how to make clean cuts in plexiglass?

Question

I have tried jigsaws and skill saws but the cuts are ragged.

Answer 1

They make a tool to score it like glass so you can snap it off.www.aircraftspruce.com is one place that has them if you want to see an example.I'm sure one of your local hardware or building supply stores have them.

Answer 2

There are two ways to cut it. One is use a Lucite plastic cutting knife. It makes a scratch in it. Drag it up against a ruler or yard stick a couple of times, then bend the Plexiglas to break it on that line. This doesn't always break exactly where you want it to. Second one. ( how I do it) I use a very sharp shark tooth saw. Cut slowly along the line you want cut. Then take a fine file and smooth out the edges. This takes longer, but looks better. A power tool tends to melt the Plexiglas if you go too fast. A hand held saw is more easily controlled

Answer 3

Forget this "box cutter" thing. Anything that uses a blade, you have a fifty percent chance of breaking the plixi. Using a oil cutter, most don't know what one is, is the best way but you'd have to spend the money on one.
I always use a band saw with a fine tooth, or a jig saw with a metal blade and use the slow speed.

I don't know of a good way to cut this and figure on loosing some every-time I cut it. I've tried box cutters, new blades in them. Using one and going over the scratch lines many times sometimes works but, my heart beats fast when I go to snap it.

Answer 4

cut it with a blade, like a box cutter. In fact at the hardware store they sell blade for cutting Plexiglas that fit in your box cutter handle. Score the Plexiglas, then place the Plexiglas on a solid surface with an edge. The score line should be on that edge, with the part of the Plexiglas you don't want hanging off the edge, them give it a very firm smack on the overhanging part and it will break off.

Answer 5

I use a plywood cutting blade (many small close teeth) on a table saw. I also place masking tape in the location of the cut. It usually cuts perfectly fine. It should work with a circular saw.

Answer 6

using a blow torch heat up the blade on an old knife, melt the plexi glass. Takes a little practice, but once yo get the hang of it, its real easy