Mirror packaging

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Hi,

I am planning to send my 16" mirror off to be re-aluminised and I wondering about the packaging.

According to Galaxy optics I need:
"1 each: 48” x 96” x 1.00” construction foam board (pink, yellow or blue foam)"
At the moment I am unsure what this material is called in Australia and where to get it. Any ideas?
While perusing the big green warehouse I came across some of those high-density foam clip together floor sections. I am wondering whether two of those on top and two under the mirror would be suitable? I could add a layer of slightly softer material as well. The whole lot will be in a plywood box.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I found a place nearby that does re-upholstery of furniture cars etc and they sold high density foam. Was not cheap, enough to pack up my 20" cost over $100 cut to size!

Malcolm

[Satchmo]

You can sometimes get the clip together high density foam tiles in packs at thrifty stores . I've always used 1" Polystyrene in plywood boxes or 2" styrene in cardboard. Wrap the mirror in tissue paper and stick a sheet of cardboard over the face cut to a circle, and tape down .

[AstralTraveller (David)]

Follow up question.

Apparently Aust Post can take parcels up to 20kg. I haven't weighted my mirror but it feels close to 20kg by itself. Then there is the box and packaging. I expect it will be over weight. Anyone have good/bad stories about particular couriers.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

Follow up question.

Apparently Aust Post can take parcels up to 20kg. I haven't weighted my mirror but it feels close to 20kg by itself. Then there is the box and packaging. I expect it will be over weight. Anyone have good/bad stories about particular couriers.

I've used Pack and Send a few times, with no problems

[MrB (Simon)]

Pink, yellow and blue foam board in the US is a rigid closed cell foam (XPS - extruded Polystyrene) used as insulation in homes, it is a favourite of modellers because it carves well. (Images) I've never found a local equivalent.
If you can, find a supply of EPE (expanded polyethylene) as it is an excellent shock absorber, it springs back to its original shape and size after being crushed. (Images) You may have seen this stuff used in packaging TV's and whitegoods.
Styrofoam(EPS - expanded Polystyrene) is the stuff made of balls and when crushed will break apart/crumble and never recovers, not ideal.

[Starless (Brian)]

Dave,
The white polyester foam they pack computers in is ideal.
I salvaged a heap when new PC were bought at work.
It is available in Aus, google for a supplier or try scrounging
from stores that sell electronic stuff like TVs and computers.

[Satchmo]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

Follow up question.

Apparently Aust Post can take parcels up to 20kg. I haven't weighted my mirror but it feels close to 20kg by itself. Then there is the box and packaging. I expect it will be over weight. Anyone have good/bad stories about particular couriers.

Sounds like a 2" thick mirror ? . A 1.6" mirror weighs in from memory about 11 or 12kg - I think you will find it is lighter than you think . I've never had any problem shipping 1.6" thick 16" and 18" mirrors in ply box with 9mm skins and dressed 1" X 4 " pine sides and 1" Styro lining with Aus post under the 20kg limit . A 16" in cardboard box ( preferably double boxed ) should only cost about $25 ex insurance with Australia Post . The main thing is to pay for it being signed for and then you have some kind of tracking .