How to Cut Acrylic Plexiglass
Plexiglass is an acrylic product that serves as an alternative to products typically made of glass. The transparent material is cheaper to produce and it is more flexible. It is important to keep in mind that plexiglass is basically a soft plastic and because of this is sensitive to heat. It is also brittle and can be shattered if worked with improperly. Cutting plexiglass takes time and patience.
Things You'll Need
- Circular saw
- Extra saw blades
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Grease pencil
- Spray bottle of water
- Sandpaper (medium to fine grain)
Instructions
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1
Put on your safety gear. Goggles and gloves are a necessity when working with plexiglass; the shards are sharp as glass.
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2
Measure and mark the location of your cuts directly on the plexiglass with the grease pencil.
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3
Install the proper blade for your circular saw. This is determined by the hardness and thickness of your particular sheet of plexiglass. In general, you will need a blade with fine teeth. Experiment on a small section before cutting out your design. If the plexiglass is chipping, switch to a blade with more teeth. If the plastic is melting, use a blade with fewer teeth.
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4
Set the plexiglass onto your work area. Start cutting slowly with the circular saw. Slowing down can prevent both chipping and melting. Keep the plastic cool by spraying water on the cutting edge of the circular saw occasionally.
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5
Use sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the cut plexiglass. Start with a medium grade and then switch to finer grade of sandpaper to finish.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your safety gear on when working with plexiglass. Wear heavy-soled shoes in your work area and thoroughly sweep the area when finished.
Keep your blades sharpened and maintain your saw for the best performance.
