Replies

1. 
   tedwick | Oct 29, 2002 09:40pm | #1

   get tempered glass, or slightly thicker glass.

   34 inches is long for 1/4"X8" glass-it is likely to hold but with a possible 10 pounds, you want a visible strength when you look at it as well.

   If you don't anticipate dragging or scratching the surface you might consider Lexan or polycarbonate plastics, 1/2" thick.  You will likely need to buff the front edge or both edges, but is not difficult and looks good.

   Sounds attractive.  I made a coffee table with a glass top to display paper weights for my wife's collection.  I ordered beveled 3/8" glass for approximately 30" X 40" walnut framed top.

   You can sit on it, it is strong.  5/16" is likely thick enough for your project.

   good luck.

   Ted

2. 
   domermatt | Oct 29, 2002 09:43pm | #2

   I would ask your glass supplier if the glass you want to use is strong enough for what you want to put on it. If it isn't, they can show you alternatives.

   Matt
3. 
   RW | Oct 29, 2002 09:48pm | #3

   Could also consider tempered. Yes, it does cost more, but its stronger and will come with finished edges.

4. 
   DaveHeinlein | Oct 30, 2002 12:23am | #4

   Use 3/8" tempered glass, and make sure you address the edges. They can be beveled, seamed, and polished. This is a by-the-inch up charge, but needed.

5. 
   Marcello | Oct 30, 2002 03:27am | #5

   You may also want to ask you glass supplier about laminated glass.  Annealed glass will shatter into sharp points and tiny pieces; tempered glass will shatter into small ice cubes, but you can still get cut with it; laminated glass will spider web in place - easy and safe clean up and is generally stronger than tempered.  It is also a pit more expensive.  If I were to use glass shelves anywhere above a person's head, I would use laminated.

1. 
   Blisk | Oct 30, 2002 07:17pm | #6

   3/8" glass sounds like a better choice.  (more mass, I think 1/4" will look a little light for the size of the opening.)

   Thanks for the reminder about tempered, I always used it for glass doors when I built entertainment centers.

   I wasn't too worried about breakage since they'll be behind glass doors .... but on the other hand my boys are 9 and 5 ... so maybe I should use 1/2" steel plate behind burglar bars and chain link fencing?

   Thanks for the suggestions.  Now I just need time to build the thing...after the other 2 projects on the list.

   Brian

1. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Oct 30, 2002 11:36pm | #7

   There's also a couple of kinds of glass you might consider.   The standard window glass has a green tint when you look in the edge -- which is what you'll be looking at.    You can also get for extra cost the kind of glass used in drinking glasses.   The edge has the same colorlessness that the face has.   If you're really trying to make the shelf disappear, it might be a better choice.

2. 
   makita | Nov 02, 2002 08:12pm | #10

        T,

             Actually, laminated safety glass is weaker and more fragile than a like thickness of annealed glass and far weaker than tempered glass which is generally considered to be about four times stronger than annealed. Lam is just two layers of single strength or double strength window glass bonded to a

   plastic core. It's only advantage is that it stays in place, even when badly shattered.

                                  Chris

1. 
   Marcello | Nov 04, 2002 06:37pm | #11

   Chris,

   You are correct if the laminated glass is composed of annealed glass.  But you can also specify laminated glass composed of heat strengthen glass or tempered glass.  The manufactuer's can laminate just about anything.  Examples would be hurricane glass used in the the south east coast, security glass used in psychiatric wards, or bullet proof glass used in banks or police station -- it is also used in skylight glazing.  I know it is not cheap when specified for residential use, but maybe having young kids in the house it is justified, {:-) 

6. 
   b1gcountry | Nov 01, 2002 08:01pm | #8

   Glass doesn't sag so much as break, so you definitely won't have a problem with sag.

   Tom

7. 
   DennisS | Nov 02, 2002 07:33pm | #9

   Jamie mentioned the coloration of ordinary window glass - even tempered. The clearest glass I've ever seen is special low iron type. May not be universally available but inquire at a large commercial glazing company for best results. It's probably rather costly but for small amounts for greatest impact might be worth it.

   Definitely agree on the 3/8" thickness for visual strength if not actual strength. Glass -does- scratch easier than one would imagine so to preserve the 'finish' I'd suggest using felt pads under your paperweight display items.

   ...........

   Dennis in Bellevue WA

   [email protected]