How to cut plexi glass (acrylic)

[jaybert]

I was thinking bout buying a pre-made window kit and then modding it a little to fit my sx1030. I want to shape the upper left hand corner so that the latch is still functioning or possible cut a sort of 1/2 circle on the left side of the window (depends on the size of the window I get). Anyone have a website w/ instructions regarding this or some tips on what tools to use and how to go about it? Thanks

 

[TonyG]

If you have a very steady hand and a variable speed dremel you can cut the stuff but it is kinda hard to keep it going in a straight line.

 

[jaybert]

what would be the *ideal* way to get this done in a home workshop? I dont have any of these tools myself so I'm probably going to goto my friend's house who has a bunch of tools. What else could be done?

 

[Bartman39]

Plexi glass can be cut with a jigsaw... You tape the area where you are going to cut with masking tape (wide) and mark it then use a special blade (metal type I think???) go slow and cut any curve or line you want then file the edge smooth... Lexan might be a better choice???

 

[Dhawk]

The easiest way to make straight cuts is with a plexi scribe tool and a straight edge.You should be able to pick a plexi scribe tool at a Home depot, Lowes, or a hardware store for just a few dollars.You just scibe the plexi multible times(depending on the thickness) along the straight edge and then just snap the plexi of the edge of a work bench onlong the scribe.

 

[jaybert]

Ok, coo, thanks for the info. I read up on how lexan was much more stable and less breakable. So I might go that route instead

 

[jaybert]

er, what if i want to make curves? I hear that you cant really make a 90degree angle when using the molding since it doesnt bend like that or something.

 

[Dhawk]

If you want to make curved cuts you pretty much have to do what Bartman suggested.Use a jig saw or a saber saw with a fine tooth blade.Like Bartman said, draw your cut line on a piece of tape and go nice and easy. I have never tried using a dremel to cut plexi or lexan but it would probably work.

 

[Bartman39]

Heat would be the key to making a 90 degree bend... Sandwich the piece of material (plexi or lexan) between two pieces of plywood and heat the area next to the wood with a propane torch set on low... Being very carful to not overheat or burn the plywood, when it softens just bend and hold in place till it cools somewhat...


Also by sandwiching I mean offset the top piece of plywood back a few inches (about 2&quot and clamp the whole mess together so it wont move (just have your line premarked on the underside... This way you wont have to use any edge molding also...

 

[fast_eddie]

For straight cuts in acrylic, I use my 5 1/4" power saw with a plywood blade installed backwards! I know it sounds somewhat like overkill, but I picked it up from a guy that works with acrylic on a daily basis.

 

[Mday]

i saw on the rotozip infomercial that it can cut plexiglass... it's the spiral saw bit.

if you have a drill, you can just get that spiral saw bit ;-) and use that... um, variable RPM is a good thing.

if you have a dremel, there is a 1/8" shank spiral saw bit for the dremel (multipurpose cutting bit) and the rotozip also has a 1/8" shank spiral saw bit ;-) i suggest getting the multipurpose cutting attachment. basically it keeps the dremel perpendicular to the cutting surface, and allows for depth modifications...

the spiral saw bit basically rips out little shards of material, much like a planer does. but it's used for cutting. so there is no melting of the material. i've used it, and it has never melted anything =) that i used it on. i cut plastics with it =)