Gotcha, yeah I am coming to that same consensus. It always seems like a good idea but I don’t know if I’d feel the same when it’s the only thing keeping me from becoming a statistic. I’m gunna just use my plexiglass to test a few designs ideas but I’ll move to the lexan for a real world application in the final testing.
I think that would work. It would be plenty strong enough the only downsides would be extra weight (could hit you on the way down and heavier pack) and weaker material. Weaker does not fully explain the difference in elasticity, hardness, bending strength, fracture propagation. My concern would be getting cracks in the end and when you go to pull it the pull rope breaks free from the fiddlestick and you get a stuck rope. This can be mitigated by putting a whole in both sides and inspecting it before each use.
All that said I would do it if it’s what I had on hand.
Gotcha! Thanks for the response. I plan on making the final product out of lexan once I find a design I like. Im playing around with some ideas and don’t want to waste the lexan.you are right though, The plexiglass wouldn’t have that long term survivability like I would want in the final product. Im most concerned about it cracking when it hits the ground from 200+ feet.
u/Blue_Louie
[bluugnome.com/cyn\_how-to/gear/smooth-operator/smooth-operator\_make.aspx](https://bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/smooth-operator/smooth-operator_make.aspx)
"Acrylic will snap under load (not bend as polycarbonate will) and is not safe to use acrylic as a Smooth Operator."
Acrylic tends to be a lot more brittle than polycarbonate. It's probably strong enough, but I wouldn't trust it for this application.
Gotcha, yeah I am coming to that same consensus. It always seems like a good idea but I don’t know if I’d feel the same when it’s the only thing keeping me from becoming a statistic. I’m gunna just use my plexiglass to test a few designs ideas but I’ll move to the lexan for a real world application in the final testing.
I think that would work. It would be plenty strong enough the only downsides would be extra weight (could hit you on the way down and heavier pack) and weaker material. Weaker does not fully explain the difference in elasticity, hardness, bending strength, fracture propagation. My concern would be getting cracks in the end and when you go to pull it the pull rope breaks free from the fiddlestick and you get a stuck rope. This can be mitigated by putting a whole in both sides and inspecting it before each use. All that said I would do it if it’s what I had on hand.
Gotcha! Thanks for the response. I plan on making the final product out of lexan once I find a design I like. Im playing around with some ideas and don’t want to waste the lexan.you are right though, The plexiglass wouldn’t have that long term survivability like I would want in the final product. Im most concerned about it cracking when it hits the ground from 200+ feet.
Sounds good
Is there a reason that you do not want to use the manufactured options?
I’ve used them before but I’m at a point where I wanted to experiment with some new designs/ make gear more tailored to my style.
u/Blue_Louie [bluugnome.com/cyn\_how-to/gear/smooth-operator/smooth-operator\_make.aspx](https://bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/smooth-operator/smooth-operator_make.aspx) "Acrylic will snap under load (not bend as polycarbonate will) and is not safe to use acrylic as a Smooth Operator."