Making small plastic tables
A plastic side table not only looks very stylish but is also simple to make yourself. The advantage is that you can choose the colour and measurements to suit your requirements. In this blog, we explain step by step how to make two plastic side tables yourself by bending neon PERSPEX®.
Supplies needed to make a set of 2 plastic side tables:
- Clear cast (GS) acrylic sheet 10 mm
- Bending device and bending mould or a paint burner
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.
Step 2: Place the PERSPEX® on your bending device
When your bending device has reached the correct temperature, and you’ve marked the fold lines, place the PERSPEX® sheet into position on the machine. Let the PERSPEX® heat up and occasionally pull gently on the end of the sheet to check if you can already bend it.
Step 3: Bend your plastic table in the bending mould.
Once the PERSPEX® is heated, place it on the bending mould, for which you’ve already set the temperature. In this case, it’s 90 degrees. Then wait for the sheet to cool down so that it retains its new shape. Repeat this step for the other side of the sheet to create two’ two’ legs”. Repeat all the steps until you have made two plastic tables.
Would you like to make a DIY plastic table?
Are you planning to make a DIY plastic table? Discover a range of clear, tinted and coloured PERSPEX® in various sizes and thicknesses in our webshop. We cut all sheets for you in any shape or size you require. If you have any questions about this blog or our products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
