Guard Material

[Hemsby]

Hi,
I would like advice please on the thickness of Plexiglass I should use to make guards (hammer) for a router table & table saw.

Thank you,

Regards,

Keith

 

[flh801978]

If you make them out of polycarbonate sheeting thats supposed to be virtually unbreakable
5mm or 6mm will be fine
Acrylic sheet ( perspex) can shatter and break with little force

Ian

 

[woodpig]

Polycarbonate is the original "bullet proof" plastic. 4 or 5mm should be fine. Another slightly cheaper alternative is PETG but check with your supplier for difinitive advice. I used to make small components from polycarbonate and the only problems I had with it were heat bending, if you get it too hot small bubbles appear in the material which weaken it and and it doesn't look very nice. Many plastics can absorb small amounts of water, polycarbonate I'm told is one of these and should be "dried" before bending.