These are the three best methods of cutting thin and thick pieces of plexiglass.
Learning to accurately and safely cut plexiglass is sure to expand your DIY horizon.
The steps ahead will outline how tosafely cut plexiglasswithout damaging or scratching the surface.
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What Is Plexiglass?
Acrylic, commonly known as plexiglass, is a petroleum-based plastic product marketed as an alternative to glass.
Pay special attention to each use case and choose the one that most closely matches your own.
However, there are a few tips and tricks to getting this right.
Choose the Right Blade
If your blade is dull, swap it for a sharp finish-grade blade.
The extra tooth count on a finish-grade blade will result in a cleaner cut.
How to Cut Plexiglass With a Jigsaw
Swap out yourjigsaw bladefor a specialty plexiglass blade.
This will help move shavings from the groove, allowing the surface to stay cooler.
To prevent this, clamp a piece of 1/2- to 3/4-inch plywood beneath the plexiglass.
When scoring material, the knife can easily jump from the groove.
Score the Plexiglass
Firmly grip the knife and score the plexiglass along the straightedge.
Hit the discard side with the palm of your hand to snap it off.
Remove the protective film from both sides.
Minimizing the opportunities for moving and shaking will increase the safety and cleanness of the cut.
Some brands and types of plexiglass are more prone to chipping along the edge.
Lastly, refrain from removing the protective film until absolutely necessary to prevent scratches.
For straight cuts on thick and thin materials, a table saw will yield quick, clean cuts.
For curved cuts on thick and thin materials, a jigsaw with a plexiglass blade is a great option.
The words plexiglass and acrylic are often used to indicate different products.
In reality, plexiglass is derived from Plexiglas, which is a popular brand of acrylic sheet.
