How to Cut Acrylic Plastic
Acrylic plastic doesn't weigh as much as glass and isn't affected by the sun or salt spray. It has a temperature range of -3 to 160 degrees. There are many different kinds of cutting tools that can be used, but here are the steps to use when cutting with a scribing knife or metal scriber. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Scribing knife
- Cut file
- Clamp
- Hacksaw blade
- 120 grade sandpaper
- Sanding block
- Buffing tool
Instructions
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1
Use a scribing knife to score a 3/16-inch piece of acrylic plastic. A utility knife, awl or a metal scriber can also be used. Drag the knife across the straight edge on the plastic several times.
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2
Hang the scribe marked piece of acrylic over the end of a table and clamp it to hold it in place. Pull down on the edge hanging over the table to break the acrylic along the scribed edge.
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3
Scrape the edge of the acrylic with the back of a hacksaw blade. This gives the acrylic a finished edge.
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4
Get rid of tool marks by using a 10- to 12-inch cut file. Keep the file at an angle, the teeth against the surface and file in one direction. Use a wooden or rubber sanding block with 120 grade sandpaper if necessary. Use plenty of water while sanding in a circular motion. Make sure to sand an area larger than the scratches.
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5
Use a power buffing tool to polish the acrylic to give it a high luster shine. An electric drill with a buffing wheel can also be used.
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