I need to cut a piece of plex glass, how would i do it?

Question

I am trying to cut a piece of plexiglass, what tool would i use?

Answer 1

I assume that you're talking about a sheet of the stuff, and intend to make essentially straight cuts. There's a special cutter that allows you to plow a deep score mark into the stuff. Look carefully--I found mine in where they sell glass and plastic for replacement windows at the Lowe's home improvement store. About three bucks, I believe. Mean-looking little claw-like deal, and it works quite well if you're careful.

Answer 2

Cutting Plexiglass
The biggest problem you have in cutting Plexiglas, is the plastic melting and fusing back together again, two seconds after you cut it. The typical blades generate enough heat to melt the Plexiglas, instead of allowing it to disappear as dust under the table.

The best solution is to keep the blade as cool as possible and reduce as much friction as possible between the plastic and the blade.

Cooling the Blade: I have heard that using multiple layers of masking tape, under the cut line of the plexiglass, will help dissipate some of the heat. At the very least leave the backing paper on the Plexiglas until you are finished cutting.

It has also been suggested that if you have a compressor, and can aim a line of cool air at the blade that this also may help.

Lubricate the Blade: There are many commercial products on the market that are designed reduce friction, from WD-40 to brand name "Dry Lubricant". Check with your industrial or automotive supply dealer.

VR

Answer 3

This stuff is usually scored and broken because most power tools create friction and tend to melt the Plexiglas and gum up the blade. First, if you don't have a scoring tool, you can use something blunt with sharp square edges like a new screw driver to create a score mark. The mark does not have to be very deep, usually three or four draws across the surface should be sufficient. Then align the score mark on a table edge or 2 x 4 with the piece you don't want hanging over the edge. Apply pressure to the overhanging part and it will snap at the score line.

Answer 4

I built sign with plex for 10 years! Use a skill saw with a plywood blade. Adjust the saw for about a 1" deep cut. Now cut!

Answer 5

There is a tool to use to cut Plexiglas, and if your not used to cutting it on a regular basis, the I would purchase a very fine tooth circular saw blade and cut it that way. The cut will be straighter and smoother and your less likely to break it uneven. Take your time cutting it because it can break while cutting it. Or just go to Lowes and give them the measurements and they will cut the piece for you.

Answer 6

Good question buddy!! You really made me think and I've come up with this: it won't reach your heart coz it'll tear your vein (because a small peice of glass is extremely sharp) somewhere along it's route to your heart and cause internal bleeding and will be removed by your macrophages, the antibodies or to put in in simple, english, it won't reach your heart.

Answer 7

Try a saw, or go to a local hardware store and ask if they can cut it for you. You could also get advice on what type of tool would cut it better.

Answer 8

put two pieces of tape on each side of cut use a scrool saw with a 18 tpi , tooth per inch blade, go real slow and you are done, the tape is so you dont scratch surface

Answer 9

cut it on a band saw if you have one available, that's how i used to do it back in high school when we worked with it. the blade is long enough to cool down before it cuts again. hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 10

there is a knife (kinda) specifically for it. you can definitely find it at home depot or lowes. i can't remember for sure but i think there's one more thing you usually buy with it, a liquid maybe. if you go there, they'll know.