Clear table top

jartzh · #1 07-12-2007, 05:00 PM

I need a clear table top (coffee table) that will have a hole in it for part of the piece. Any ideas?

Eddy Smiles · #2 07-12-2007, 08:49 PM

Duh... in fear of really sounding super stupid I have to state that I'm not quite sure what all you're getting at? You need a coffee table? You want to build a coffee table? You need plans? What kind of piece? You've lost me jartzh!

AlArchie · #3 07-12-2007, 08:54 PM

Got a couple ideas, but neither of them is cheap!

1. Get all your measurments, including the location of the hole and go to a glass supply store. Ask them to make a piece of tempered plate glass to your specs, including the hole! Get a piece at least 1/4" thick and better yet 5/16".

2. Do the same and ask for a piece of acrylic..at least 3/8" thick. I wouldn't use plexiglass as it is too flexible and scratches really easy.

Like I said....neither is cheap.

Al

jartzh · #4 07-13-2007, 08:17 AM

To clarify: I am carving a piece that I planned on using as the base for a coffee table. Its about 6' by 3'.

Al,
How expensive is "expensive for that size piece?

AlArchie · #5 07-13-2007, 03:31 PM

Jartzh (is that what we should call ya?),

I stopped off at the local "glass shop" this AM. When I asked about a piece 1/4" tempered 3'x6', all the guy said was......"Wow, that's gonna cost ya big time!" He couldn't quote me a price right then but he is going to call into his supplier and get back to me. they are a mite slow and rather independant over there so this may take a couple days.

Al

Kenny_S · #6 07-13-2007, 05:16 PM

My little bride said I haven't had a clear top for years! Wonder what she means??????????

A lot of the special glass has to be special order as most places don't have the tools it takes to cut the Glass. Well, locally that is the the situation.
Plexiglass is less costly but like ALA said, scratches easier. But they make a polish that does take out surface scratches on plexiglass.

AlArchie · #7 07-13-2007, 05:40 PM

Ironwood Glass Co. got back to me already!

$207 for a 1/4" thick 3'x6' tempered glass.with all edges polished.

$55 extra for a hole, but not knowing what size hole you wanted, I told them about 2" diameter. My guess is it would be higher for larger hole or irregular shapes.

Al

Ashbys · #8 07-13-2007, 05:48 PM

See if i can help,

I suggest green edge acrylic. But glass may be cheaper if you can get it cut to size. Green edge 1/4 runs around 290.00 a sheet 3/8 is just a little higher. But it will look just like glass and the edges around the opening will show a green edge like glass. Also you can burr the egde so you do not have a sharp edge around the piece.

The issue of course is it will scratch , although it is resistant. The price I gave is for a 4x8 sheet and you can cut it without any special diamond cutter.

Just a thought for you

Ash

Eddy Smiles · #9 07-13-2007, 09:05 PM

I bought two oak night stands for the bedroom and two lamps stands for the family room a couple of years back and ran into the same cost problem. I finally settled on a sheet of plexiglass that I found at Home Depot. It's not all that thick but it serves the purpose. Our grandkids keep testing it and so far it's standing up to their best efforts.