Plastic Film If there is still a plastic film on the acrylic, it is better if you leave it in place. With this two-step cutting method, youll never end the cut at a corner where the Plexiglass is more likely to chip. Quoting is allowed as long as you properly provide credit by linking to the page you are quoting. Should you look for another tool? Have a straight edge available that is clamped in place and then continually run the box cutter along the straight edge to score deeply into the acrylic. This post may contain affiliate links. But, acrylic won't gum up a table saw blade. Go Cool If you are using a power saw, it can cause excessive heating along the cut edge that would cause the acrylic to break or crack. Of course, you're probably stronger than I am, so might be able to score half as much. If you have variable speed, set it to the slower speed and take your time, with a sharp blade it will cut very well, I do it all the time. You don't want the teeth too fine otherwise they get hot, I use a 10 or 14 tooth which works great. The film helps to prevent scratches from occurring and it will also help to keep those scratches from taking place as you are measuring and using other tools on the surface. If the table saw allows it, you can use water to cool down the area. One other problem that you may run into with the table saw is heat. This blade is also commonly used for cutting wood, fiberglass, metals, thin sheet metal, drywall, and of course, Plexiglass. The excessive heat from the saw could lead to the edge melting, along with cracks and splinters. Make sure that you are using a fine-tooth blade or use an acrylic blade if you want the best finish. It will make a clean edge. 
Thank you. Same goes with the drill. Just done this with some 10mm plexi. What Tool is Used to Drill Plexiglass at Home? Most people tend to reach for a circular saw automatically when cutting any Plexiglass. What you are doing is making a score mark so that you can snap the acrylic. How to cut brass discs with woodworking tools.
Then stop and re-check and ensure that you are drilling in the correct spot before drilling with the hole saw. I'm a homeowner and I like to do things myself. No gumming if you feed quickly, but it spreads acrylic flakes all over the shop. I cut acrylic all the time on a table saw. The best way to do so is to use a straight edge that is clamped to the acrylic and used by the jigsaw to maintain a straight line. Don't rush it, move the plastic through the blade at a steady pace. You can also consider the following tips to ensure that the acrylic you are cutting is as clean as possible. All content published on Readytodiy.com are original and written by readytodiy.com. Most people who use them for crafting purposes assume that faster is always better, but thats not the case. This can be a safety hazard so wearing the proper PPE is a good idea. Now, to avoid chipping a corner, start cutting only part of the sheet, then remove it and turn the table saw off. At that point, you can hold the edge of the scribed line on the edge of the table and with just a little force applied as a sharp pressure, it will snap cleanly along that edge. Sorry for the mistake. This website might also participates in affiliate programs with other online retailers. Not for assembly or troubleshooting , but modification! A laser may be the right tool, but only for engraving, not for cutting acrylic. 
Is it a good choice? Gotcha.forestgirl-- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl;-)Another proud member of the "IRocked With ToolDocClub". :>). Let us now consider some of the specific tools that can be used for cutting Plexiglass. We pursue Google DMCA takedowns aggressively and it will hurt your domain ranking. For just a couple of pieces, reach for your scoring knife, handsaw and file. If you are ready to cut through acrylic, there is a proper way to do so. Over tightening these will cause the acrylic to shatter. In fact, there are times when you can simply cut the acrylic with a utility knife and a straight edge. Use any 1/2 blade you have. It is recommended to use a fine-tooth blade, which is best for cutting Plexiglass. Just as in woodworking a router is sometimes used. Heres the trick to do when using an oscillating multi-tool; make the groove mark first and not cut through. UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month. If your dad bought extruded acrylic it will melt. A fine-tooth blade is often used for cutting metal and it will cut through the acrylic without causing much damage. If you have a variable speed circular saw, use a lower speed while cutting the acrylic. On the other hand, if all you have available is a grinder, you can always use it in a pinch. i use a jig saw with a metal cutting blade in. A drill press really helps to make a clean hole. Most table saws are equipped with sliding teeth; this tool can be used when cutting long, thin workpieces. Plexiglass drilling at home can be accomplished by using some of the following drill bits: Of course, you will need a drill driver to use all of the above drill bits.
Although you would not want to cut a large amount of Plexiglass using a hacksaw, its a good tool for shorter cuts and for short-duration work. Meaning it doesnt have a blade guard as a table saw does, making it highly dangerous to operate. Plus tips, advice, and special offers from Fine Woodworking. I really dont know. Im not real keen on gumming up the tablesaw by doing this. When you need to cut Plexiglass and you only have an angle grinder available, is it a good choice? You can use a razor to easily cut through a piece of Plexiglass. The blade youll need when using an oscillating multi-tool to cut Plexiglass is called (HSS Segment Blade); the (HSS Segment Blade) is has this particular shape looking similar to a half-moon shape, as you see in the image below. Drilling acrylic, all you have to do is be gentle, take your time. Metal tools have all of the same issues about sharpening and bed angles as do planes. I did acrylic sheet cutting on a table saw. If it works fine, go for it and do the whole project. In some cases, such as a finish saw, you will have fine teeth that can easily cut acrylic without causing a lot of damage in the process. If you are cutting a thick piece of Plexiglass, you can do so with any type of saw. Although most people tend to go for some type of power saw when they are cutting acrylic, it is not always going to be the only choice available. Whichever way you cut it, it's not safer one way or another, it's about accuracy. When you get down to 600 grit sandpaper, it should have a nice, clean edge that will look good on its own. Holding a razor blade on its own can be a safety issue. Hand saws also make an excellent choice for cutting any type of acrylic sheet. Scoring If you are cutting a smaller piece of Plexiglass with a utility knife, then you should score the line in a deep, straight fashion. ePlastics Featured in the New York Times! I'll try that. Using a circular saw, what kind of blade is recommended for this? In addition, you can make slight curves to the cut, something that you cant do with a power saw, such as a circular saw. Yes, use DS tape to stick it to a sacrificial piece of MDF underneath, use a slow speed and a fine blade. just enough to remove the shearing action. Power saws can include circular saws, table saws, and saber saws. It is also possible to use a jigsaw to cut a long, straight line. I've cut acrylic tubing on a band saw but never a panel. One of the reasons why a hacksaw is such a great tool for cutting acrylic is because of the blade. Press J to jump to the feed. You want to make sure that the edge is going to be clean enough so that you can dress it up and make it look as precise as possible. You can always adjust the saw blade to a height just above the Plexiglass thickness you have chosen. It is possible to cut Plexiglass with an angle grinder and it works quite well if you use the proper blade and work slowly, as to make a clean cut. An oscillating multi-tool can be used for many different purposes. The correct number is an LU94. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Our biweekly podcast allows editors, authors, and special guests to answer your woodworking questions and connect with the online woodworking community. I have the cutting tool which I use for the thin, non-glare acrylic for my picture frames. I've worked with acrylic and power tools before. Its that easy; its fast, simple, and leaves you with a clean hole in your Plexiglass. After you cut through the Plexiglass, you can polish and buff the edge by using progressively finer grit sandpaper. I should also mention the band saw has a pretty coarse blade, about 3/32". I just wasn't sure how easy or difficult it would be to "score-and-snap" the heavier stuff. The problem is that you can only cut in short runs or it is best for cutting small pieces of acrylic at a 90 angle. Brad point bits or, for larger holes, spade bits work better than standard twist drills. Plastic expands and contracts with temperature changes; if fastened too tightly or with a too-small hole, cracks are likely to occur. When husband has cut this it was with a blade like a box cutter or utility razor. Get complete site access to video workshops, digital plans library, online archive, and more, plus the print magazine. I'm glad your bases worked out fine. 2022 ePlastics | 1-858-560-1551 | info@eplastics.com, LuciteLux Satin Matte Frost Acrylic Sheets, Abrasion/UV Resistant Polycarbonate Sheets, Clear Polycarbonate Flame Inhibiting Sheets, UV & Abrasion Resistant Polycarbonate Sheets, Marine Grade Seaboard/Starboard HDPE Sheets, Free Standing Sneeze Guard with Pass Thru, Clear Acrylic Surgical Shield (Intubation Box), Free Standing Desk & Counter Barrier (Pack of 20). Protect your eyes with goggles or safety glasses and wear the appropriate gloves. It may not display this or other websites correctly. One of the problems you may run into when using an oscillating tool is that it can heat up the acrylic. no melting, clean cuts, just set the fence (adjust for blade drift if needed). Use a negative hook,thin kerf blade. He scored it deeply along the line and then snapped it on a counter top. On the other hand, it is also possible to cut a straight line with a laser or even a curved line, but it is not going to give you the polished edge that you might expect. E. Like someone else said, my first choice would be a bandsaw. When using a jigsaw to cut Plexiglass, the ideal blade to use is: (BOSH T121AF Speed / Metal Blade) typically used to cut metals. That being said, there is always a benefit to practicing on a scrap piece of material prior to the time that you cut any difficult or important cuts. The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. Otherwise, you will have to simply work in batches so that the blade cools down between cuts. Anything special I should know from a safety standpoint? You can also use painters tape if the film has already been pulled off. When Drilling Plexiglass With Drill Bit for Plastic, 3. For example, using a razor blade in a utility knife is a good idea. If you move too quickly through the acrylic, it could result in cracking or chipping along the cut edge. And the (Special T1028F Plexiglass Blade) was dirtier, which means it will remove more melted material. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After re-evaluating, continue drilling; you want to apply a decent amount of pressure allowing the Plexiglass to melt. As that blade pitch it 2.4mm I would try and find some acrylic thicker than that. The last time I cut acrylic I used the ts. If you use fasteners, the holes must be large enough to clear, not so tight you have to work the fasteners through them. Finish the edge with a router. use the finest blade you can find and run it fast. you can use regular twist drills to drill sheet acrylic but you have to "blunt" each cutting edge a couple of thousandths. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks, This forum post is now archived. It isnt going to be as beneficial as using a power saw, but if you practice before cutting on the acrylic, you might find that a hand saw is an excellent tool. The trick is to raise the blade up high so the blade comes down on the acrylic. One of the most difficult things about running a Dremel tool is regulating the speed. VIDEO: Flame Polishing an Acrylic Plastic Divider, VIDEO: Flush Routing on a Large Plastic Case Made Out of .500 Clear Acrylic, Authorized Plexiglass Fabrication Brochure Download, VIDEO: How to Cut Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet. Rabbeting a shelf; Strength vs. appearance, Editor's Letter: A new tool with every project. In other words, the less molted material the blade removes, the better it is because you can see the line more efficiently when cutting. Doing this technique of flipping the Plexiglass to complete the cut will avoid chipping and removing less melted material. The trick to using the scoring tool on the thick stuffis to score, score, score, and score, LOL! BTW you can rout roundovers or bullnoses on the stuff with a router table with no problems, to finish the edges. The advantage of using a bandsaw is that it has a table where you can place the Plexiglass, again making it easy to cut curved designs. Fiber washers under the heads and nuts are not necessary but helpful. The real key to using a Dremel tool for cutting Plexiglass is to use the proper bit. You can use a stencil to draw a line or use a ruler, depending on what you will do. Here are some things to consider. When Drilling Plexiglass With Step Drill Bit, 2. I never thought to change the speed and it cut ok. Are you sure that it was not polycarbonate? I recently had a plastics place make me some 12" wide shelves with a turned up front to hold the sculptures I was putting on them out of 3/8" clear plexi. I counter sunk the holes for the mounting screws and later drilled and tapped for 1/4 by 20 threads so that I could add a fence underneath. I was paranoid when I cut my acrylic, so I taped the whole thing in masking tape, then I sandwiched it between two fiber boards, clamped it then cut it, I also used some cutting lubricant because I didn't want to have melted deformities, after that I sanded the edge smooth. Enter now for your chance to win more than $2,000 worth of woodworking equipment from Woodpeckers.
A place for community members to show off their customized PCs, discuss new ideas for their rigs and look for help getting their dream project off the ground. I sometimes fabricate with acrylic, one brand name of which is plexiglass, and yes a router is sometimes used. You should have no problem whatsoever.Unless the plastic is exceptionally thin,you probably won't even need a special blade either.It may be worth sliding a plywood or mdf false table into place to eliminate the risk of chipping.Routing can get interesting as you can generate enough heat to fuse the swarf into a mass behind the cut. The turned up front was about 1" and I only wanted about 1/4". As long as you use the right type of blade, you can cut Plexiglass in a nice, straight line without chipping using a circular saw. A standard blade may work, but it will not work as well as one for acrylic. The most obvious difference is the tips shape; a plastic drill bit has a more narrow sharpened tip. Its better to move slowly and then less cleanup of the edge will be needed. Another option is to use a little bit of water by spraying or misting the area in front of where you are cutting. I just know it came from a young offenders unit and has been used to make several jigs and patterns. Plexiglass can easily be cut with a box cutter and it is one of the best tools, provided you are cutting thin acrylic. At least i think it is as it came from a youth offenders unit and was apparently very expensive. A small slipstone will be sufficient because the new bevel needs only be small. Same applies for the drill press, you have great control over the amount of force you use, Don't use counter sunk fittings. You are using an out of date browser. On the other hand, if you are cutting a thinner piece of Plexiglass you may need to use a utility knife to cut the acrylic. You cant expect it to be used for a large-scale job of cutting Plexiglass, especially if you are trying to cut through it. At other times, however, the edge is going to be exposed and that is when you would benefit the most from using a blade made for acrylic. There is also going to be a need to cut the Plexiglass, so what is the best way to do so? For example, half a millimeter thick is a fragile material. If you have a blade that is designed for cutting acrylic, it will cut through it cleanly without making the jagged edge or running the possibility of cracking. Turns out he wants to use these like a storm window in a bathroom to replace an inside screen during the winter. Acrylic, being brittle, can sometimes break from stress points such as threads and under wedging action such as flat head screws. I made a base for my router out of 1/4 inch clear acrylic or polycarbonate, I don't remember which.
I might try this first at home before I lug everything to the shop and make a production out of it! For example, if you need to stop in a half-inch hole. If you work at a higher speed, it could actually melt the Plexiglass and result in cracking or splitting along the cut edge. By taking any opinion from this website you agree to the Terms and Condition of use of this website. When cutting through Plexiglass using a utility knife, glass cutter, or box cutter, you can use the scoring method. The step drill bit is unique because you can use one drill bit for multiple applications to drill holes for more than one size. Next, cut the entire length of the piece. Are you trying to cut acrylic with a hand saw? I should be able to do this on the table saw if necessary.
Since a table saw generally runs at a high speed, you need to be cautious that you are not getting splinters or cracks along the cut edge in the acrylic. Generally speaking, you would want to use a circular saw or another power saw because they can cut through the area cleanly. I wouldnt worry about Gumming up the tablesaw, However, there are blades specifically made for cutting plexiglass. Tony, I re-read Wayne's post and didn't see anything about using a plastic-specific bit to drill the holes with. The table saw provides a perfect and precise cut. Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building. But if its safer, I will. You should be cautious when using a razor because it will have to be used with the proper tool. Suppose you have an oscillating multi-tool. Not every circular saw is going to be able to stand up to the moisture. The key is to install the blade backward because doing so will help to avoid the cracking and splintering that could otherwise occur. I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projects and I enjoy sharing about my experiences while working on different projects. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Ideas on how to frame acrylic sheet (for transparent room barrier), Epifanes clear varnish over penetrating epoxy, HELP! Place the Plexiglass on the table saw first. Put the piece on a surface and use a straight edge to guide the blade as you repeatedly score the acrylic. Jigsaws are included among the different power tools that can be used to cut acrylic. UNLIMITED membership - Get access to it all. Next, take a piece of rigid plywood that is at least as large as the Plexiglass you will cut. Is it a good choice and how can they be used properly? About: Hi, Im Julio. Some people have heard that it is possible to cut plexiglass with a box cutter. I'd do a small test cut to see if the acrylic is gonna shatter. What is the Difference Between G-10 and FR4? Here is a safe and straightforward two-step method you can use to cut Plexiglass on the table saw to prevent these chippings from occurring. Are you using an oscillating tool to cut acrylic? It is also important to protect the acrylic as you are sliding it through the table saw. Rather then bring it back I asked him what I could cut it with and he suggested an 80 tooth carbide TS blade. Took all the saw marks out and polished the edge so you can't tell the difference. This is the same type of method that is used for cutting glass. Most step drill bits are self-drilling, so this should be easy to use. Is there a special bit to use with acrylic? Start your 14-day FREE trial - and get building! The answer really depends on a number of factors. There are many techniques and tools on how to perform this task, and not doing it the right way can lead to injuries of your own; always wear safety glasses and gloves when cutting. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. For small holes I usually run the drill in reverse and melt a hole through now. As he said standard twist drill don't work well (an understatement, for sure). You can cut acrylic with a miter saw but you need to be careful about the blade that you use. Be sure to wipe the step drill bit with a soft cloth after use. It's held like a utility knife, but the design is different and it works better/easier. The most common way to cut Plexiglass is on the table saw. Tony, I find a bandsaw best for cutting acrylic. BOSH also offers a (Special T1028F Plexiglass Blade), but it did not outperform the metal blade mentioned above. Keep in mind a few different things when using a hand saw for cutting Plexiglass. When you use a jigsaw, however, you can cut the acrylic cleanly without having to stick to a straight edge. Once there's a tiny groove for the tool to ride in, it's pretty easy.forestgirl-- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl;-)Another proud member of the "IRocked With ToolDocClub". :>). If you are cutting a thicker piece of Plexiglass, then using a power saw is going to be the best choice possible. Before I could ask him what its for, we got inturrupted. It is crucial to note that if the holes are for fasteners, such as screws or bolts, they should be slightly oversized. a router will machine it with a nice clean finish, you will need a solid carbide spiral cutter for aly / plastics though. When cutting Plexiglass, I recommend using the (Oscillating Multi-Tool) because it is the safest to use of all four tools mentioned. I usually bring the blade up to it's full height. How thick is the material your cutting? If you dont have access to a crosscut tooth blade, you may also be able to use a trim blade. Not sure how wise that isbut I trust his 50 years of experience versus any reservations I might have! You can use it for making designs and it often results in a very nice looking finish. Instead of stopping at each step to measure the holes width, use tape and wrap it around the step drill bit at the stage where you want to stop drilling. Still, the blade did a great job when cutting Plexiglass. A razor can easily cut through a thin piece of Plexiglass, but you are not cutting the entire way through it. If you have a hand saw available, you can easily cut through an acrylic sheet. Other power tools, such as circular saws are best for long, straight lines. Next, with the partial cut made, flip the Plexiglass over so that the cut edge is against the crosscut carriages back. Drilling in Plexiglass requires special commercially available drill bits. You would need to experiment a bit, but if you increase the cutting angle so that it is like between 80-90* and dont change the relief angle (if the relief angle is too shallow there will be friction and heat which is not good for acrylics)you will have the drilling equivalent of a scraper plane. You also may find yourself changing blades on a regular basis if you are cutting a lot of Plexiglass. Earlier tonight, my dad asked me how I would cut clear acrylicthe 1/4 thick stuff from Home Depot. Wayne, thanks for the advice on the fasteners. Also, use a push block to hold everything down and keep my hand out of harms way. This can be overcome by keeping the film on the acrylic. Keep in mind that the Plexiglass cannot be thicker than the step drill depth when drilling. If all else fails, simply work in smaller sections and stop cutting every once in a while to allow the blade to cool. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The best way to cut Plexiglass is to use a power saw. You can also use the step drill bit to enlarge existing holes or create a countersink (a tapered, funnel-like hole) in thicker material. You will also see them commonly used when drilling softer materials, such as plywood, particleboard, and laminate. There may be times when the edge of the acrylic is going to be hidden so you will not need a crisp, clean edge. Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the blade itself. Keep your hands steady on both sides of the material and always use a table saw guard. Our website 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. Higher quality tools can be used for cutting long lengths of acrylic but hobby tools can be used for smaller pieces. You might also want to consider using a heavy-duty utility knife if you are cutting more than a few pieces. I know it's not the same as a sheet, but the band saw and drill press did great jobs, better than my team and I (It's a Sr. Capstone project) could ever do by hand. I cut curved motorcycle windshields with a fine blade on the sabre saw. In-depth articles, up-close photography, and detailed illustrations.
Its always best to use the right tool for the right job.
Acrylic Blades will cut the edge and they will often do so without causing some of the ragged edges that could be created when using a standard saw blade. Then flip the Plexiglass over and complete the cut. Using the oscillating tool slowly and cutting through the acrylic, perhaps even stopping on occasion to allow the blade to cool is the best choice. When cutting Plexiglass with the bandsaw, you do need to be cautious about any pieces that shear off and become airborne. When Drilling Plexiglass With Hole Saw Bit. When using a hole saw bit, be sure to start drilling into the Plexiglas slowly. Otherwise, ensure that you are using an acrylic blade for every cut that you make. In some cases, the Plexiglass may melt if the angle grinder runs too hot but even if it fuses together, the angle grinder can typically break the area clean with a slight touch. You will still find that it works well and saves time. First, allow the bit to contact the Plexiglass where you want to drill and mark it. I just cut it with the blade in my bandsaw , which i think from memory is a 14 tooth 6mm wide blade. Do the same with the plywood by turning it over. There are so many different uses for Plexiglass, we may find that we are using it on an ongoing basis.
The step drill eliminates the tedious process of changing drill bits between each hole. Categories Cutting, DIY, Home and Kitchen. Like any type of power saw, a miter saw can be used for cutting acrylic. This could result in an imperfect edge, perhaps one that is cracked or chipped. And that plywood eliminates all the flutter and what youre left with is a clean, smooth cut from edge to edge with no chipping or flaking every time. It can cut acrylic of any thickness but if you are cutting thick pieces of Plexiglass, you will find that a bandsaw is the best choice. Some of this can be avoided by drilling into a board. I have also used a drill press to drill through the same kind of acrylic pipe (pretty thin wall, brittle as could be, of course). Angle grinders can be used for a wide variety of purposes and they are one of the most common tools that we have available in our toolbox. (Below) you will see the four most common tools you can use when it comes to cutting acrylic, commonly known as Plexiglass, include: The oscillating multi-tool is what I recommend; as I mentioned earlier, it is the safest and easy to use of all four cutting tools mentioned above. Guide the Plexiglass through the saw by holding it firmly on both sides. And place the piece of plywood over the top of the Plexiglass. This includes cutting acrylic. Both blades made a clean-cut, but again, the difference between the two blades is that the metal blade removed less melted material when using a jigsaw to cut plexiglass.