I'm making some bird feeders with 1/8'' Plexiglas side panels & I'm wondering what's the best way to cut the stuff? I've been repeatedly scoring the sheet with a razor knife but that takes a lot of effort. There has to be an easier way. Will a table saw blade get hot and melt the material during the cut?
What's the best way to cut Plexiglas.
TIA, Dave
You can use a tablesaw but there are safety precautions. If the plexi is thin, use a zero-clearance insert or carpet tape the plexi to pressboard or ply. Use plenty of ventilation. A bandsaw is safer.
Also clamp a piece of wood (2x4) to the table saw fence (just enough to slide the plexi under it). raise the blade (into 2x4) after you clamp the wood to the fence. use a sharp plywood or celotex blade only. feed plexi slowly into saw (under clamped wood).
you will need someone on the other end to pull it through the saw.
Always wear safety glasses. that sh*t flys everywhere.
this is a safe and foolproof way to cut plexi and it will always be straight...unlike a bansaw cut.
It tends to chip a bit and melt itself back together as you cut.
Bob
clean up the edges. I'm sure a router
You need something like this -
A table saw will do a very good job of cutting plexiglass. Use a good quality 40 to 80 carbide tooth general purpose blade. If you will be cutting a lot of it, blades designed specifically for plastics are available but a decent wood carbide wood cuting blade does very well.
Sometimes old folk wisdom is actually the easiest way.
Bandsaw is good, too.
If you want a really nice, clear edge, "sand" on a flat surface covered with emory cloth. Work down to a very fine grade. Then, spill some ethylene dichloride on a flat (glass) surface and stand the plastic on edge in it for a few minutes. You can then join the soft edge to another piece or let it dry for a very nice edge.
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