cutting 3/16" acrylic

[Pideas]

I need to cut a piece of 3/16" Plastiglas acrylic. I normally have my supplier cut the pieces for me but I have some leftover pieces that I need to cut for a smaller job.

Any suggestions on what kind of cutting tool or blade to use to get a clean cut?

 

[mark-s]

A Triple chip blade would be best.
mark-s

 

[Sindex Printing]

I have used a diaplo blade on a table saw or panel saw. Just had to go slow. You can try and find an engraving shop and have them laser cut it. In a pinch I have used a utility knife and created a deep score and got it to break down the score. (Not always consistent.)

I laser cut it now.

 

[danno]

I cut some 1/8' the other day with a 120 tooth blade in my skill saw. Just had to watch my speed in cutting.

 

[2B]

only use a circular style cutter, either hand, panel or table style
Get a blade for trim / finishing cuts, the tooth count needs to be 60+.
adjust you saw so only the minimal of depth is used, GO SLOW,

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-Pre...rbide-Tipped-Steel-Circular-Saw-Blade/3451080

do NOT use a "push / pull" style (Jigsaw, Reciprocating, ect.)

 

[pjfmeister]

This blade is what I have found cuts the cleanest and best with my panel saw
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002TUFXQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Freud Plexiglass/Plastic Blade....still cant push it to fast. I burnt up a blade cutting way to much 1/2" way to fast.

 

[Gino]

If it's just straight cuts.... or easy ones, just use a palm router.

 

[Rocco G]

I'm guessing that you are looking to do it in an inexpensive manner. Yes you can use a jigsaw to cut 3/16" acrylic. I do it regularly, but you need the correct blade. I use a 14 TPI metal cutting blade and I prefer the Lenox brand. However you need an edge guide to get a nice straight cut. Simply clamp a straight edge to the piece and cut along the guide going slowly. If it's a cheaper grade of plastic you may need to put some masking tape along the cut. It helps dissipate the heat from the blade because the plastic will sometimes melt back together. Do not use a wood blade because the teeth are too aggressive and will break the plastic.

A table saw with a plastic blade (as in the first response) is the "correct" way to go and will give the best cut.. My table 10" saw blade (a bigger blade will stay cooler) is probably 25+ years old but was not cheap, is 100 tooth and is a triple chip design, made especially for plastic. It also gives nice cuts on other materials, but isn't the best for thick wood. That blade mentioned above on Amazon is the correct type to use as well.

 

[Pideas]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.