Ok, so im sure im wrong, but i know there is something else to add other than plexiglass.
Im making an FTIR project, i have already cut the plexiglass to size and almost wired it, although, i feel im missing something, like a projection layer on top of the plexiglass?
someone please guide me :|

FTIR requires a “Compliant Layer”.  Here’s some info: http://peauproductions.com/comp_layer.html

can i use this instead of Xylol? :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Industrial-Xylene-Thinner-1Ltr-1-litre-can-/270731048971?pt=UK_Body_Shop_Supplies_Paint&hash=item3f08d3f80b

and i cant find any vellum to the size of my plexiglass (A3)

Im from UK

I’m not 100% sure, there’s a whole thread on tinkerman’s method somewhere around here: http://nuigroup.com/forums/viewthread/2383/

This video from peau’s site is also pretty helpful to make sure you’ve got everything you need: http://www.peauproductions.com/blog/2010/10/30/how-to-make-a-multitouch-setup-video-series/

I don’t really know a whole lot about compliant surfaces, but if you look throughout this subject there’s a ton of threads about it, you don’t necessarily have to use tinkerman’s method, most of what I’ve heard says it’s regarded as the best though.

ok, thanks :D
Still unsure about using different Xylenes.

I’m not sure either but some quick searching revealed this:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/xylene/basic_xyl.html

“What are some synonyms for xylene?
Xylene is also known as dimethylbenzene, methyltoluene, xylol, xylene (non-specific name).”

So it sounds like what you linked will work, but if it doesn’t… don’t blame me! :D

okkai,
thanks man :D
much appreciated.

Now i must try and find a way to power to to 12V.

What’s your source?  120v wall socket?  Can you piggyback off your computer’s power supply?  I wouldn’t use this one but it could be as simple as buying something like this: http://www.amazon.com/110V-240V-Adapter-Converter-Universal-Socket/dp/B001TXUU98

THnKS, but then i get the bit that i plug into the socket, and how do i connect that to my wiring?

That was kind of a crappy link, that thing I linked is actually a wall socket to car adapter plug.  Car adapters are 12v, so you could just connect to the positive and negative of the car adapter plug and be good.  But you’re way better off just taking something a bit more expensive like this, and having actual wires:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Adapter-OmniView-Switches-F1D108-PWR/dp/B0000DFZ5Z

(You could just cut off the plug at the end and the two wires you have will be your pos/negative 12v lines ... you’d have to check which is which though ... what with all the wiring you’re doing it is probably worth investing in a multimeter, they’re pretty cheap, and could save you from frying something expensive: http://www.amazon.com/Nippon-America-ST5077-Digital-Tester/dp/B00009WDY2/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1303941025&sr=1-3 )