect the ends of the plexiglass "band" somehow, and it is usually hard to do. Plus a top of course.

Alternatively you can try vacuforming a sheet of plexiglass. One guy I know does it for his aircraft models.