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DIY HIPs Mirror Blades

Solar Sailer

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Joined
Jun 22, 2018
Messages
1,049
Location
Basingstoke
Thought I would try making my own Mirror Blades for CSI as an experiment.
Some lessons to be learned but generally a easy material to work with and a set works out at about £13.

I bought a sheet of HIP for £38 delivered 1m x 2m as it was a pre cut sheet.

It arrived well packaged but about 50 cm was scratched in transit due to the film coming off. Pic 2.

With a sharp knife and scissors completed a template and made sight alterations as I went.
I used a sheet of pinball glass to get a straight line by kneeling on the glass as i cut across.
I cut holes for the hinge nut and made in hind sight i could have left covered. I would only need access if I was taking the hinges off to replace or powder coat.

I used double sided sellotape on the back and it has stuck well to the cab.

Would I use again. Yes definitely and have enough to do the sides of Haunted House if there is enough clearance and another machine.
There is quite a piece of offcut partially scratched but I could make a trim for under the DMD panel, if I feel inclined.
 

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I decided to re do the sides without the holes. And also painted the leading edges black.
Off cut also for under the DMD.
 

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Nice, what thickness did you use?
I’m looking up making a set, 2mm is the only hips I seem to be able to locate delivered to Dublin, I’m just wondering how easy it’d be to cut


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Nice, what thickness did you use?
I’m looking up making a set, 2mm is the only hips I seem to be able to locate delivered to Dublin, I’m just wondering how easy it’d be to cut


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I used 1mm. Check ebay.
Just a new blade in my Stanley knife. Its good for about 6-8 cuts.
Its a really usable material and looks stunning.
 
I would stick with 1mm or less, it will be a lot harder to cut and will increase the chance of scratching. I used BayPlastics and concur its a nice product.
 
Yep I probably need the 1mm vesrion as my TZ is bloomin tight on the sides in fact the previous owners looked like they have tried to lift the table with a crowbar and gauged the insides terribly deffo need the blades to hide this mess ;-)
 
Oh WOW my local Acylic stockist is Bay Plastics so I can collect in person! I’m there regularly so I’ll grab me some sample stuff and see if I can laser it while I’m on.

awesome thanks.

just as a matter of interest what is the longest measurement on the blades
 
Oh WOW my local Acylic stockist is Bay Plastics so I can collect in person! I’m there regularly so I’ll grab me some sample stuff and see if I can laser it while I’m on.

awesome thanks.
Great. They knew what I was using it for. Laser cut would be ideal Colin. Might be an addition to your excellent pinball service 😉
 
Oh WOW my local Acylic stockist is Bay Plastics so I can collect in person! I’m there regularly so I’ll grab me some sample stuff and see if I can laser it while I’m on.

awesome thanks.

just as a matter of interest what is the longest measurement on the blades
Stern runs in at around 153cm i think +/- flipper button to back panel.
 
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