cuting plexyglass

[kevk]

how do you cut plexy glass ?
it keeps melting or breacking on me.

[richmandudeus]

depends on the tool you are using. if you are using a drill or sawblade, chances are it will crack. i use a dremel for this type of job (i use a dremel for everything actually:p). take it slow on a high speed. don't apply preasure and let it do the cutting. if you hear it slow down, ease up on it. since the dremel goes at high speeds, it not only cuts but melts the plexi a bit which is ok cause the melted parts can be broken off with your fingers. after you've done that, some light sanding and elbow grease should do it.

[Malatory]

breaking can be caused by flexing the plexiglass while it is being cut, and/or to much heat is being transfered to the plexiglass.

If you get to much heat as richmandudeus says when you glue your pieces together it will cause crazing (Cracks).

what are you using to cut it with.

Saws you will want metal cutting blades with 15+ teeth per inch, Dremmel cut off wheels will work but not for edges that will need to be glued.

[kevk]

wow thanks this solves the problems

[tybrenis]

A dremel is a very bad tool to use for plexiglass. You can use one, but I actually recomend turning down the speed. When cutting on a table saw, you will want atleast 80 tooth. I have found that a jigsaw is actually fairly good for cutting plexi, in my experience there was no melting or cracking. Whatever tool you may use, just remember to cut slowly, don't use pressure, and let the tool do the work.

[unknownconcepts]

"When cutting on a table saw, you will want atleast 80 tooth. I have found that a jigsaw is actually fairly good for cutting plexi, in my experience there was no melting or cracking. Whatever tool you may use, just remember to cut slowly, don't use pressure, and let the tool do the work."

yes

[pure_rock_fury]

if you do end up using a dremel, remember to take it outside. Hot or melting plexy is not the best air freshener and the smell can linger for hours.

[qoou]

i also recommend a dremel.

[tybrenis]

if you do end up using a dremel, remember to take it outside. Hot or melting plexy is not the best air freshener and the smell can linger for hours.

pure_rock_fury is completely right, the smell of melting/burning plexiglass is absolutely appalling.

[bigbaddog]

I've found that if I cut PG on a tablesaw, I have good results when I sandwich the PG between two pieces of thin scrap plywood. You can use masking tape wrapped around all the pieces to hold them together-the blade cuts through the tape, but holds it together until you're through the cut, but watch those fingers.