JBuffetReefer
New member
Is there an easiest and faster method for cutting acrylic than using a glass cutter?
Best & easiest method for cutting acrylic
- Thread starter JBuffetReefer
- Start date
cilyjr
Active member
JBuffetReefer
New member
I was afraid of this. I think I will call a plastic shop here in town and ask what it will cost for them to cut it.
Thanks
Thanks
cdness
Premium Member
if you are good and don't mind practicing, the score/snap method has always worked for me. This would not however work to build anything that requires very good joints. I'm talking rough cuts...
1. Using a metal ruler or other straight edge, live it up with where you want the cut
2. Score with a razor blade many times (at least 1/3 ot the total thickness)
3. line up the cur on a table with a scrap piect of wood to brace the whole piece
4. Press down on the piece to snap it off at the cut...
Please note, the chances of you breaking a few pieces is high until you get a feel for what you are doing. I built many sump baffles, Overflow boxes, and PC case windows using this method.
1. Using a metal ruler or other straight edge, live it up with where you want the cut
2. Score with a razor blade many times (at least 1/3 ot the total thickness)
3. line up the cur on a table with a scrap piect of wood to brace the whole piece
4. Press down on the piece to snap it off at the cut...
Please note, the chances of you breaking a few pieces is high until you get a feel for what you are doing. I built many sump baffles, Overflow boxes, and PC case windows using this method.
firebirdude
User and Abuser
I JUST finished cutting out a divider with teeth for my sump. I'm cheap and ghetto, but turned out extremely well. So what can you say?
Using .220 thick acrylic, and traced out where I wanted to cut with a sharpie marker. Used a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade that was actually labeled for metal. My jigsaw had 6 speed settings. I used number 3. The key trick is to use ice water to cool the blade as you cut. This keeps the acrylic from melting AT ALL. Edges look extremely nice when finished. I just dumped some on and went at it. Stop to add more water or have a friend add some as you're cutting.
To cut the teeth, I just traced out what I wanted onto the plexi. (I went with 1" tall teeth every 1/2") Using the same water cooling method above, I just cut the straight edges of each tooth down into the acrylic. Once all the cuts were made, I scored across the bottom of the tooth I wanted to snap out with a acrylic blade (you could probably easily use a razor knife), connecting the two cuts I had just made. (Actually scored it 3-4-5 times just t make sure) Took a pair of pliers and got right up next to the score. Snap it off. Every single tooth snapped perfectly right out. Although it looks fantastic, for this purpose, it really doesn't have to be exactly perfect. But mine sure as hell looks like it.
After this experience I'm REALLY thinking about making my own overflow box too.
Using .220 thick acrylic, and traced out where I wanted to cut with a sharpie marker. Used a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade that was actually labeled for metal. My jigsaw had 6 speed settings. I used number 3. The key trick is to use ice water to cool the blade as you cut. This keeps the acrylic from melting AT ALL. Edges look extremely nice when finished. I just dumped some on and went at it. Stop to add more water or have a friend add some as you're cutting.
To cut the teeth, I just traced out what I wanted onto the plexi. (I went with 1" tall teeth every 1/2") Using the same water cooling method above, I just cut the straight edges of each tooth down into the acrylic. Once all the cuts were made, I scored across the bottom of the tooth I wanted to snap out with a acrylic blade (you could probably easily use a razor knife), connecting the two cuts I had just made. (Actually scored it 3-4-5 times just t make sure) Took a pair of pliers and got right up next to the score. Snap it off. Every single tooth snapped perfectly right out. Although it looks fantastic, for this purpose, it really doesn't have to be exactly perfect. But mine sure as hell looks like it.
After this experience I'm REALLY thinking about making my own overflow box too.
BeanAnimal
Premium Member
Re: Best & easiest method for cutting acrylic
If you let us know exactly what you are trying to build and what type of acrylic you are using, we can give you a better idea of an acceptable method of cutting the material.
If you let us know exactly what you are trying to build and what type of acrylic you are using, we can give you a better idea of an acceptable method of cutting the material.
JBuffetReefer
New member
I'm making baffles for a sump. Unfortunately I don't have a table saw, circular saw or even a jigsaw. I did find a place in town that will cut it for me for a buck a piece and I only have 5 pieces.
firebirdude
User and Abuser
?!?! Seriously!??! A frickin dollar a panel? Do they know what they're cutting yet? Teeth too? What are you doing posting on here then?
JBuffetReefer
New member
Yes they know what they are cutting. I have the acrylic already and I only need 5 panels and I won't be cutting any teeth.
