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Cutting plexiglas

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Dan G/Soganofla

12-28-2000 14:28:15




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I recently aquired a large sheet of 5/8" plexiglas for cheap at an auction. I want to cut it to make some small table tops. I think the sabre saw is the proper tool, but what kind of blade should I use? Lowe's doesn't have anything labeled for the purpose. Thanks.




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Marty

06-07-2002 20:55:41




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  

Its not the cheapest hand tool. But the exacta cut I purchased on QVC will cut the Plexi somewhat like the fellow who said get the special tool for 5 buscks. The Exacta cut has a has a hardened steel wheel cutter on it. Most of you guys are talking straight cuts, The beauty of Plexi is how you can shape it with curves for tables ect outside and in pool areas. No splinters and no rot. back to the tool, its quality German built and they give you several blades and attachments that cut anything from tile to linoleum, leather. Its 55 bucks but I'm glad to have it in my shop. By the way, the thick stuff you have may be overkill and harder to work on. If you got it cheap, Id take too.

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Fred OH

12-29-2000 07:29:19




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
I see that the guys have cut some plexiglass and they have good methods but I will add some tips also. After you cut it and the edge has that frosty translucent look to it, wave a torch across the edge and it looks just like the uncut transparent part again. Got to cut a hole in it? Be careful with a trepan tool or a holesaw, it's easy to breakout on you. Or, just heat up a piece of pipe and set it on the plexiglass where you want the hole and it will make a clean cut through it. You can heat it and bend it but be careful and not get it too hot again because it is like fishing line. It has a memory and will want to go back to it's original shape. Looks like you have become an instant expert on plexiglass, thanks to all the knowledge here on the board. L8R----Fred OH

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Dan G/Soganofla

12-29-2000 05:47:17




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
Thanks for the tips, guys. I have a sabre saw and a router, so I'll try'em both. One end of the sheet is crooked, so I'll experiment there and let you know how it turns out.



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Steve U.S. Alloys

12-29-2000 05:06:28




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
I've heard that those new roto zip tools work very well for cutting plexiglass. I have not seen it done first hand though.



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Bill

12-28-2000 21:28:50




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
Dan,

I have cut plexiglass with a table saw having a carbide tooth blade , fine teeth. One must be careful and wear eye protection as of the chipping which can occur. Take it slow, another less expensive fine tooth blade would probably work fine. Be safe however, its not like cutting wood.



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Cal S

12-28-2000 18:09:06




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
Dan they make a special tool for cutting plexi glass. It looks like a thin chisel that is pulled along side a straight edge. You have to make several passes in the same line but it is very effective and a lot safer than table saw or router. Tried those methods and plexi will shatter unexpectedly, use extreme caution, talking bullets here. proper tool less than five bucks at any do it your self store.

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walt

12-28-2000 17:45:33




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
Agree with the rest. But clamp some type of straight edge, or you will wander..



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kimk

12-28-2000 16:52:25




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
I have cut plexiglass many times, and have found the secret is a slow tool speed. Too fast and you get melting which clogs the blade. Jig saw w/ fine wood blade or coarse metal blade is my choice. I set the blade for straight vertical. If you cover the shoe of the saw w/ masking tape it won't scratch up the plexi. "Sharpie" markers are good for layout. I have cut thinner stock on a table saw ( slow feed rate ) using a carbide cut off blade but it does tend to chip out ( 1/16" or so ) the edges.

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Roy B

12-28-2000 16:52:08




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
A stright cutting bit in a good router does a nice clean job. Roy



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Scott Green

12-28-2000 15:41:06




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 Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Dan G/Soganofla, 12-28-2000 14:28:15  
Your right , sabre saw will work good. You will want a fine/medium tooth wood blade. I just finished cutting some. On the side of my sabre saw , is a chart.Here is what it reads: RPM'S should be about 75-100%. My saw has orbital action which ranges from 0-3. The chart says to set it on 2. One more thing , buy a good blade and make shure it is long enough to go through 5/8" plexiglass. That's quite thick.

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D W

12-29-2000 16:02:28




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 Re: Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to Scott Green, 12-28-2000 15:41:06  
I have cut 3/8" plexiglas on a table saw. The trick is not cut all the way through. Go slow and leave about a 1/16" or less, then break it off and file or shave down smooth. 5/8" is pretty thick,you might want to make more than one pass.



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Al

12-29-2000 16:59:48




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 Re: Re: Re: Cutting plexiglas in reply to D W, 12-29-2000 16:02:28  
If you do use a table saw ,try to get a triple chip carbide blade,60-80 tooth.It's good for some non-ferious metals to.Of course,be careful.
Al



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