Plastic for bullseye lens

Hi can anybody suggest the best material to make some working bullseye lenses for traction engine lamps please ? I hear names like lucite, acetal, perspex delrin etc but have no idea what they relate to.

Ideally I could do with 7/8" rod which I can then hopefully machine to a dome and polish in the lathe.

Many thanks

Brian

Either clear polycarbonate or 'acrylic perspex'. Both available on e-bay

Would you believe what's sitting right next to me? How freaky is that?

I think it came out of a disposable camera...? I've got some more too in the attic I think !

would something like this be suitable? **LINK**

I have used the Acrylic rod and tube that Noggin End sell to make various bits. Machines easily and will polish up to glass clear with Micro-Mesh.

The couple of lenses in the last two posts look far too domed, should really only be a slight crown more like a magnifying glass.

I assume you are not using a naked flame as the light source

Edited By JasonB on 20/11/2016 09:49:11

Bad news RRMBK

Only one camera left...but lets dissect it anyway..

Reaps a free AA battery !

Oh dear ,the lens is not from a camera !!

Cripes , that capacitor gives you belt .... 

Sorry i don't know ,and nor does the family, where the bigger lens came from...maybe an LED torch that broke.

Edited By Hacksaw on 20/11/2016 10:14:51

You might mention which country you are in to clarify what local trade names will have meaning to you. Anyone who has not heard of Perspex can't be in the UK and ditto for Lucite and the USA. Delrin and Acetal are not transparent.

Googling for 'clear plastic rod' will probably find you the locally available versions.

Lucite and Perspex are the same thing, trade names for polymethylmethacrilate (acrylic)

Delrin is a trade name for one form of acetal polymer, an engineering plastic.

Acrylic or polycarbonate rod will be best for you. Polycarbonate will give better UV protection but I doubt if you'll be leaving your engine outside all the time.

Russell.

Scan through here :- **LINK**

different size lenses.

Regards Ian.

Thank you everybody for such quick responses.

I have ordered up some of those from the far east as they are just so cheap. we'll see what they look like when they come, Otherwise I now know what to look for if I need to get the raw material.

Jason, Yes I am using a flame, I have the wick burners already made, and they give off quite a good light, however the front lenses will be at the end of the lens holder " trumpet" and will be a good way away from the flame with a series of air vent holes in between.

The side window / door, which is a flat "glass " as its used to light the number plate, is much closer and I suspect I will have to cut proper glass for that one.

I am UK based and point taken Bazyle, I tend to take it for granted that people will know, whereas clearly they cant !

Once again thanks so much everybody.

Sorry you got a belt Hacksaw !

Kind regards

Brian.

I was only joking ,I wouldn't be that daft !