Allen wrote:

> I am thinking of making a solar melter.
>
> I understand that the design is nothing particularly difficult, but I
wonder if
> there is any necessity to use glass on top, or if plastic will work as
well --
> assuming it does not melt.

Plastic works just fine, Allen, at least here in Louisiana.  I use two
sheets with a quarter-inch gap.  They sag a little, so I put in a cross-bar.
No problems.

Walter Weller