plexi tranny ?

[lofty975]

So I was thinking, I want to build my own tranny for my scale rig, and I was thinking about using some 1/4" plexi or acrylic to do so. I want to be able to see through it. I know what gearing I want to use and all so my question is, is the plexi going to be strong enough to do what I want it to do? or will it crack. or get too hot? I'm going to run a lathe motor on it so it won't be running at high rpm. (heat) I've seen them made of other plastic but plexi and acrylic will crack easier. I did a search but didnt find anything. thanks for any ideas

[BENDER]

Moved to Tools and Procedures.

Either one should be fine. I'd use bearings to eliminate the heat friction of bushings, not there is alot of wheel speed involved with crawling. I might go a little thicker on the material, just to be safe. How are you going to cut it?

[thaclodking]

I tried using plexi to make some parts but I kept getting cracks in the material where I had cut or drilled. I ended up using 1/4" or 3/8" lexan and it was much easier to work with.

[BENDER]

Originally Posted by thaclodking

I tried using plexi to make some parts but I kept getting cracks in the material where I had cut or drilled. I ended up using 1/4" or 3/8" lexan and it was much easier to work with.

Agreed, Lexan is alot easier to work with, that's why I asked how he was going to cut it. I've had good luck machining Acrylic with dish soap, but it'll rust up machines if you don't clean it up when finished.