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I wonder if there are some experienced model makers out there that could help me please,

I want to make a Perspex box for a model to keep the dust off, what's the best type of glue to fix the box together, without making it very obvious its glued together, is there a product that leaves an invisible line where its glued, still holding it together firmly?  Haven't done this bit before.

John

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Hi John
Rodney Rawlings, "modelbuilder" on the forum has helped me enormously with learning new skills and techniques for modelling during the lockdown periods, fingers crossed he will be along shortly with sage advice.
How large is the model, there are plenty of display cases of all sizes available commercially. 
 

That is not to say many other forum members may have the answers you are looking for
Good Luck
Ian

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Good morning John, to be honest, it’s something I wouldn’t have the skills to attempt. However, these are the chaps I use.   https://www.acrylicdisplaycases.co.uk    
They will make you just the base or just an acrylic cover, any size you want. In my experience they are the best. I will add a photo “dreckly”.

Rodders.

 

M

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2 hours ago, John L said:

I wonder if there are some experienced model makers out there that could help me please,

I want to make a Perspex box for a model to keep the dust off, what's the best type of glue to fix the box together, without making it very obvious its glued together, is there a product that leaves an invisible line where its glued, still holding it together firmly?  Haven't done this bit before.

John

Hi John,

as mentioned there is an art to bonding it without a mess being involved. The only thing that I have found to work is 'Tensol' but is not cheap.

I've heard about Mike's Chloroform method but not used it.

I have toyed with the idea of attaching each panel with the next by drilling a couple of holes through both pieces and pushing a Perspex rod into the hole

(mortice & Tenon style) adding the smallest touch of adhesive.

I do like John's (modelbuilder) approach better.

 

Roger

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Thanks guys, this has all been really helpful, I like Rodders suggestion but with the size and carriage its about £100 :o

I like your idea Roger, might try on some small bits first.

Just got to Brain storm it......

John

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2 hours ago, John L said:

Thanks guys, this has all been really helpful, I like Rodders suggestion but with the size and carriage its about £100 :o

I like your idea Roger, might try on some small bits first.

Just got to Brain storm it......

John

Wow, that must be quite large.

Rodders.

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When working we used Tensol cement. There are 2 types, one is quite thick and gap fills but difficult to get perfect. The other one is almost like water and flows with capillary action. Mask off around the joints first. Mitred joints will also give you a larger contact area.

I can thoroughly recommend this company, used them for 35 years, never let me down  https://www.lyndhurstplasticfabrication.com/  Contact is Peter Lightfoot.

Cheers,

Tim

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If you are going to have one made, an alternative method to using 5 pieces of perspex is to use just 3, one piece for the 2 large sides and the top with a radiused fold at the top of each side to create a tunnel. 2 end pieces can then be inserted and glued. Much stronger that the 5 piece option.

Tim

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Reaching back to 1970, the glue I used for joining acrylic (perspex) was "Tensol No. 6", which welds the two items together. However, bending acrylic is relatively easy using a hot wire to heat a local area, (my kids did this in school). In that way you can create a U shaped piece and only need to glue end pieces, and do not necessarily need expensive glues to do that. There are You Tube videos about bending Acrylic using this technique.

TT

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I had to make something recently using plexiglass. I cut and bent it using heat and then I used acetone to glue it. The technique is to hold the parts together and using acetone in a hypodermic (diabetic cat so have lots of those) inject the acetone into the joint so that it seeps between the parts to be joined. Hold it secure for a few seconds and it is effectively welded.

Stan

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This is a side track to the above, but related!

I will need to make headlamp covers for my non-Triumph project.   I even have some poly carbonate pieces that will do, but none in forming doubly curved shapes in it.   Online sources seem to use specialised kit.   Is heating in a domestic oven feasible, and what material.would make a good mould or buck?

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17 minutes ago, john.r.davies said:

This is a side track to the above, but related!

I will need to make headlamp covers for my non-Triumph project.   I even have some poly carbonate pieces that will do, but none in forming doubly curved shapes in it.   Online sources seem to use specialised kit.   Is heating in a domestic oven feasible, and what material.would make a good mould or buck?

Gt 40 ? if so what kit is it?

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1 hour ago, john.r.davies said:

This is a side track to the above, but related!

I will need to make headlamp covers for my non-Triumph project.   I even have some poly carbonate pieces that will do, but none in forming doubly curved shapes in it.   Online sources seem to use specialised kit.   Is heating in a domestic oven feasible, and what material.would make a good mould or buck?

Pretty Sure , Ken made his Le Mans Peerless rear window that way, I'll find the gen for you.

John.

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Thnak you, John!

ntc,   The chassis is a Polish knock-off of a KVA replica, and the body is a GRP copy from somewhere.

The suspension is all self-built, as is the engine (Rover V8) and transaxle installation.    No manuals or instructions of any kind!

EG, Rear susoenion and DiY ARB mounts

IMG_20201003_220605.jpg

Rear suspension detail.jpg

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16 hours ago, john.r.davies said:

Thnak you, John!

ntc,   The chassis is a Polish knock-off of a KVA replica, and the body is a GRP copy from somewhere.

The suspension is all self-built, as is the engine (Rover V8) and transaxle installation.    No manuals or instructions of any kind!

EG, Rear susoenion and DiY ARB mounts

IMG_20201003_220605.jpg

Rear suspension detail.jpg

I think the rope might be an MOT fail.

Stuart.

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