HELP: Cutting plexiglass.

[martinmsj]

I went to home depot and inquired about the pexiglass and how I would work with it. The guy lead me to where they were and asked me what size. When I asked "how would I cut them?" he said to just you the box cutter or what not, outline the cut and trace it with the cutter. Afterward, just snap it off. Guess I suck hard at this stuff cause its not working for me.

http://images.dr3vil.com/uploads/plexi.jpg

:| What is a good way to cut plexiglass? If you agree with the guy up top, what am I doing wrong?

 

[qbackin]

Hardcore dremel action?

 

[sodcha0s]

You need to clamp a guide on it and score the plexiglass at least 1/3 of the way through. Do this by passing your cutter over and over along the guide until you have it scored deep enough. Then hold it over a sharp edge like a table edge and fold it until it snaps. It looks like you just want a small rectangle cut...... cut the entire length at once first, then from that piece cut it to desired length.

 

[TitanDiddly]

Use a jigsaw, scrollsaw, coping saw, any kind of saw. File the edges afterward. I prefer polycarb myself.

 

[EternusNox]

I like the jigsaw. Use lexan instead of plexiglass.

 

[imported_fatal]

Tablesaw works great if you have access to one

 

[Tiamat]

I have found plexi to be next to impossible to get right. I prefer Lexan. It doesnt shatter as easily. What I did was take 2 pieces of wood with a template drawn on the top layer. Put the lexan in between, and then I cut through the wood. I was able to use a circle cutting tool on the miling machine with only 3/32" of lexan outside of the circle. THe lexan is only 3/32" thick. I was surprised that it didnt shatter under such lack of extra outside material, but it didnt so. Im happy.

 

[Jeff7]

Polycarbonate (what Lexan is made of) or acrylic for a cheaper option. I cut either one with a bandsaw. Just make the cuts slowly or else you're going to wind up with tiny cracks along the edge.

 

[Dubya01]

Make sure the plexi is clamped properly. As people said before, you need to get the cut about 1/3 to 1/2 way deep to score the plexi. Once it is cut 1/3 - 1/2 of the way, gently push the cut part until it pops out. This is called scoring.

 

[lobadobadingdong]

you don't score and break plexiglass, you cut it. you score and break lexan or acrylic.

 

[S Random]

if using a dremel what speed do you cut acrylic with?

 

[mercdrive]

I use jigsaw slow and cover with wide masking tape to avoid scratching it

 

[intogamer]

:laugh:

 

[Injury]

Originally posted by: S Random
if using a dremel what speed do you cut acrylic with?

as slow as possible.

Make sure you wear long sleeves and a hat or flying half-liquid plastic will get caught in your hair. Go slow, touch the dremel down for about 1-2 seconds at a time or else you will get a large mess of melting ugly plastic all over your window. Also, if you don't take your time, you will warm up the plexi too much and melt the edge you want to be straight.

I suggest using a box knife. As already said, cut about half the way through along a straight edge and bend slowly. Don't try to do two cuts at once, do one cut, then cut that in half or so.

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
you don't score and break plexiglass, you cut it. you score and break lexan or acrylic.

Plexiglass is acrylic.

Plexiglass is just a name brand.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: lobadobadingdong
you don't score and break plexiglass, you cut it. you score and break lexan or acrylic.

Plexiglass is acrylic.

Plexiglass is just a name brand.

Really....huh, never knew that.

Plexiglas = acrylic
Lexan = polycarbonate

 

[bootoo]

 

[bootoo]

If you use a jigsaw, get a fine blade for it and like said above, go slow. Like said above, tape the glass and the saw so the friction doesn't wear the glass. Works great for me and I'm kind of an all-thumbs modder.