Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Lance Jones on March 17, 2010, 12:32:36 PM

Title: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: Lance Jones on March 17, 2010, 12:32:36 PM
I have a sheet of each. What is the preferred method of cutting them?
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: waterdog on March 17, 2010, 01:44:47 PM
Rough cut 1/8" to 1/4" oversize with a jig saw, band saw, or table saw with a good sharp blade.   Cut to final dimension with a flush trim router bit and a bearing that runs around whatever piece you are replacing as a template stuck on with double sided tape.  Hit the edges with a heat gun to make it perfectly smooth (unless you want adhesive on the edge then leave slightly rough).   
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: David Urscheler on March 17, 2010, 02:06:19 PM
A fine toothed plywood blade on a skil saw works great. Tape the edge before cutting just in case.

Dave
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: pablosgirl on March 17, 2010, 04:40:04 PM
I rough cut with a plywood blade or a jigsaw blade leaving a 1/8" and then finish the cut with a belt sander with 150 grit paper and then hit it with the heat gun for the final finish.

Paul
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: cmainprize on March 17, 2010, 05:05:44 PM
flush trim bit and a template works really well.
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: Ken Juul on March 17, 2010, 06:48:11 PM
The key in all these methods is to have a stable platform.  I tried cutting a piece of plexiglass (1/4") with a sabre saw on a picnic table.  Shattered is the polite word.  Another thought is slow....too much heat and the blade melts rather than cutting.  Stable table with a slow feed.  Finish with heat or very fine sand paper.
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: Ron Hill on March 17, 2010, 06:56:25 PM
As Ken said SLOW  is the key with a hand saber saw or best is a band saw.  Also go slow with a router or you'll melt rather than cut the plastic!!
Title: Re: Cutting Plexi or Lexan
Post by: Lance Jones on March 18, 2010, 07:39:45 AM
Thanks all!