how to cut plexiglass?

Answer 1

You can either use a band saw (which is easiest, especially if you have one already) or there are plexi tools called rippers. The best way to do it is to determine where you want the cut made. Then afix a straight edge to the top of the plexi and secure it to a bench or such with a couple of vise. Score with the pointed side along the straight edge making sure you score the same every time. Then, remove it from the straight edge, if you didn't score all the way through the easiest way to break it without shattering it in the wrong place is to use a pair of needlenose on either side of the break, slowly and carefully flex it until it splits. If it doesn't, don't force it, resituate it and score some more. Otherwise, use a ban saw.

Answer 2

When I worked at Home Depot (for 6 years) we never cut plexiglas because we didn't have the proper tooling to do it right without severe chipping. I worked there when the founders of the company were still in charge and we put a premium on customer service, but if you try to cut acrylic with the crude wood saws they have there, it not only produces a bad result, it is potentially quite dangerous. Also, the quality of the acrylic at a home center isn't nearly as high as actual Plexiglas brand. There is absolutely no way they could cut to the shape in your drawing, sorry. Your best bet is to go to an acrylic supply company or someone that uses a lot of it, like a display manufacturer or exhibit house. These types of companies may also have scrap pieces they can cut down for you for a minimal price. A glass company may also have what you're looking for and the tooling to make your "L" shape. There are special blades for cutting acrylic on a table saw that don't cause chipping on the bottom and produce a clean, smooth edge, but if you find a piece big enough, you can take it to a local cabinet shop and ask them to cut it using a freshly sharpened crosscut blade. If you have the option, buy extruded plexiglas (plexiglas G), rather than cast (plexiglas MC) as it is much less brittle. Theoretically, you could cut your shape out on a band saw if you were very careful to make straight cuts and you could sand the edges to make them smooth and even. Use a fine file to round over sharp edges and corners no matter what method you use.

Answer 3

Apply tape to the plexiglass and make your mark on the tape. Then use a jig saw with a reverse tooth cutting blade (cuts going down, not up). These are the same blades used to cut Formica counter tops. Cetainly have done many jobs this way!!!!

Answer 4

i think capster meant turning the blades in those saws upside down. ;)

for the thicker (1/4" and over) variety we used a paneling blade put on a table saw 'upside' down - ie bacwards. the teeth will not rip into the plastic this way. however it still tends to shatter the thinner more brittle plexy no matter how careful you are.

scoring with a stanley knife blade and breaking it at the score mark might be the best way to go with thinner plexiglass

Answer 5

Plexiglass as in Lexan?

Leave the plastic scratch coat on it and cut it with a jig saw. Slow speed will cut better.

Have someone support the edges so it won't crack.

mike

Answer 6

I read you can use a ripper like when you rip seams from clothing on plexiglass. It might work, I would have to see.

Answer 7

Run masking tape over the line you want to cut. Use a jig saw with a metal-cutting blade (fine teeth). The masking tape protects the plexi from getting scratched by the jig saw, so make sure that the saw only runs on the tape. You can draw your line on the tape too. Then use a fine-tooth file or fine sand paper to clean-up the newly cut edge.

Answer 8

we cut plexiglass with a dremel and a wheel bit

Answer 9

you can score (and score) thinner pieces like the other answer but if it is thicker use a very fine toothed circular saw blade installed backwards, it will almost melt it's way through the plastic but won't chip it or run a very expensive crack though it.

Answer 10

If you are cutting plexi, essentially you are scoring, scoring, scoring, and then break it. At least that's how I was taught to do it at the frame store I used to work at.

Dremel sounds easier. :)