Mike, you said you ordered a new plexi port. How much did you pay? I am going through a local glass dealer. Thanx, Tony
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jon Bastien
New Plexi hatch
I just priced out a hatch for a H23, and the local glass dealers weren't cheap- The best estimate I could find was in the $120-$160 range- full price for a 3'x3' square, because most glass dealers won't keep "scrap" cuttings around. I had a cabinet-maker relative of mine check around in his area; he found a scrap piece of medium-bronze tinted Plexi, at a plastic dealer's warehouse in Baltimore (not a glass retailer), that could be cut to fit. It arrived on my doorstep, pre-cut, for $68 plus shipping (another $20). If you do the math, that's as much as half price (including shipping)! I guess what I'm trying to pass on is that glass dealers aren't the only option- check with your local construction and renovation people, since they usually have an inside scoop on getting materials. You might save yourself a bundle... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
I just priced out a hatch for a H23, and the local glass dealers weren't cheap- The best estimate I could find was in the $120-$160 range- full price for a 3'x3' square, because most glass dealers won't keep "scrap" cuttings around. I had a cabinet-maker relative of mine check around in his area; he found a scrap piece of medium-bronze tinted Plexi, at a plastic dealer's warehouse in Baltimore (not a glass retailer), that could be cut to fit. It arrived on my doorstep, pre-cut, for $68 plus shipping (another $20). If you do the math, that's as much as half price (including shipping)! I guess what I'm trying to pass on is that glass dealers aren't the only option- check with your local construction and renovation people, since they usually have an inside scoop on getting materials. You might save yourself a bundle... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio'
port plex
The port plex and the dow corning caulk came to some where in the forty dollar range, tried to find invoice, and can not, it did take a while to get, something happened to the first order so Mike at Hunter had another done, so do not take this apart and then get caught waitng on the new one, they had it made special, hope this helps; Mike
The port plex and the dow corning caulk came to some where in the forty dollar range, tried to find invoice, and can not, it did take a while to get, something happened to the first order so Mike at Hunter had another done, so do not take this apart and then get caught waitng on the new one, they had it made special, hope this helps; Mike
S
Scott Laird
plexi-glass
Check the yellow pages for "plastics." We replaced both fixed ports on our H31 for $30.
Check the yellow pages for "plastics." We replaced both fixed ports on our H31 for $30.
Apples and oranges.
We have a discussion going on here comparing fixed widow ports and opening hatches. There is quite a difference in the price of 1/2" or thicker acrylic and 1/4" (used in the fixed port lights).
We have a discussion going on here comparing fixed widow ports and opening hatches. There is quite a difference in the price of 1/2" or thicker acrylic and 1/4" (used in the fixed port lights).
A
Alex
Noy Plexiglass , but Polycarbonat..
.. since Plexiglass tend to crack from UV .Polycarbonat is a newer and much better option for ports and windows.
.. since Plexiglass tend to crack from UV .Polycarbonat is a newer and much better option for ports and windows.
P
Paul Westcott
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate, aka Lexan' is stronger and less prone to crack than plexiglass, aka acrylic, but it does have a couple drawbacks. First if even a tiny amount of gasoline gets on it, it will crack around the fastener holes almost instantly. It will also crack where ever there's any stress such as a bend on it. Secondly, it has a very soft surface and scratches quite easily and cannot be sanded or polished out as plexiglass can. I've used the stuff for windows and windshields on a couple of experimental airplanes I've built and can definately vouch for the overall superiority of plexiglass. You can surface harden the Lexan by baking it in an oven after it's cut and shaped. You can find information on the web for this process, it becomes much more durable after heat treating to drive the water out of the material.
Polycarbonate, aka Lexan' is stronger and less prone to crack than plexiglass, aka acrylic, but it does have a couple drawbacks. First if even a tiny amount of gasoline gets on it, it will crack around the fastener holes almost instantly. It will also crack where ever there's any stress such as a bend on it. Secondly, it has a very soft surface and scratches quite easily and cannot be sanded or polished out as plexiglass can. I've used the stuff for windows and windshields on a couple of experimental airplanes I've built and can definately vouch for the overall superiority of plexiglass. You can surface harden the Lexan by baking it in an oven after it's cut and shaped. You can find information on the web for this process, it becomes much more durable after heat treating to drive the water out of the material.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.