What tool is best to cut a 1/2" thick piece of plexiglass?

Answer 1

Bandsaw is the only way to go, as keeps cut even and straight, I know as my Father used to cut heaps in our back shed...♥

Answer 2

Assuming you have basic tools there are a couple of ways to cut it. The best would be to use a table saw or skill saw with a fine tooth carbide blade. Some people find a better cut by turning the blade around backwards. Another option would be to use a jig saw and just use a blade that is for plastics. You would want to run the blade slow as to not melt the plexi to much or it will stick back together. If you use a saw place clear packing tape over the line your going to cut and the tape helps to lubricate the blade. Typically on thinner plexi you could use a scoring razor blade, available at most home centers, and just score the plexi and snap it off. If the edge looks a little rough when your done you can sand it or file it even and then heat the edge with a heat gun or torch and it will give the edge that clear look like on the face.

Answer 3

i have used the sawsall method and yes it does work; as stated all ready it is hard to get a good clean strait cut with this tool. i know that is faster and that the tool does the work, not you. if you really want to use this make sure your blade is long enough. i have been in commercial plumbing for 5 years now and when i rough slabs or run alot of pvc i typically use my hack saw or a pvc saw. i prefer a strait cut that will butt to the hub of the fitting all the way around. this way you know you have a solid joint that has as much surface area as possible for your glue to grab onto. it is only a 10.00 investment to get a pvc saw and as a d.i.y. guy you should already have a hacksaw. when i run pvc i like to where a pair of cheap jersey gloves this helps keep the glue off my hands and after you make your pipe cuts there will be some small burs around the edge; just run your hand around the edge and knock em off. this can be painful without the gloves or some form of protection for your hands. when you glue the joint remember primer then glue, don't mix the two before applying. push the pipe into the fitting and twist a quarter turn then hold in for a good 20 count this should lead to pro quality pipe running. that you will be proud to show the pals at the sunday cook-out remember the 3 rules of plumbing 1. stuff runs down hill 2. colds on the right, hots on the left 3. dont bite your nails

Answer 4

Had to cut a large 1/2"thick plex sheet.
For straight cuts supplier recommended a circular saw or table saw w/ carbide blade
For shapes, a bandsaw of sabresaw if not run too fast.
If it comes w/ a paper or film coating , leave it on while cutting.
Needed a clean edge & was told to scrape off saw marks w/ a razor blade & then "flame" the edge w/ a propane torch.
Worked great.
Biggest problem was static.
The sheet picked up all kinds of saw (dust) & lint when I removed protective film.
Ask supplier what to do about that, a real pain.

Answer 5

circle saw with a good blade it's easy to cut plexiglass some time you could just score it with a utility knife and snap it off it depends how nice you want that cut

Answer 6

I use a jig saw with a metal blade...run it on low speed and make a slow cut to keep the Plexiglas from melting..

Answer 7

A table saw with a fine blade.

Answer 8

That depends on what kind of cut you will make. A table saw should work nicely.

Answer 9

A jig saw with a fine toothed blade will work just fine.

Answer 10

I have a Roto-Zip and it works great on plexiglass.