Cutting Acrylic

[ams]

I have 1/8" Acrylic and need to know the best way to cut it without breaking it.

At first I thought a skill saw, but I believe that will knock chunks out, and also have a jig saw but not sure about that one either.

What do you use?

 

[gnatt66]

score and snap here...

either by hand or with our fletcher.

 

[jiarby]

laser!

 

[J Hill Designs]

score and snap works well on 1/8" as long as cuts are straight....jig saw with correct blade works well, but you will prob need to debur it afterward...table saw w/correct blade works, as does a router table

 

[surf city]

Jig saw, table saw or a scroll saw if you are trying to cut out shapes but with any of them the blade is the key to a good cut. The router table is also a good choice.

 

[showcase 66]

We always used a circular saw with the blade in backwards for 1/4" and for 1/8" we would just score and snap. When I worked for a glass company we had a sheer type machine that heated the end of the sheer part and it would cut right threw like butter. Wish I had that around sometimes.

 

[ams]

Both blades on the skill saw and jig saw are width and thick, so thinking that wouldn't work as they are wood/metal blades.

So I guess scoring would work. I have a big blue ruler that is 8 foot long, so I have a good straight edge to use.

Thanks everyone.

 

[showcase 66]

Just make sure you score enough. Otherwise you will snap and a chunk can be taken out.

 

[Letterbox Mike]

For thin stuff just score and snap. You can actually get utility knife blades for this purpose. Essentially they're regular utility blades except they aren't sharpened, just a dull square edge. They work pretty well. Just make sure when you score it you score it deep enough, at least 1/3 of the thickness, otherwise you might get an uneven break.

For thicker stuff, anymore we just have it laser-cut, easier and much cleaner.

 

[Dzrt1st]

Straight from the horse's mouth -

http://www.plaskolite.com/pdf/Acrylic_Sheet_Fabrication_Guide.pdf

 

[ams]

Will do, thanks for the tips

 

[d fleming]

Panel or table saw here. Use a triple chip blade.

 

[mario]

jigsaw with fine blade, metal one will work.

 

[petepaz]

we use the band saw

 

[Salmoneye]

Band saw or plunge saw like a dewalt track saw of a festool

 

[iSign]

I think he cut them already