cuting plexi

[morganh2550]

what is the most efficient way to cut plexi-glass

[eugenebrooks]

A table saw with a non-ferrous blade.

After that, a jig saw with some lubricant
to avoid melting from the friction.

Eugene

[meastman]

A band saw works too.

[vivek16]

If it's really thin plexiglas, I think you can score it and then carefully snap it. Look it up on google for more instructions.

[parser]

The same blades you use for wood will work well but, you can buy specialty bits to cut plexi which work really nicely.

[ironbears]

depends how much you care.

a carbide table saw blade works great for making strips.

metal bandsaw blade nice and slow works.

if milling it use a little coolant. just regular 40:1 mixture

if its polycarbonate scoring may not work

[vivek16]

If it's polycarbonate, you can use a jump press (I've only ever cut 1/16" thick polycarbonate on a jump press, I'm not sure how much thicker you can get before it doesn't work as well.

I suggest with a properly applied cutting implement.

I'd love to help, but we need a bit more info. What thickness? What kind of cuts? What type of Plexiglass, or is this actually Polycarbonate/Acrylic?

[thefro526]

My Favorite way to cut plexiglass is with a table saw. I've done it with a vertical bandsaw and a guide to keep it straight but the plexiglass may crack if it gets too jumpy.

As for Lexan (Polycarb), a Table Saw is still best for Straight cuts and I Like a vertical band saw the best for any kind of a technical cut.

If you're in a pinch and you need to cut Lexan (polycarb) you can use a Circular Saw. I'd only cut this way as a last resort because it gets pretty dangerous.

[RMS11]

If it is thin, like 1/16 or smaller, shears work. They are slow but very straight.

[Elgin Clock]

Also, leave the paper backing on it while you're cutting it!!!!
This is important to avoid cracking/splintering for whatever method you use to cut it if you're using a saw type method.

If you're using a heated up piece of wire (which is possible for both cutting & bending - on a very low heat setting to avoid burning too much), then it would probably be better to take the paper off first.

[Pumagrif]

Leave the film on the plexi glass, use a small tooth ratio blade, and also cut slowly so it will not fuse back together.

[Molten]

Don't use a hand saw. I had to do that at a regional once and it was not a good idea.

Also, when you cut plexi with a power blade. Realize that the plexi will send off little fragments of the glass. Might be a good idea to have sleeves on when cutting. (Just make sure the sleeves can't get caught or anything.)

[BurtGummer]

We have been using jigsaws. Not the best, but they work. Gotta use coarse blades though, or else you will have melting problems.

[NickE]

A foot shear works well for 1/8" and thinner polycarbonate.
For thicker polycarb, a circular saw goes fast, but it splinters like mad.