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Cutting plexiglass blueman 08-25-2006
|--> Re: Cutting plexiglass The3rd Earl Of ...08-31-2006
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Posted by N Hurst on August 25, 2006, 2:42 pm

blueman wrote:
> I bought a sheet of 48x24" plexiglass at home depot (maybe about 1/8"
> thick).
>
> I am trying to cut in 7" slices (each 48" long).
> Per the instructions from the Home Depot guy, I bought a blade that is
> supposed to score the Plexiglass and then you snap it.
>
> Well, I am having 2 problems.
> First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
> (even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
> wanting to slip away slightly.
>
> Second, after scoring with several passes, when I snap it, it ends up
> breaking only partially along the line (and the rest breaks away at a
> short angle).
>
> One solution, would be to just be more careful on scoring the line and
> then scoring even deeper with more multiple passes.
>
> Are there any EASIER and MORE accurate ways to cut plexiglass?
> Can I use a regular table saw blade (or will it shatter it)?
> What about a jigsaw or a dremel?
>
> Thanks

I've used a table saw on plexi. It will be stinky, but it can be done.
I'd recommend taping the line you're going to be cutting.
I think it would be inconvenient to score and break on an 8 foot long
axis, so I'd recommend the table saw.

Otherwise, just put the scored plexi on a pipe or something that runs
the entire length of the score (score side up), then press down on the
plexi with a couple of 2x4s or something, so that the pressure is more
of less equal on either side of the pipe. You might need a helper.

I wouldn't recommend a Dremel (it will just melt it... trust me. :-) ),
but a jig saw with a blade of medium aggression (i.e. not metal
cutting, but not the super jagged either... maybe 10teeth per inch?)
might work.

Personally, I'd go with the table saw. It'll be much faster, and you're
more likely to get a clean cut with a straight edge. I only say the
table saw though because you're doing such long cuts. Usually it's just
easier and faster to score and break it, IMO.

-Nathan


PexSupply Full Banner
Posted by B A R R Y on August 25, 2006, 2:52 pm
blueman wrote:
>
> Well, I am having 2 problems.
> First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
> (even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
> wanting to slip away slightly.

1.) Use a utility knife blade with the tip broken off or use the blade
backwards, so the straight, non-beveled side of the blade is dragging on
the plastic. Scoring plastic is more like scraping than cutting.

2.) Slightly angle the blade so that it plows slightly into the straight
edge.


I've cut miles of styrene and plexiglasses by hand with this method
with excellent results. Try it!

Posted by wpattison on August 25, 2006, 3:11 pm
The reply that said tape the plexiglass was good. I've taken 3"
masking tape, and scored a line straight down the middle of the tape.
Worked everytime.

blueman wrote:
> I bought a sheet of 48x24" plexiglass at home depot (maybe about 1/8"
> thick).
>
> I am trying to cut in 7" slices (each 48" long).
> Per the instructions from the Home Depot guy, I bought a blade that is
> supposed to score the Plexiglass and then you snap it.
>
> Well, I am having 2 problems.
> First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
> (even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
> wanting to slip away slightly.
>
> Second, after scoring with several passes, when I snap it, it ends up
> breaking only partially along the line (and the rest breaks away at a
> short angle).
>
> One solution, would be to just be more careful on scoring the line and
> then scoring even deeper with more multiple passes.
>
> Are there any EASIER and MORE accurate ways to cut plexiglass?
> Can I use a regular table saw blade (or will it shatter it)?
> What about a jigsaw or a dremel?
>
> Thanks


Posted by JoeM on August 25, 2006, 3:30 pm

Use a tablesaw with a blade for plywood and install it backward.A slow feed
speed and you will never cut it any other way.Blade height just above the
plexi and pressed against the table.



> The reply that said tape the plexiglass was good. I've taken 3"
> masking tape, and scored a line straight down the middle of the tape.
> Worked everytime.
>
> blueman wrote:
>> I bought a sheet of 48x24" plexiglass at home depot (maybe about 1/8"
>> thick).
>>
>> I am trying to cut in 7" slices (each 48" long).
>> Per the instructions from the Home Depot guy, I bought a blade that is
>> supposed to score the Plexiglass and then you snap it.
>>
>> Well, I am having 2 problems.
>> First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
>> (even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
>> wanting to slip away slightly.
>>
>> Second, after scoring with several passes, when I snap it, it ends up
>> breaking only partially along the line (and the rest breaks away at a
>> short angle).
>>
>> One solution, would be to just be more careful on scoring the line and
>> then scoring even deeper with more multiple passes.
>>
>> Are there any EASIER and MORE accurate ways to cut plexiglass?
>> Can I use a regular table saw blade (or will it shatter it)?
>> What about a jigsaw or a dremel?
>>
>> Thanks
>



Posted by barbarow on August 25, 2006, 3:48 pm
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> I bought a sheet of 48x24" plexiglass at home depot (maybe about 1/8"
> thick).
>
> I am trying to cut in 7" slices (each 48" long).
> Per the instructions from the Home Depot guy, I bought a blade that is
> supposed to score the Plexiglass and then you snap it.
>
> Well, I am having 2 problems.
> First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
> (even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
> wanting to slip away slightly.
>
> Second, after scoring with several passes, when I snap it, it ends up
> breaking only partially along the line (and the rest breaks away at a
> short angle).
>
> One solution, would be to just be more careful on scoring the line and
> then scoring even deeper with more multiple passes.
>
> Are there any EASIER and MORE accurate ways to cut plexiglass?
> Can I use a regular table saw blade (or will it shatter it)?
> What about a jigsaw or a dremel?
>
> Thanks



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