Cutting plexiglass?

Question

What is the best way to cut plexiglass without it cracking or breaking ??

Answer 1

They make a little tool for scoring (scratching) the plexi. It costs about $2.

You score the plexi, then apply pressure (while supporting it near the cut). It'll just snap cleanly. Much like regular glass.

That works for straight cuts.

For curves and stuff, you'll need a special cutting bit for a dremel or something similar. Be careful you don't improvise, and wind up shattering plexi into your face.

oh, and WEAR EYE PROTECTION.

Answer 2

Table saw  or circular saw with a fine tooth blade . If you want to finish the edge sand the marks out of it and then use a propane torch on the edge,Set the blade well above the material. This will create a downward cutting action and stop the material from being lifted by the blade, and will also reduce melting of the plexi

A scoring blade will work if the plexi is thin. It is difficult however to score  a small piece off without cracking.

dremmel cutting tools will cut it but also melts the pieces back together because of the friction

Best choice ...Table saw

second... Circular saw

Third....Saber saw.... Also melts back together

Answer 3

You can cut with a table saw, or a skill saw.  

You must use a fine tooth blade and support the material.  

Set the blade to barely clear the thickness of the material.  

It's easier if a guide is used, like a straight edge clamped to the material, when using a skill saw.

Cut VERY slowy, as the heat will tend to melt plexiglass.

The rough edges at the kerf can be filed off.

I have actually clamped the material over scrap plywood, and cut through the material and a shallow depth in the wood.

This prevented any chance of breaking, as the plexiglass will not sag at the kerf.

Answer 4

use a wood burner too melt it. were a breathing mask because it smell very bad and is hurtful to lings if too much is breathed in

Answer 5

Both of the above answers are right...

If it is a fairly thin piece the snapping method works well, after a little practice.

Thicker sheets do not snap as well and can be very difficult to snap at all.

Cutting with a saw is tricky because of all the shavings flying around.  Straight cut on the table saw are good... and curves can be cut with a fine blade in a jig saw.

The sanding of the edge is important as it can be much like a piece of glass and cut you just as easily.

Applying heat to the edge after sanding will help to make the cut edge clear again.  Practice on some scrap before making the commitment to the final project.  You will be glad you did.

GOOD LUCK!!!