what is the best way to cut thin sheet acrylic panels?

Answer 1

There are special cutters you can buy, but I haven't had much success with them. I have found that if you have access to a table saw, you can try this.

Get a fine cut blade, and mount it in the saw backwards. Then feed the acrylic thru the saw slowly, but make sure that the fence is tight to the table so as not to have the sheet get under it.

You can probable have Lowes or Home Depot, or your local supplier cut it for you.

You may also want to try the local window repair shop, as they deal with acrylic quite often.

Spiral saws like the Rotozip work well too.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

Use a portable jig saw with a fine tooth blade - a metal blade will be just fine. Do one more thing now, place duct tape over the area that you want to cut. Cover your whole line. The duct tape does several things. First, it will eliminate the scratches caused by the base of the saw. Next, it gives you a smoother cut by keeping the hot plastic from cooling over your cut or beside it. That saves you some sanding if you need a clean edge. Finally, it can help keep your cut from resealing itself. You see, if you are cutting slowly or an intricate cut, the hot, semi-melted plastic can collect back in your cut . When it does collect in the cut, it will cool and harden.

Answer 3

rotary cutters work best. I got one at Lowe's and I've used it several times to cut acrylic.

Answer 4

a band saw with a very fine tooth blade also works pretty well...especially if you're cutting curves.

Answer 5

rotary cutter such as a rotozip. i ahve one and it's the best if not you can try scoring it maybe.

Answer 6

Karate chop! DUH