I would avoid acrylic sheeting, cracks too easy... As for polycarbonate/lexan it definitely is tough, but large sheets can get expensive. if you want just a viewing port, I would get some black iron piping, some caster wheels, make a frame, and put some 1/2" plywood, sealed up with something to waterproof it if you're using coolant. and polycarbonate windows inlaid in that.
We use big polycarbonate gaurds on our 5 axis routers to keep any broken tools contained... though most the time the tools like to fall to the floor while spinning like a top and skitter across the floor anyway... |