Cutting Plexi

[turbo]

How the hell do you cut plexi glass without melting it. I have made a total mess of the last 2 windows that I made.
any help would be appreciated.

turbo :-(

[booshky]

What are you cutting it with now? Almost any kind of power saw will work fine. We use a band saw, table saw, skill saw or saber saw. The only problem you should have is chipping at the end of a cut because it is brittle. Your tools need to be sharp and or new. If they are dull you are only rubbing the surface creating heat then melting. Get an assortment of blades to find a pitch that will work. Push the blade hard enough thru the stock so that it is always cutting. If you stop and let the blade rub it will melt which clogs the teeth and melts it worse! This stuff you can't treat like wood. good luck from the old machiner.

[This message has been edited by booshky (edited 03-27-2001).]

[turbo]

booshky thanks for your response. I have tried a jigsaw and holesaw both just melt the plexi.

The equipment you have I do not have access to.

Ta turbo ;-]

[turbo]

Any other suggestions would help please please

dis turbo d :-{

[golfcart]

If you dont need any rounded corners, just score it with a sharp knif a few times and break it. Use a metal straight edge as a guide.

[turbo]

Great thanks Golfcart beleive me I have plenty to practice on

turbo ;-]

[Graham]

Turbo,
Jig saw on slow, with a sharp blade, take your time.

G

[turbo]

Thanks G,
I have tried, my jigsaw doesn't go slow enough. The plexi I have been using is only 1/8 in thick this could be the problem I supose.

turbo ;-]

[DanU]

That's some pretty thin plexiglass. Yeah... a sabre saw at full speed would probably damage it. You can buy motor speed control devices that turn fixed speed tools into variable speed tools. Have you tried a scroll saw? Also, get a fine toothed blade. 10 TPI is the minimum. 20 TPI is probably too many. Bi-metal blades are excellent and well worth the extra cost.

[Jim9999]

Why not just get a plexi-glass cutter from the hardware store? It's just a little handheld job, kinda like a utility knife.

[turbo]

Thanks Jim9999.

The obvious. I have asked if tools where made specifically I was told no. I'll take your advice and try again at a different HW store.

Thanks turbo ;-]

[Chris1259]

Turbo
You can cut it with the Jigsaw using a PLASTIC cutting blade, kinda of looks like a knife. Home depot will have it costa a couple bucks.

[turbo]

This is looking good I'll be doing proffesional jobs before you know it.

Ta!! every one.
Any thing else is appreciated. It all adds to the help file. And makes us all the better Modders for it.

turbo http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif