What to use to cut Plexiglass/acrylic

[dmurray14]

I'm trying to cut a shape out of plexiglass, and I'm not quite sure what to use. I tried cutting it with a Dremel once, but it sucked and I thought I was gonna pass out from the fumes of the melting plastic. How about a jig-/sabre-saw?

 

[Macro2]

How about a jig-/sabre-saw

 

[BG4533]

Originally posted by: Macro2
How about a jig-/sabre-saw

Probably your best bet. Keep it slow or the stuff might melt.

 

[dmurray14]

OK, thanks. Last time I tried using a jigsaw though, the plexi cracked. I guess I wasn't going fast enough?

 

[Spoooon]

I was trying to cut some acrylic, but I didn't have any power tools handy. I used a box knife and, very slowly, cut the shape out with that. I smoothed up the rough edges with some sand paper.

 

[Templeton]

The problem with it cracking was probably not do to speed, it was most likely not supported well enough. Make sure you keep the piece as flat and stable as possible, if you allow it to bend up and down as you cut, it will crack. It can be done with a jigsaw, just take your time and be careful.

 

[etech]

Originally posted by: dmurray14
OK, thanks. Last time I tried using a jigsaw though, the plexi cracked. I guess I wasn't going fast enough?

I use a metal blade when cutting plastic. The smaller teeth will help.

 

[Antisocial Virge]

We use routers at work for shapes and saws for just straight cuts. www.plaskolite.com If you have a bigscreen TV or stuff from Ventshade chances are we had something to do with it.

I use a metal blade when cutting plastic. The smaller teeth will hel

On thinner stuff we use 120 tooth 12" or 14" blades. Keeps the edges from looking like crap.

 

[Gyrene]

I use a high-speed dremmel, works well enough for me.

 

[sygyzy]

Dremmel will work but you will get lots of melting. To be honest, this is not a big deal since you will probably putting rubber trim around it anyway, assuming you are using it in a case window.

 

[Joony]

Maybe a rotozip spiral saw?

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Use a utility or xacto knife, and break it. No gaurantees though.

 

[CubicZirconia]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
Use a utility or xacto knife, and break it. No gaurantees though.

That's basically what we use where I work (a hardware store). Just use some sort of sharp tool to score the glass a bunch of times, then snap it off. Should give you a clean break every time.

 

[dmurray14]

Thanks for the replies. Actually, it's not a case window, would you believe that? I'm making a clear windscreen for my convertible. I will try the jigsaw again...thanks.

Dan

 

[yhelothar]

use a laser

 

[PAguy]

use a jigsaw, but make sure that the plexi still has the paper on it.
if it doesnt, mask it off.

 

[Macro2]

use a jigsaw, but make sure that the plexi still has the paper on it.
if it doesnt, mask it off...fine blade and high speed = clean cut