Acrylic - Where To Buy

[Jim Eller]

Looking for rather small(approx 12x12) piece of 1/2" acrylic to use for router base for doing router bowls.

Local box stores don't have any thing that thick.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim

[Van Huskey]

Plastics in the yellow pages, probably several distributors in your area.

[Kevin W Johnson]

You can use Corian if you have that, its acrylic.

[Peter Pedisich]

Jim,

Probably more $$$ than a plastics house, but McMaster Carr has just what you are looking for, and they deliver fast.

Pete

[hank dekeyser]

Actually what I think you are looking for is polycarbonate it is much stronger/ shatter resistant etc. than acrylic is. At 1/2" thick it may be a mute point, however, I always use polycarbonate vs. acrylic. It machines easier also. Ditto to the yellow pages - give the local guys a call and ask them if they have any "drops" (leftovers from jobs)

[Dan Hintz]

I'll second the advice for corian... you can get chunks for free at local countertop manufacturers, and it's a perfect surface for router tables.

[Rich Neighbarger]

TAP Plastics is a major player here in the west and they ship. I have always found the people friendly even when I call just to ask a general "which plastic is best for ____ project."

[Alan Schaffter]

I would go no thicker than 3/8" for your application. 1/2" polycarbonate is pretty heavy. If you are forced to mail order, might as well check out Ebay. I get a lot of my prototyping acrylics and polycarbonate there- dealers and fabricators often have Ebay stores where they sell cutoffs. item 33579aada6. Here one listing for four 1/2" X 12" X12" sheets item 56331a0762Here is one for a single 3/8" X 12" X 12" sheet. I have used NORVA Plastics before- good service. They don't seem to have an Ebay store any more, however.