Any blade with crosscut teeth is also going to make a difference in the quality of the cut. 
A razor can easily cut through a thin piece of Plexiglass, but you are not cutting the entire way through it. You have to thru bolt; you can't thread into it. Make sure that you are using a fine-tooth blade or use an acrylic blade if you want the best finish. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 
In fact, there are times when you can simply cut the acrylic with a utility knife and a straight edge. I did it in several passes raising the blade a little each time until it cut through. Next, cut the entire length of the piece. And place the piece of plywood over the top of the Plexiglass. I started working in the apartment industry years ago as a service technician, then I was promoted to the service manager position and realized my passion for tools. Most people who use them for crafting purposes assume that faster is always better, but thats not the case. (and a few tips). There are also some blades that are specific for cutting acrylic. Keep the paper on. A small slipstone will be sufficient because the new bevel needs only be small. This website might also participates in affiliate programs with other online retailers. 
I've had one too many projects delayed by plexiglass or acrylic shattering when I cut it. Most step drill bits are self-drilling, so this should be easy to use. The key to doing so is cutting through the Plexiglass multiple times so that you score it deeply. 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. Just used a normal combination blade. A drill press really helps to make a clean hole. The only disadvantage when using a bandsaw is that the blade is completely exposed, as shown in the image (below).Bandsaw Overview. The excessive heat from the saw could lead to the edge melting, along with cracks and splinters. It will melt the acrylic if you do it dry, but I keep the cut and bladeflooded with water from a water pistol or a squeeze bottle. If youre talking about a router table, forget it, the perspex would melt over everything and the cutter would not be reusable. I might try this first at home before I lug everything to the shop and make a production out of it! If your dad bought extruded acrylic it will melt. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. Like any type of power saw, a miter saw can be used for cutting acrylic. Go Sharp It is always going to be beneficial to use a sharp blade. There are so many different uses for Plexiglass, we may find that we are using it on an ongoing basis. 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! When Drilling Plexiglass With Drill Bit for Plastic, 3. This is the same type of method that is used for cutting glass. It is also possible to use a jigsaw to cut a long, straight line. Perhaps the most important factor to consider when cutting acrylic is the blade choice. Of course, you're probably stronger than I am, so might be able to score half as much. If you try to cut it with a knife and then try to bend it, unfortunately, it doesnt always break straight. It won't gum up the tablesaw. 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". :>). 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. Next, with the partial cut made, flip the Plexiglass over so that the cut edge is against the crosscut carriages back. Otherwise, you will have to simply work in batches so that the blade cools down between cuts. I should also mention the band saw has a pretty coarse blade, about 3/32". 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. But if its safer, I will. Still, you can use a step drill bit for drilling Plexiglass. The real key to using a Dremel tool for cutting Plexiglass is to use the proper bit. It doesnt matter if you are using one that is typically used for cutting two by fours, you will be able to cut it conveniently. As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. The step drill bit is unique because you can use one drill bit for multiple applications to drill holes for more than one size. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks, This forum post is now archived. 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). How to Avoid Plexiglass From Chipping: When using a table saw! With this two-step cutting method, youll never end the cut at a corner where the Plexiglass is more likely to chip. And the (Special T1028F Plexiglass Blade) was dirtier, which means it will remove more melted material. If you treat it right you can use a lot of tools on it. One of the reasons why a hacksaw is such a great tool for cutting acrylic is because of the blade. 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. 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.
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. Polycarbonate is more expensive, but won't shatter like acrylic so is safer and more durable if your object will be subjected to impact.
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 want a nice, deep groove in the acrylic so that it snaps properly. The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. 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. Is it possible to use a razor to cut Plexiglass? The last time I cut acrylic I used the ts. Acrylic Plexiglass and Soft Maple - Bent Lamination Glue Up, Editor's Letter: Technology and the future of woodworking.
The bit I have is shaped like a rounded arrow. Plexiglass can easily be cut with a box cutter and it is one of the best tools, provided you are cutting thin acrylic. Why is that the case? Power saws can include circular saws, table saws, and saber saws. i use a jig saw with a metal cutting blade in. I wouldnt worry about Gumming up the tablesaw, However, there are blades specifically made for cutting plexiglass. Generally speaking, you would want to use a circular saw or another power saw because they can cut through the area cleanly. This blade is also commonly used for cutting wood, fiberglass, metals, thin sheet metal, drywall, and of course, Plexiglass. 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. it'll cut smooth every time. We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.
For best results, I recommend the laser carbide 60-tooth saw blade when using a table saw cut plexiglass. Also, be sure to keep a straight cut; otherwise, the drill will grip. If you use fasteners, the holes must be large enough to clear, not so tight you have to work the fasteners through them. It is always best to use the blade specifically for cutting acrylic so that it makes a smooth, clean cut, rather than one that is jagged or cracked. 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. It will make a clean edge. Are you thinking about using a miter saw for cutting Plexiglass? Some people have heard that it is possible to cut plexiglass with a box cutter. Just take it slow. Same applies for the drill press, you have great control over the amount of force you use, Don't use counter sunk fittings. have em cut it to size when ya buy it, no brainer that way. Be cautious about the blade overheating so you dont ruin the edge. Also, I was going to use the drill press for the holes to mount the windows. I would recommend it if you want to ruin that drill bit. The one I have is made by freud,( I'd have to check but I think they call it an LU89) although you might not find this type of blade at the big box store, there are any number of catalogs you could get it from, also if you find a lumberyard that carries freud blades, theyll get it for you. Does the look of a tool/machine affect your buying decision? In addition, you can make slight curves to the cut, something that you cant do with a power saw, such as a circular saw. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. When drilling, build a channel first, and then you can drill through completely. Another option is to use a little bit of water by spraying or misting the area in front of where you are cutting. I am not sure of the provenance of this, it was passed to me in a master-apprentice relationship, although I am sure that there are formal setups. All content published on Readytodiy.com are original and written by readytodiy.com. You can use a stencil to draw a line or use a ruler, depending on what you will do. You can also use painters tape if the film has already been pulled off. I just used standard drills, taps and counter sinks. When using a hole saw bit, be sure to start drilling into the Plexiglas slowly. The best way to cut Plexiglass is to use a power saw. It is best to work in smaller sections and allow the blade to cool off if you are making a longer cut. Put the tools on a low speed setting to avoid overheating and melting the plastic back together. I know it goes against everything we are taught in high school shop class but it is the safer way to cut acrylic on a table saw. This holds the acrylic down to the table. 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. 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. In addition, choose a saw blade that is made specifically for cutting acrylic so that it works as cleanly as possible. These have their own benefits, especially if you are using the circular saw or table saw. Not everybody has a bandsaw available but if you are cutting Plexiglass and have one, can you use it? This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for traffic and business to these companies. You will still find that it works well and saves time. When cutting Plexiglass with the bandsaw, you do need to be cautious about any pieces that shear off and become airborne. Just done this with some 10mm plexi. Some of this can be avoided by drilling into a board. And keep in mind never drill too close to the edge of the Plexiglass; it will get damaged. This can be overcome by keeping the film on the acrylic. 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. 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 Drilling Plexiglass With Hole Saw Bit. the hazards of a sharp drill is that it "digs in" cracking the plastic, while the blunted drill sort of wears thru. Legal: ToolsEveryday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Partner Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When Drilling Plexiglass With Step Drill Bit, 2. 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 ready to cut through acrylic, there is a proper way to do so. What are some of the considerations for cutting Plexiglass so that the job goes flawlessly? In addition, the Dremel tool should be set to a speed of either 6 or 7. A good combination blade will work fine. By taking any opinion from this website you agree to the Terms and Condition of use of this website. The most common uses for step drill bits are in aluminum or sheet metal. Next, take a piece of rigid plywood that is at least as large as the Plexiglass you will cut. The step drill eliminates the tedious process of changing drill bits between each hole. 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. As said in an earlier post, most of the risk is as the bit first penetrates the back of the acrylic, and the cutting edge pulls the bit through faster than it cuts. A) Keeping the piece scratch-free from chips and whatnot. The band saw is ideal for cutting curved shapes. you can use regular twist drills to drill sheet acrylic but you have to "blunt" each cutting edge a couple of thousandths. I'd do a small test cut to see if the acrylic is gonna shatter. A fine-tooth blade is often used for cutting metal and it will cut through the acrylic without causing much damage.
A razor can easily cut through a thin piece of Plexiglass, but you are not cutting the entire way through it. You have to thru bolt; you can't thread into it. Make sure that you are using a fine-tooth blade or use an acrylic blade if you want the best finish. It may not display this or other websites correctly. In fact, there are times when you can simply cut the acrylic with a utility knife and a straight edge. I did it in several passes raising the blade a little each time until it cut through. Next, cut the entire length of the piece. And place the piece of plywood over the top of the Plexiglass. I started working in the apartment industry years ago as a service technician, then I was promoted to the service manager position and realized my passion for tools. Most people who use them for crafting purposes assume that faster is always better, but thats not the case. (and a few tips). There are also some blades that are specific for cutting acrylic. Keep the paper on. A small slipstone will be sufficient because the new bevel needs only be small. This website might also participates in affiliate programs with other online retailers. I've had one too many projects delayed by plexiglass or acrylic shattering when I cut it. Most step drill bits are self-drilling, so this should be easy to use. The key to doing so is cutting through the Plexiglass multiple times so that you score it deeply. 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. Just used a normal combination blade. A drill press really helps to make a clean hole. The only disadvantage when using a bandsaw is that the blade is completely exposed, as shown in the image (below).Bandsaw Overview. The excessive heat from the saw could lead to the edge melting, along with cracks and splinters. It will melt the acrylic if you do it dry, but I keep the cut and bladeflooded with water from a water pistol or a squeeze bottle. If youre talking about a router table, forget it, the perspex would melt over everything and the cutter would not be reusable. I might try this first at home before I lug everything to the shop and make a production out of it! If your dad bought extruded acrylic it will melt. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. Like any type of power saw, a miter saw can be used for cutting acrylic. Go Sharp It is always going to be beneficial to use a sharp blade. There are so many different uses for Plexiglass, we may find that we are using it on an ongoing basis. 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! When Drilling Plexiglass With Drill Bit for Plastic, 3. This is the same type of method that is used for cutting glass. It is also possible to use a jigsaw to cut a long, straight line. Perhaps the most important factor to consider when cutting acrylic is the blade choice. Of course, you're probably stronger than I am, so might be able to score half as much. If you try to cut it with a knife and then try to bend it, unfortunately, it doesnt always break straight. It won't gum up the tablesaw. 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". :>). 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. Next, with the partial cut made, flip the Plexiglass over so that the cut edge is against the crosscut carriages back. Otherwise, you will have to simply work in batches so that the blade cools down between cuts. I should also mention the band saw has a pretty coarse blade, about 3/32". 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. But if its safer, I will. Still, you can use a step drill bit for drilling Plexiglass. The real key to using a Dremel tool for cutting Plexiglass is to use the proper bit. It doesnt matter if you are using one that is typically used for cutting two by fours, you will be able to cut it conveniently. As an affiliate of retailers(like Amazon), we earn from qualifying purchases. The step drill bit is unique because you can use one drill bit for multiple applications to drill holes for more than one size. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks, This forum post is now archived. 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). How to Avoid Plexiglass From Chipping: When using a table saw! With this two-step cutting method, youll never end the cut at a corner where the Plexiglass is more likely to chip. And the (Special T1028F Plexiglass Blade) was dirtier, which means it will remove more melted material. If you treat it right you can use a lot of tools on it. One of the reasons why a hacksaw is such a great tool for cutting acrylic is because of the blade. 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. 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. 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. Polycarbonate is more expensive, but won't shatter like acrylic so is safer and more durable if your object will be subjected to impact.
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 want a nice, deep groove in the acrylic so that it snaps properly. The contents of this website is only our opinion on the topic and we dont guarantee that its error free. 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. Is it possible to use a razor to cut Plexiglass? The last time I cut acrylic I used the ts. Acrylic Plexiglass and Soft Maple - Bent Lamination Glue Up, Editor's Letter: Technology and the future of woodworking.
The bit I have is shaped like a rounded arrow. Plexiglass can easily be cut with a box cutter and it is one of the best tools, provided you are cutting thin acrylic. Why is that the case? Power saws can include circular saws, table saws, and saber saws. i use a jig saw with a metal cutting blade in. I wouldnt worry about Gumming up the tablesaw, However, there are blades specifically made for cutting plexiglass. Generally speaking, you would want to use a circular saw or another power saw because they can cut through the area cleanly. This blade is also commonly used for cutting wood, fiberglass, metals, thin sheet metal, drywall, and of course, Plexiglass. 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. it'll cut smooth every time. We have created these special content collections organized to give you a deep dive into a range of topics that matter.
For best results, I recommend the laser carbide 60-tooth saw blade when using a table saw cut plexiglass. Also, be sure to keep a straight cut; otherwise, the drill will grip. If you use fasteners, the holes must be large enough to clear, not so tight you have to work the fasteners through them. It is always best to use the blade specifically for cutting acrylic so that it makes a smooth, clean cut, rather than one that is jagged or cracked. 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. It will make a clean edge. Are you thinking about using a miter saw for cutting Plexiglass? Some people have heard that it is possible to cut plexiglass with a box cutter. Just take it slow. Same applies for the drill press, you have great control over the amount of force you use, Don't use counter sunk fittings. have em cut it to size when ya buy it, no brainer that way. Be cautious about the blade overheating so you dont ruin the edge. Also, I was going to use the drill press for the holes to mount the windows. I would recommend it if you want to ruin that drill bit. The one I have is made by freud,( I'd have to check but I think they call it an LU89) although you might not find this type of blade at the big box store, there are any number of catalogs you could get it from, also if you find a lumberyard that carries freud blades, theyll get it for you. Does the look of a tool/machine affect your buying decision? In addition, you can make slight curves to the cut, something that you cant do with a power saw, such as a circular saw. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. When drilling, build a channel first, and then you can drill through completely. Another option is to use a little bit of water by spraying or misting the area in front of where you are cutting. I am not sure of the provenance of this, it was passed to me in a master-apprentice relationship, although I am sure that there are formal setups. All content published on Readytodiy.com are original and written by readytodiy.com. You can use a stencil to draw a line or use a ruler, depending on what you will do. You can also use painters tape if the film has already been pulled off. I just used standard drills, taps and counter sinks. When using a hole saw bit, be sure to start drilling into the Plexiglas slowly. The best way to cut Plexiglass is to use a power saw. It is best to work in smaller sections and allow the blade to cool off if you are making a longer cut. Put the tools on a low speed setting to avoid overheating and melting the plastic back together. I know it goes against everything we are taught in high school shop class but it is the safer way to cut acrylic on a table saw. This holds the acrylic down to the table. 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. 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. In addition, choose a saw blade that is made specifically for cutting acrylic so that it works as cleanly as possible. These have their own benefits, especially if you are using the circular saw or table saw. Not everybody has a bandsaw available but if you are cutting Plexiglass and have one, can you use it? This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for traffic and business to these companies. You will still find that it works well and saves time. When cutting Plexiglass with the bandsaw, you do need to be cautious about any pieces that shear off and become airborne. Just done this with some 10mm plexi. Some of this can be avoided by drilling into a board. And keep in mind never drill too close to the edge of the Plexiglass; it will get damaged. This can be overcome by keeping the film on the acrylic. 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. 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 Drilling Plexiglass With Hole Saw Bit. the hazards of a sharp drill is that it "digs in" cracking the plastic, while the blunted drill sort of wears thru. Legal: ToolsEveryday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Partner Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When Drilling Plexiglass With Step Drill Bit, 2. 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 ready to cut through acrylic, there is a proper way to do so. What are some of the considerations for cutting Plexiglass so that the job goes flawlessly? In addition, the Dremel tool should be set to a speed of either 6 or 7. A good combination blade will work fine. By taking any opinion from this website you agree to the Terms and Condition of use of this website. The most common uses for step drill bits are in aluminum or sheet metal. Next, take a piece of rigid plywood that is at least as large as the Plexiglass you will cut. The step drill eliminates the tedious process of changing drill bits between each hole. 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. As said in an earlier post, most of the risk is as the bit first penetrates the back of the acrylic, and the cutting edge pulls the bit through faster than it cuts. A) Keeping the piece scratch-free from chips and whatnot. The band saw is ideal for cutting curved shapes. you can use regular twist drills to drill sheet acrylic but you have to "blunt" each cutting edge a couple of thousandths. I'd do a small test cut to see if the acrylic is gonna shatter. A fine-tooth blade is often used for cutting metal and it will cut through the acrylic without causing much damage.