Cutting plexiglass

[jkhudson]

I'm building a refugium and want to know what the best jigsaw blade is best for cutting 1/4 clear plastic.

 

[Hampton]

I just cut 1/4" today. I needed strips 1/4" wide to end up with 1/4" by 1/4" by 48". I did it with a fine, but not the finest jig saw blade. Keep in mind that a jig saw blade will not give you a straight line no matter how hard you try.

For cuts that need a straight line, I used a hand saw with a tall, straight, wide blade with med to fine teeth. I drew a line with a sharpie, and after 48", you couldn't see any ink on either side of the cut. It stayed perfectly straight/true. That plexi was only 1/8", though.

I've heard that you can use a circular saw. If you do, set it to the minimum blade depth required.

Some things to look out for:

As you cut the plexi, it can re-weld behind the blade. Try to go slowly.

Secure it down near the blade so it won't bounce and crack. The melted plastic likes to grab the blade.

Good Luck.

 

[fishytoo123]

pick up a cheap table saw and get a blade for plastic / formica. I run the blade high it seems to melt the plastic less.

 

[mc-cro]

It also helps to tape the line being cut. The masking tape will keep the melting plastic from "welding" back to itself. That's one of the reasons new plexi is always cut with the paperbacking still on it.

 

[Lunchbucket]

i use a table saw w/ an 80 tooth blade. works better than a 60tooth.

Lunchbucket

 

[Lunchbucket]

this is the one i used....works great

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=33606-333-TK806&lpage=none