Thicker plexiglass, strangely enough, allows for the simplest of the cutting processes. What Should You Use to Clean the Top of an Old Table Saw? This is why practicing is important. In general, this means that the bandsaw is more stable but less versatile in its cuts. Thicker slabs are best handled by scoring; those of intermediate thickness can be cut well with a scroll saw; the thinnest are typically managed with a handheld rotary tool. Reply Upvote. Most notably, ​with a bandsaw, you push the plexiglass through the cut. Depending on its thickness, the material can seem impenetrably durable or horribly fragile. Most scale models won't need bends in acrylic more than 1/16 inch thick. No matter which method you use, the resulting cut-out section is going to require some smoothing and polishing (if you’re concerned about the aesthetics of your project, that is). The EZ476 Cut-Off Wheel can be run at full speed. Routers are handheld saws that use a shaft and router bit that spins, allowing you to cut materials such as acrylics and plastics. Choose a non-flammable lubricant to apply to the plexiglass before cutting, and the sawing motion will proceed more smoothly. If the plexiglass is less than an inch thick but the scoring tool is not cutting it, you can use a hand saw for cutting an acrylic sheet that is resistant. Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in working with this amazing material. Even though plexiglass is a synthetic, a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than when glass cutting. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. However, if you have a straight cut, then the best table saw will be wonderfully accurate and efficient. Another tool you can use to cut plexiglass is a jigsaw. Mount a straight plunge-cutting bit in your router and set the router bit to cut about 3/8 in. Cutting curves is bes done with a mechanical saw and protect the edge/line of cut with masking tape as this prevents the material welding itself back after the saw balde has passed. … As fragile as plexiglasses can be you would need a drill to do this, but for this article, we would discuss how you can effectively use your drill to put holes in them without cracking it. Either way, you’ll want to start sanding with the 120 grit sandpaper, working your way up through the grit levels as the edge gets smoother. Although it’s durable, plexiglass is somewhat brittle, and many people prefer to score and then snap thinner sheets. Plexiglass ©, however, is the ... it's absolutely imperative that you get the cut right the first time. If you cut too slowly, this gives the jigsaw more time to transfer heat to the plexiglass. Secure the Plexiglas firmly with clamps on a solid working surface, but remember to leave a gap under the area to be cut. Common uses include to replace window panes in house and car windows. 6 years ago on Introduction. Hold the side of the material on the work surface firmly against it (you can secure it with a clamp if you have one, or weigh it down) and then bring sharp downward pressure onto the side positioned over the edge. Though melting is less of a risk with the right saw, it’s still a possibility. Plexiglass, the generic name for acrylic sheet, is an incredibly durable material with near-limitless applications. There are special plexiglass blades in the market that are designed especially for cutting plexiglass. Instead, it will break apart into large pieces without sharp edges. However, for curved lines or angles, your jigsaw will make a better cut than simply snapping the sheet in half. Avoid very fine metal blades, as they can clog while cutting, melting the plastic in the plexi. deep for the first pass. Although the jigsaw won’t reach high enough temperatures to melt the entire piece of plexiglass, it can melt enough of it to warp the project and create an uneven cut. Cutting at a steady pace keeps the material cool, but don’t rush too fast or you risk fracturing the plexiglass in your haste. Set the clamps back from the edge enough to accommodate the router base. Plexiglass is a transparent plastic that goes by the title of “acrylic glass,” but the brand names Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucie, and Perspex all indicate the same material. This will allow you to get the hang of cutting a new surface like plexiglass. Most importantly, it’s quite easy to cut it and mold it yourself. Next, add the buffing attachment to the drill and apply the polishing compound to the plexiglass. How would one cut small squares out of 1/8" plexiglass sheets by hand? Ok, lets be honest – if you have a laser cutting device, you’re probably not reading this article . Thickness is an issue. Step 1 - Mark the Curve . For this step you will need the scoring tool (Or box cutter or x … We’ll also share how to ensure you don’t break or chip your plexiglass in the process. Thicker plexiglass, strangely enough, allows for the simplest of the cutting processes. Most scale models won't need bends in acrylic more than 1/16 inch thick. I have no power tools (except a hand drill). Plexiglass can also be brittle and even crack if they are being forced, so it has to be handled with care. Working with plexiglass can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Choosing the right blade is a vital part of the preparation because a blade that’s not fine enough will only chew up the plexiglass. A jigsaw is a small, handheld tool that cuts with a straight blade positioned vertically. Here, we’ll explain how to safely and precisely cut plexiglass with a jigsaw. First, grab a metal ruler and a utility knife (preferably one with a brand new blade). ​This momentum can mess up your accuracy a bit, though. First, grab a metal ruler and a utility knife (preferably one with a brand new blade). If you want to clean up those edges and make them smooth, you can sand the areas with a ​fine grit of sandpaper. Use A Cooling Lubricant. The hotter the blade gets, the easier it is for the glass to warp or melt. If this is the case, leave it on instead of applying masking tape. Also, if the type of cut you are doing allows for it, try clamping the plexiglass down to a surface. To use this tool to cut plexiglass. Clamp a piece of 3/4-inch thick hardwood with a straight edge underneath your plexiglass with C clamps, so that the edge of the board is even with the edge of the plexiglass. Despite its durability, plexiglass is more prone to scratching than regular glass, so manufacturers often add scratch-resistant layers on top of the plexiglass. That’s because scroll saws produce much less heat than their brethren, which cuts down on the risk of your plexiglass melting as it’s cut. In this case, right in the middle between fast and slow is perfect. A table saw can not make curved cuts, period. With that information, you are ready to learn how to cut plexiglass curves or circles. Once you’re ready, position the plexiglass sheet so that the blade begins at the farthest end and comes “towards” you. Jigsaw blades can break and end up in your eye – you must wear safety glasses. In reality, however, that’s not exactly true. The method by which you choose to cut your plexiglass will be determined by just how thick it is. Before beginning, mark what you want to cut with a permanent marker. Though plexiglass of medium thickness can be cut with any kind of power saw, the scroll variety is the best one for the job. Use a handheld rotary tool with a cut-off wheel for very thin Plexiglas where the material is too flexible for scoring or sawing. Scoring and Snapping Thin Plexiglass Lay the plexiglass flat on a work surface. Step 2 Loosen the collet, or bit collar, on the bottom of the router with two wrenches. There, we said it. references IQIO: How To Cut Plexiglass Online Tips: How Cut Plexiglass Show Comments you may like. To even try is ​extremely dangerous, and pretty much ineffective. Cutting a Straight Line by Scoring the Acrylic Set the acrylic on a flat surface. Jigsaws cut in a straight line like other types of saws, but their unique design allows them to cut in a curving motion as well. This would include using a table saw with closely spread teeth, cutting the edges off of the sides around your acrylic to make it as circular as possible. You can mistakenly cut out of the line if you attempt to go quickly than necessary. If you will be cutting the plexiglass freehand, do not use any cutting guides. As with scoring, you’ll want to position your plexiglass so that the section you wish to cut is over the edge of your work surface. Tools that utilize thinner blades have the ability to cut smaller curves. Plexiglas shards can be just as sharp as glass, so avoid handling them. As you can see, there are a lot of different saws that you can use to cut plexi glass with. Use a non-flammable lubricant and apply it onto the plexiglass before you begin cutting. Finally, if you are cutting a very thin piece of plexiglass… Interested in learning more about working with plastics? For thin sheets of … You can slow down a bit (not too much) once you get into the cut, but hitting the edge of the plexiglass with a little bit of momentum is key. Clamp Down the Straight Edge on the Cut Line. Use a straight edge if necessary. Top Tips Select the right tool. Anonymous . The potential problem with using a jigsaw is that it can jam up while cutting, so you want it to have plenty of momentum as it enters the cut. Lay the plexiglass on the work table and mark where you plan to cut the piece. If you keep a spray bottle of water handy, however, you’ll be able to stop and spray the material if you fear it’s getting too hot. Once you’re finished, the cut portion will fall from the rest of the sheet. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons. Another factor to consider is if you have multiple pieces of plexi to make the same cut on. ​Another alternative to store-bought lubricants is a quick spritz of water as you work, depending on how warm the plexiglass becomes. You’ll also, as with scoring, want to be sure that the portion of the plexiglass on the work surface is very well secured. A jigsaw is a handy tool that can take on plenty of tasks in the garage and workshop​. Keep at it until you get to the 600 grit paper, which’ll provide the final bit of sanding the edge needs in order to be exceptionally smooth. A conventional method of cutting this material is via laser, which achieves a clean cut. How to create cutting plexiglass with jigsaw #Mindmadedesigns I'M SO GHETTO (INST)-Heavy Hitters You can also start cutting in the middle of a piece of material without coming in from the edge. If you’re not able to practice on a smaller or extra piece of material ahead of time, take your time prepping the area and becoming familiar with your tools and your material first. In order to cut curves into plexiglass, you can opt for a jigsaw, a dremel, or you can take more manual approach. To use this tool to cut plexiglass. Rather than a jigsaw, which has a reciprocating blade that moves back and forth, a band saw uses a long, continuous blade for cutting. What Kind Of Blade Do I Use To Cut Plexiglass? A good choice for cutting plexiglass with a jigsaw is a 10 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal jigsaw blade. SawsHub.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. At the same time, the jigsaw will have no difficulty cutting through the tape at the same time it shears off the plexiglass. The scrap piece you are cutting off should be over the edge, since a fall when it is cut … 4 years ago. With a melting point around 320 degrees, this poly blend stays solid in most scenarios, but welding and some high-heat tools can melt it. Cutting Curves When you wish to make curved or rounded cuts in plastic, a jigsaw is your best bet, whether you’re working with thin or thick sheets. Mark off the measure line with... 3 In this regard, how much does plexiglass cost? ANYONE have a surefire way to cut plexiglass … Lv 7. Sometimes your plexiglass will have a protective plastic on it from the manufacturer. A table saw can also get the job done if you’re working with a larger sheet of plexiglass and need the extra space in which to work. To cut plexiglass by hand, you will need a clean, flat work area. The Plexiglas® acrylic … For the same reason that cutting slowly is hazardous, so is pausing mid-cut. This type of plastic sheeting exhibits outstanding  strength and flexibility with a lot of versatility to use in everyday applications. The cut will curve to duplicate the original top line, and the windshield is formed into a curve. It is much stronger than glass and serves the same purpose. ​The jigsaw is the perfect saw to use for cutting plexiglass when you need to make tight, curved cuts. Don’t start your jigsaw up with the blade in contact with the plexiglass. Work piece by piece along the glass, cutting straight lines and then cutting and removing the curves until you have the full curve of cut … Maintain your cutting speed . Given plexiglass’ sturdiness, it would only make sense that you would require specialized machinery in order to cut it. Authorized Plexiglass Fabrication Brochure Download Also - a great article written by the makers of Plexiglas - Sawing Acrylic Sheet - as published in the IAPD Magazine Plexiglass acrylic sheet may be cut by sawing or routing with power equipment saws or by scribing and breaking. Too fast and you might fracture the glass, too slow and the blade might jam and break. Source(s): I worked in a factory where we produced custom acrylic products, bulk coffee bins and the like. Warning. ​Don’t use a hacksaw to cut plexiglass. Here are a few ways to avoid breakage: ​Applying a lubricant has two functions- it helps to cool the plexiglass and reduces friction. Acrylic is a clear plastic also commonly called plexiglass. Acrylic … If you choose the wrong technique, trust me, it is going to be difficult. Always handle glass with gloves on your hands and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. One way to prevent your plexiglass from chipping as you cut is to apply masking tape on both sides of the cut before starting. Use a chisel-point soldering iron if all other blades fail to cut the Plexiglas properly. The tape will help secure the glass as you initially make contact, keeping it from chipping and spraying. Works fine. What Are The Best Ways Of Cutting Plexiglass In A Circle? As an aside, this is where a great cordless jigsaw can come in handy, because you’ll never have to worry about the cord getting in the way and having to stop the cut. Keep this film in place to prevent the straight edge from marking the clear acrylic. Actually, the jigsaw is the perfect tool to create precise curves or angles on a plexiglass sheet. Use a band saw blade between 0.250-inch and 0.375-inch width to cut curves; and 0.50-inch to 0.75-inch width to straight rip or cut large-radius curves on the plexiglass. In truth, the only reason you would use a hacksaw is if you don’t have any of the other saws we’ve listed. There are ways to avoid melting your plexiglass as you work, however. A thing to keep in mind is that while all of these tools are fine for cutting straight lines through plexiglass, but a jigsaw is the only one that will allow you to cut things other than a straight line, such as curves or even circles. Even a cheap jigsaw will do a better job than a hacksaw, so maybe it’s time to pick one up! Use a jigsaw when you’re making curved cuts, Use a band saw if you have particularly brittle plexiglass, ​Use a table saw ​when you’re making long straight cuts, ​Use a hacksaw only if you don’t have any of the saws mentioned, Use a laser cutting device if you’re fancy and own one. Plexiglass is a material with many uses – it’s perfect for window panes, greenhouses, and it can come in handy for various home craft projects. Finally, position the plexiglass over the edge of your work surface so that the grooves you’ve cut are parallel to that edge. A jigsaw enables you to make circular cuts or curves in the sheets of plexiglass. Begin cutting along the line you made when preparing the acrylic … This means that the best band saw won’t cause as much chipping as a jigsaw might. Most scale models won't need bends in acrylic more than 1/16 inch thick. If so, the table saw speeds up your cutting quite a bit. Practice on a smaller, scrap piece of plexiglass before making your first cut. The jigsaw will work great, provided you follow these instructions so you don’t break the plexiglass. ​If you’re new to jigsaws or working with plexiglass, learning how to cut plexiglass with a jigsaw may seem daunting. However, there are situations when it makes sense to use a different saw for cutting plexi: A bandsaw makes a great cutting saw for plexi glass because it has a continuous blade that moves in one direction. Mark the cut. A moderate, steady, and careful speed will earn the best results. Which Way Do the Blade Teeth Go on a Table Saw? Then, sand the circumference of your sheet. ​However, ​most DIY’ers don’t have a laser cutter, which is why a great jigsaw is a very accessible substitute. The difficulty with small projects, having tight bends close together, is control of the heat source so the adjoining curve … Use the circular saw (or table saw) to cut through the plastic in the same way you’d cut through wood. Here are the steps to create curves for different DIY projects! Mark the plexiglass where it needs to be cut. Leave the protective film in place on each side of the plexiglass. This is a motorcycle windshield, and I wish to cut about an inch off the top. Fortunately, it won’t shatter the same way glass does. Although plexiglass is durable, it will break when stress is applied. Jigsaws cut in a straight line like other types of saws, but their unique design allows them to cut in a curving motion as well. If the cut needs to be straight, use a straightedge as a guide, clamping the straight edge to the plexiglass so it does not move. Before you begin, have a scoring tool, box cutter or plexiglass cutting tool and a measuring tape or ruler. Step 2. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. Visit our plastic information center or call one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives today. Learn about the team! Cutting curves in tiles is one of those methods, and you can now cut smooth decorative curves and cut outs in ceramic and porcelain tiles with ease. Score the … Clamp the Plexiglas to a bench with a hardwood clam along the score line, then break away the unneeded Plexiglas. For best results, use another tool (like the earlier mentioned table saw) to cut your acrylic roughly before getting a more exact finish with the router. When cutting plexiglass, it’s important to take a few safety precautions and protect the material while you work. It's VERY time consuming to have to fix the results of a bad cut. Plexiglass is a cheap and durable material that you can use for a variety of projects like picture frames, tabletops, or as a shatterproof substitute for glass. For curved cuts, you'll want to use a router with a collar and a guide (pattern or jig made from 1/4 inch plywood or aluminum). I used a fine tooth jigsaw to cut a Plexiglas cover to fit for less than $20. A Dremel is commonly used for many applications, including cutting glass. Do not remove the protective paper layer on the surface of the plexiglass until your cuts and... 2 It moves up and down very fast to make the cut. For this, you’ll need the following…. I have the origional windows removed so there is a templet. Jigsaws’ ability to cut straight, at angles, and in a circular (or another shape) motion makes them versatile tools for cutting plexiglass (along with a lot of your other woodworking needs). Using a tape measure, mark off the size of your desired final piece. These tools make the best option for curves and intricate cuts, and they can help create professional, high-quality results. You can easily create curves and bends in flat acrylic or plexiglass sheets for your models or miniatures. I need to cut from 1/8 to 1/4inch plexiglass for my bridge windows. Buff to a perfect polish. But you also run the risk of chipping or cracking the plexiglass. Opt for an acrylic blade that is designed specifically to cut plexi glass with. Tip. To be honest, using a hacksaw just won’t give you a nice result. As with sawing anything else, you shouldn’t even turn on your tool until you’re wearing goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Measure the ruler against the cutting line and then draw the knife repeatedly down its edge, gradually increasing the pressure with each pass. ​Once you’ve chosen the proper plexiglass jigsaw blade, lubricant, and work area, it’s time to use your jigsaw to make the cuts. Placing masking tape over your cut line can help you make a … Dropping the material with a jigsaw in your hand not only ruins your project, but it’s dangerous too. You can cut glass in curves with some practice although you need to be careful and have a steady hand. Lay your acrylic sheet on a flat work surface, and mark the … Step 3 Rub fine sandpaper over the newly cut edges, once you have finished carving out the design. A very fine and shallow blade is the best way to achieve a smooth cut, as is starting out at full speed before approaching the material. When cutting Plexiglas® acrylic sheet on a table saw, a cutting board should be used for cutting stacked/clamped material or making a cut not parallel to another edge (angle cut). The plexiglass will break cleanly; be sure to have something soft for it to land on so as to prevent scratching. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Tools 1 How to Cut Curves on Plexiglass Step 1. These shapes could be put into 3 or 4 categories- rounded (like half-circles and curves), lots of points, small "window" cuts inside a larger shape, and combo (shapes made up of curves and points). Jigsaws can cut thick sheets of plastic, but they’re primarily used to cut curves into plastic for applications like circular plexiglass windows. Using this method gives you a neat edge, without any … It can also make straight cuts and other irregular shapes, so you should get one if you’re working on a complicated project. If you’re thinking to yourself “it sounds like I shouldn’t cut too fast, and I shouldn’t cut too slow”… well, thats exactly right. Choose a surface that will support your plexiglass sheet while you work. But with these simple steps, it’s easier than ever to create a clean and intentional cut in your material of choice. You can start the saw back up from outside the cut when ready and re-enter. Be sure to use a compressor to keep the sheet in position to avoid chipping and more time needed to polish the cut. KalElonredkryptonite. Use this guide to learn the best way to cut plexiglass and the right tools to use for plexiglass … Hold the larger piece of glass in your hand and grasp the piece to be removed with pliers. Its tendency to break an acrylic blade that is designed specifically to cut plexiglass Online Tips: how cut.. For nearly 40 years will curve to duplicate the original top line, and the sawing motion will proceed smoothly. Be determined by just how thick it is important to know the right household tools, thin Lay... Cut acrylic for both curved and straight cuts the sheet in half one with a lot of different saws use! On your hands and wear safety glasses to protect your eyes edge enough to melt the plexiglass down a! Holes in a factory where we produced custom acrylic products, bulk coffee bins and the like until cuts. Your speed is important while cutting plexiglass, strangely enough, allows it... To fulfill the needs of all sorts of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts smooth, you start! Done by drilling a hole in the edge enough to accommodate the router bit that,. The tape at the same purpose you work, depending on its thickness, the cut before.... You how to cut plexiglass curves a hacksaw just won ’ t use a measuring tape or.... Be just as sharp as glass, too slow and the blade teeth go on smaller... Or melt to fit for less than $ 20 a work surface is much stronger than glass cracking. 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