Need Help Finding Plastic Discs

[Bob Winkler]

Ok- so it's a strange request, but I just know this creative bunch can help me.

I've been racking my feeble brain searching for 1" to 2" diameter clear plastic discs. They can be lexan, plexiglas, glass, etc, and can be 1/16" to 1/8" in thickness. Think "Flashlight Lens" type of disc.

I'd like to imporve and customize my woodworking "signature" by recessing a round printed cardstock disc protected by this clear disk.

I'd prefer that this be inexpensive because I will be using a lot of them for things that I build.

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

Bob

[Greg Hines, MD]

Why not cut your own with a wing cutter or bandsaw? You can get Plexiglas at any hardware store or Borg.

Doc

[Bob Winkler]

I tried cutting my own with a hole saw in a drill press. The plastic melts at the edges which causes a big ridge and a side taper. I'm not sure if a wing cutter would do the same and I don't know how to jig such a small disc to make it round on the bandsaw.

Bob

[Scot Roberge]

The CDR discs I buy come with an "uncoated" disc on top of the stack (for protection, I guess). That seems like the material you need - but I don't know where you'd get it in quantity.

As for cutting the disc, how about cutting it slightly oversized and then sandwiching it between two plywood discs with a bit of double faced tape. You could then true the disc on a disc sander with a disc making jig.

[Scott Hildenbrand]

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=24593&catid=441

Will let you know if I dig up any other.. cheaper sources.

Ok.. Here are some more.. I can NOT speak for any of them beyond US Plastics.. I'd dealt with them and was more than happy with their service.

http://www.craftics.com/products.cfm?Category=68
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=137
http://www.thefabricatorssource.com/products/29shapes.htm

[Bob Winkler]

Thanks Scott, that's exactly what I was looking for. I guess I should have searched on "acrylic disc" instead of "plastic". Thanks again,

Bob

[Joe Kieve]

Don't know if they're quite large enough diameter but you might check out the little plastic discs used under glass table tops to protect the wood. They're about 1/16" thick and available pretty cheap at a glass shop. Just my 2 cents.

joe

[Rick Davidson]

Coming from a sheetmetal background, I would suggest finding one local and have them punch them out on a turret press. You could have them do a few hundred in just a few min. Most likely wouldn't cost very much.

[John Durscher]

Bob,

Try McMaster-Carr - www.mcmaster.com Click on Raw Materials, then plastic, then rods and disks - you're on your own navigating from there :). I haven't bought any plastic from them, but have purchased plenty of other things from them. They ship quick (at least to me in Maryland).

Good luck!

John

[Mark Bosse]

Tap plastic. They have made anything I could think of.

[Myk Rian]

What you want are crystals for dial indicators. They can be ordered from manufacturers such as Mitutoyo, Starrett, Federal etc. They come in all different sizes.
I used to make them from Mylar or PET sheet stock with a fly cutter.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#polyester-(pet)-sheets/=5c2yin (http://www.mcmaster.com/#polyester-%28pet%29-sheets/=5c2yin)

Also try here
http://longislandindicator.com/p72.html

Google for dial indicator parts

[Keith Christopher]

Krenov carved a simple JK in his woodworking projects, and it is easily recognized. Does a signature really need this much effort ?

[Bob Winkler]

Does a signature really need this much effort ?

To me it does. I try to convey a "specialness" to everything I make, especially gifts for my family. It often involves a message, card, picture, hidden drawer, or something that will always remind them of me, and will hopefully bring a smile to their face. I often wish that my father had done this so that his words would live on in things he made.

In fact, I'm trying to make things easier because I'm tired of Sharpie inks that run under finish, or pencil marks that become illegible, and I'm trying to find a nice alternative that doesn't break the bank.

Just my $0.02.

Bob

[scott clary]

call me at work
Regal plastic supply in des moines ia
515-223-8080 ask for Scott
I'd be happy to see if we can help.

[Scott Hildenbrand]

Try McMaster-Carr

John


John, thanks for pointing that out.. It's one heck of a hardware resource.. Bookmarked, for sure. :)

[Keith Christopher]

To me it does. I try to convey a "specialness" to everything I make, especially gifts for my family. It often involves a message, card, picture, hidden drawer, or something that will always remind them of me, and will hopefully bring a smile to their face. I often wish that my father had done this so that his words would live on in things he made.

In fact, I'm trying to make things easier because I'm tired of Sharpie inks that run under finish, or pencil marks that become illegible, and I'm trying to find a nice alternative that doesn't break the bank.

Just my $0.02.

Bob

Bob,

Don't get me wrong, I was not trying to offend your idea. I was just stating that sometimes the simple things say the most. The piece speaks for itself. The timeless pieces intrigue people to want to more about it. Seeing a table or dresser built by someone we love reminds us of the person who made it. memories and stories. I watch antiques roadshow sometimes, and all of the pieces have a story, passed down from family member to family member, person to person, the story re-told unique in its history. And they remember.

Keith

[Bob Winkler]

Keith, no offense taken, but I still disagree. If "the piece speaks for itself", then why do artists sign and date their work? I believe the beauty of a piece will make it have intrinsic value, but a personal note, scribble, signature/date, hidden card, etc will bring it to another level by making it personal. And very often on Roadshow they wonder, "who made this and when", and "isn't it great that Louis Comfort Tiffany signed this piece".

Best regards,
Bob

[Terry Welty]

Sounds cool! Can you post a picture of a completed one?

[Bill Huber]

Bob, I use a wood burner I got from Rockler that has my name on it and then I put a penny with the year I made it.

Your idea looks like it would be a neat one but more work.