Cutting plexiglass?

[sizzler90]

I am trying to cut a piece of Plexiglass. It will have a few curves in it. My first few attempts were not successful. Basically it just melt back together. What is the best way to cut plexiglass?

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have used a Roto-zip to cut panels for toy tractor cabs. You need to be sure the protective cover is still on the plexi or use masking tape so you don't scratch it.

 

[Jared]

a jigsaw of circular saw works well.

 

[1320stang]

jig saw w/ fine teeth and go slow and leave the coating on.

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

Dremel with a small cutting wheel, I've done it with the speed all the way up, basically melts/cuts at the same time. And definitely leave the protective coating on.

 

[wilbilt]

A bandsaw, if you have access to one.

 

[s_ontario]

Do you happen to have a plasma machine ? just need sacrificial piece of steel to lay over top

 

[epmills]

If the piece is small enough, a scroll saw on a slow speed works great, if not, as said, a jig saw. Just remember to take it slow, stop and let the blade cool if needed.

 

[Kevin54]

I am trying to cut a piece of Plexiglass. It will have a few curves in it. My first few attempts were not successful. Basically it just melt back together. What is the best way to cut plexiglass?

You won't get a smooth cut whatever you do, but to keep it from melting back together, use a little oil where you are going to make your cut. The little bit of oil will lubricate it enough to keep it from melting back. Unless you are running it it a table saw or radial arm then it will be a little messy. Leave the protective coating on, make your mark, take a bruch and brush some oil on it, and if you have a sander, sand the edges when done. use some coarser paper to sand then finish off with a finer paper.

 

[sizzler90]

a jigsaw of circular saw works well.

I have tried using both a circular saw and a jig saw. Like I said it melted back together as I cut it. I have a dremel but did not think to use it. Not sure what blade to use with it. Since I do have several curve that will need to be cut, I am not sure a wheel will work.

 

[IDASHO]

Ive heard of people cutting plexi with a plasma cutter...

...seriously. But from what I remember, you have to lay a sheet of steel over it, and cut both.

 

[russlaferrera]

Use a very course blade, carbide if possible (blade is thicker) or if using a jig saw, use a water hose under the material to lubricate the blade and keep it cool

 

[SteveU]

I am trying to cut a piece of Plexiglass. It will have a few curves in it. My first few attempts were not successful. Basically it just melt back together. What is the best way to cut plexiglass?

Straight cut tablesaw, anything with curves a bandsaw or scrollsaw. A handheld jigsaw would also work but would be harder to control than on a bandsaw or scrollsaw. I have also used a router with a carbide bit to fine tune a piece of plexiglass to fit something. Depending on if you have a pattern/template you could use a bearing guided straight bit or pattern bit in a router but it has more waste/makes more mess than the saws do.

 

[WheelsNT]

With water cooling and a fine toothed jigsaw blade, you can get a glass-smooth edge. A water hose works, or you can attach a tin can to your jigsaw with a pinhole near the jigsaw blade so that the water continually hits the blade. Then you just re-fill the can every 30 seconds or so.

 

[sizzler90]

With water cooling and a fine toothed jigsaw blade, you can get a glass-smooth edge. A water hose works, or you can attach a tin can to your jigsaw with a pinhole near the jigsaw blade so that the water continually hits the blade. Then you just re-fill the can every 30 seconds or so.

I am not doubting you, but something about using water and electrical tools just doesn't sound right. What is the trick to it?

 

[WheelsNT]

It only needs to be a little water, just on the blade to keep the blade cool. Under no circumstances are you pouring water on the jigsaw itself. The water will be on the blade and the surface of the plexiglass and will get on the guide base of the jigsaw, but not up on the electrical part of the saw. Of course, be smart and wear some rubber boots. You'd want to stand off to the side so the runoff isn't under your feet. You can think of lots of methods to deliver the water, the important thing is to get the water directly on the blade of the jigsaw.

 

[PAToyota]

Do you happen to have a plasma machine ? just need sacrificial piece of steel to lay over top

Ive heard of people cutting plexi with a plasma cutter...

...seriously. But from what I remember, you have to lay a sheet of steel over it, and cut both.

I've been meaning to try it, but I've heard that you can cut plexiglass or even actual glass by taping aluminum foil down over it.