Author Topic: glass for Tri-Light exposure unit  (Read 1076 times)

Offline Bearded Lady

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glass for Tri-Light exposure unit
« on: February 27, 2017, 06:00:32 PM »
I just bought a used 42"x60" Tri-Light and it needs a new piece of glass.  Ron Hopkins from m&r/nuarc mentioned that I buy "Float Glass".  I called some glass supply places in Austin and found that there are several options.  The piece of glass for that size unit is 3/8" thick by 53-1/4" by 72-1/4".  Standard float glass is around $450-$550.  Safety glass came in around $650-$750.  And then there is a 'low iron' float glass which is more clear/ a little less of the green hue.  that is $575 to $675.... while the safety glass with low iron content came in between $765 and $920- depending on the supplier.  $50-$200 delivery depending on the supplier.  Hilarious range in prices.

Anybody know what I should buy?  I'm guessing the more clear the better.  Worried that safety glass would adversely give extra layers for the light to travel through.  but yeah.  Other than my first DIY exposure unit made in 2001 I've never had to think about the glass.  I've had the same used, wall mount- flip up unit for 12+ years.  think it was made in the early 90's.

Curious what y'all come back with.  I tried to find other threads that covered this topic but didn't come across any.

Cheers!!




Offline ebscreen

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Re: glass for Tri-Light exposure unit
« Reply #1 on: February 27, 2017, 06:03:55 PM »
Low iron tempered.

Likely every place you called is buying from the same distributor. Glass is like that.

Offline Bearded Lady

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Re: glass for Tri-Light exposure unit
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2017, 07:10:54 PM »
Low iron tempered.

Likely every place you called is buying from the same distributor. Glass is like that.

Thanks!!!!  So......not "safety glass" then.

And until now, nobody has mentioned "tempered".  wondered if maybe in the glass world tempered wasn't a thing anymore or if maybe it's just always a thing...

Offline ebscreen

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Re: glass for Tri-Light exposure unit
« Reply #3 on: February 27, 2017, 07:12:53 PM »
Thanks!!!!  So......not "safety glass" then.

And until now, nobody has mentioned "tempered".  wondered if maybe in the glass world tempered wasn't a thing anymore or if maybe it's just always a thing...


One and the same as far as I know.

Untempered sheets of glass that large are dangerous as all getout.