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22nd Feb 2021, 5:05 pm | #1 |
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Lettering Perspex?
These "windows" from a Hallicrafters SX24 are probably made from Celluloid. One is cracked, the other badly discoloured and warped. I intend to replace them with Perspex or a similar material. Any suggestions as to how this could be lettered and cursor lined? The lettering is on the reverse side, ie inside the radio.
Thanks.
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
22nd Feb 2021, 5:12 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Perhaps engraved from the rear and the depressions then back-filled with black paint ? Something similar was done for the Quad II amplifier serial number plate. The main design appears to have been moulded in, but the individual serial numbers must have been cut. Both were then filled with off-white paint and the whole lot backed with a second pale purple/beige layer. An engraving firm might advise.
Cheers, GJ
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22nd Feb 2021, 5:38 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
I have recently had some success using toner transfer using the hot iron method this would work if the ink side is on the inside as it’s fragile and will scratch off. It possible to transfer the image without melting the plastic but required experimenting. You can also laser print directly on to acetate sheet like OHP film. I am experimenting with my CNC router but cannot report success yet.
Also clear water slide transfers I normally find better results drawing from scratch rather than trying to copy the original item.
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23rd Feb 2021, 3:35 pm | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
If you have a Brother P touch or have access to one using a clear tape with black ink you can print mirror images which will adhere to glass or perspex.
text from manual Two line texts are printed in NORMAL regardless of the setting. • Use clear tape in MIRROR, so the labels appear on the other side when stuck on glass, windows or other transparent surfaces John Last edited by jonnybear; 23rd Feb 2021 at 3:40 pm. |
23rd Feb 2021, 3:38 pm | #5 |
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Good idea. I have both. I'll have to experiment, hopefully without wasting too much tape!
Thanks.
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
23rd Feb 2021, 7:38 pm | #6 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wiltshire, UK.
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
One possible option [though un-original] - contact someone who does trophy-engraving.
In the past I've used such a person to reverse-engrave a sheet of Perspex/Plexiglass. Illuminated from the edges the engraved text/logos show up really nicely. |
23rd Feb 2021, 8:23 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2008
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
The frequency scale on a Sony CRF5090 I bought at an auction was badly warped. With nothing to lose I removed the whole scale, gently ironed it flat but it shrunk, scanned it, enlarged it, took the jpg file to a local printer who printed it onto matt transparency, refitted onto the scale drum and now works perfectly. The whole story is here...
https://www.radiomuseum.org/forum/so...?language_id=5
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Cheers - Martin ZL2MC Last edited by majoconz; 23rd Feb 2021 at 8:46 pm. |
24th Feb 2021, 1:10 am | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 4,982
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Transparent waterslide Decal? I've used that on front panels with great success. Available for ink jet or laser printers (you need to buy the right kind).
I don't have any experience using them on transparent perspex though. |
24th Feb 2021, 2:29 pm | #9 | |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: West Midlands, UK.
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Quote:
(https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/advance...+acetate+sheet) . I know some folks on here do not like using this S/W, but I've found it's possible to print on the reverse side and by using the options ,in colours other thn the program options ( copy & past in desired colours to a photo shop program) and adjust size . i usually do the master onto white paper to check I've got the size right and then use a A 4/5/6 sheet to print on to . Might seem a bit of a faff, but I've found it works. Hobbycraft do click & collect |
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24th Feb 2021, 5:03 pm | #10 |
Octode
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK.
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
I made an R1155 dial using inkjet waterslide transfer material on to a Perspex home made dial so that it would illuminate evenly from the rear. Very successful and looked good.
Jim |
31st May 2021, 4:22 pm | #11 |
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
A first attempt at using reverse printing on clear tape using a Brother P-Touch 1260. Manoeuvring bits of sticky tape into the correct position isn't easy and I may be able to do a better job. The line was produced by scribing a deep line in the Perspex and filling the resulting groove with black paint.
I plan to scan the final result so that if necessary I can use an alternative method such as a water slide transfer.
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Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron. |
31st May 2021, 4:49 pm | #12 | |
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Quote:
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2nd Jun 2021, 10:20 pm | #13 |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 2,181
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Re: Lettering Perspex?
Graham -the answer might be to use Hoby craft printable acetate. https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/stix-2-...ck/572870-1000
Using a program like Express PCB will let you print on the reverse side. And then in reverse lettering mode. |