The basics of making plastic side tables
In this example, we show you how to make two sturdy plastic side tables from PERSPEX®. We used two sheets of 10 mm thick fluorescent red PERSPEX®, one with dimensions 40 cm x 120 cm (for table 40 cm x 40 cm) and one measuring 20 cm x 60 cm (for table 20 cm x 20 cm). Of course, you can also opt to make transparent side tables. For this version, use clear acrylic sheet with a thickness of 10 mm. If you prefer to make black or white side tables, order black or opal white 10mm thick PERSPEX®.
Making your own plastic table with a bending device
If you want to make a plastic table from acrylic sheet, bending with a bending machine is the easiest way to tackle this job. Because the bending device heats only the folding line you want to fold, you get a more precise result. It’sIt’s also possible to heat PERSPEX® with a paint burner, but this way takes longer, and you will have to lay slats along the fold line for a good result. In this example, we’ll make our plastic side tables using a bending device.
Tip: Would you like to know more about bending PERSPEX® with a paint burner? Read our blog: “How to bend acrylic sheet.”
Step 1: Switch on your bending device and wait for it to heat up.
Before you can bend the PERSPEX® into a plastic table, allow the bending device to warm up. Take a scrap of acrylic to test whether your device has heated up enough to form a fold. While you let the bending machine heat up, mark the folding line on the PERSPEX® sheet. Don’tDon’t forget to remove the protective film on both sides before placing the PERSPEX® on your bending device.
