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best way to cut pvc

whats the best way to get the cleanest cut on pvc?
i need to make some pvc blanks about 8" x 3" and i need them to look clean and scratch free!
i don't have a cnc, but i do have the usuall power tools....... also, if cutting with a power tool, what blade is the best to get a nice clean cut?

thanks!
 
i have a jigsaw and a circular saw. i do have access to a friend with a cnc machine, but i only need 4 of these cut so thats a bit over kill. so a triple chip blade right?
 

Gino

Premium Subscriber
i have a jigsaw and a circular saw. i do have access to a friend with a cnc machine, but i only need 4 of these cut so thats a bit over kill. so a triple chip blade right?

If you only have four, unless you're cutting 16 mm or better..... use a utility knife, a straight edge and make multiple scores, Then gently sand the edges. You can do the whole thing in about 5 minutes. This is quite easy up to 1/4' or so.
 

njshorts

New Member
If you only have four, unless you're cutting 16 mm or better..... use a utility knife, a straight edge and make multiple scores, Then gently sand the edges. You can do the whole thing in about 5 minutes. This is quite easy up to 1/4' or so.

Gino said it perfectly!
 

petepaz

New Member
we use foot operated metal shears if you do a lot of that sort of thing well worht the investment
 

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Pat Whatley

New Member
we use foot operated metal shears if you do a lot of that sort of thing well worht the investment
How do you keep the edges from cracking with the shear? Every time we've tried it the edges come out looking like we cut them with a steak knife.
 

petepaz

New Member
How do you keep the edges from cracking with the shear? Every time we've tried it the edges come out looking like we cut them with a steak knife.

Pat we use it all the time, cut alum up to .050, pvc & styrene up to .060
polycarbonate up to .050 and no problems (sometimes it pulls a little but the edge is fine
 

Wes Phifer

New Member
Warm it up a little and the shear will not crack the edges. Just a real quick pass with a heat gun. It takes very little heat. If it is hot in the shop it will cut without the heat.
 

tiredcreations

New Member
circular saw with a fine tooth blade for vinyl siding. Clamp a straight edge to it & they end up looking like factory cuts.

edit: NEVERMIND. I usually catch the the date but this cutncricut guy is throwing me off today. Where's the boss?
 

thewood

New Member
Warm it up a little and the shear will not crack the edges. Just a real quick pass with a heat gun. It takes very little heat. If it is hot in the shop it will cut without the heat.

Same here. Old pvc is more susceptible to cracking than newer plastic.
 
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