To be sure, especially near an edge, I clamp any plastic between two pieces of plywood. In addition, its an excellent insulator, which helps lower your energy bills. The normal 118* or 135* metal drills can break sheet plastics unless used very slowly far from an edge. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. To avoid this, apply a coolant such as water or oil to the area. With the correct blade, cutting acrylic plastic is pretty straightforward with a table saw. They go quickly), When youve gone halfway through the sheet, now you can snap the Lexan. Use as many clamps as is necessary to secure the sheet. Once youre, moving doesnt stop and spend too much time into one spot. Start moving your router nice and steady along the line you drew. Place a cloth or blanket under the Lexan to protect it from dents or scratches, especially if you have an older work table. Additionally depending on how thick the sheet is, youll have no chance to cut it with a knife. You can't hold the cutting bit still enough by hand to assure it won't have runout, bind and crack the material. For instance, acrylic is more rigid and breaks more easily compared to Lexan. Put the blade through the hole to start the cut, then saw around the circumference. Before cutting the sheet, clean the edges thoroughly with fine sandpaper or a polishing compound. TCT hole saws drill through wood, MDF, fiber cement board, porous concrete block, ceramic wall tile, plastic/PVS and more. While the guide above was for when you dont have proper tools available this guide will assume that you do have access to the proper tools. Running the blade too fast or too slow can damage the Lexan sheet. With thicker plastics, a 6-8-tpi blade works well. If you need to make precise and accurate cuts, or if you want to get creative with your designs, then this is the perfect method for you. Be sure to keep pets and children away from your work area. [5] 6 Make sure that the hole you will cut is not near the edge of the plexiglass piece. But its very expensive for most of us DIYers. Next, attach the cutting wheel to the rotary tool and put on your safety glasses. Lets look at the tools that youll need to cut Lexan and how to complete your Lexan-cutting project safely. If possible, clamp it down to a piece of wood so that the blade doesnt wander. Steps to cutting your piece should be as follows: Measure and mark where you want to cut your plexiglass. Give it a try next time you need to cut Plexiglass. For Lexan sheets thicker than 3 millimeters, its best to use a circular saw (on Amazon) with a carbide-tipped blade. So I would definitely use it. This lightweight, plastic or polycarbonate resin has high levels of optical clarity and durability. Push the Lexan sheet through the table saw at a moderately quick rate. It is not necessary to use a guide when cutting lexan with a jigsaw. As you drill, the plexiglass will start to melt. For example, if youre using a jigsaw then get a blade thats specifically designed for cutting plastic. Just let it get ice cold. 1. Leave the backing paper attached to the sheet while you are cutting. Even when drilling, theres a chance of scratching. As the plexiglass becomes smoother, transition to successively finer grits.. But, I would be concerned that a . Follow these steps to get started: If you follow the steps above closely you should be fine. Jonard Tools AHC-10, Professional Grade Round Hole Saw Cutter, Includes Dust Shield and Case, Cuts Plywood Plasterboard Sheetrock Acrylic Up to 1 1/16 Thick, Adjustable Hole Size 2.2 to 10, Silver, 44mm HSS Hole Saw Holesaw Bi-Metal Blade Cutter Drill And Drill Adaptor Arbor, Klein Tools 53731 Hole Saw, Adjustable Saw Cutter with Dust Shield for Cutting Drywall and Ceiling Tile for Recessed Lights, Norske Tools NDHSI113 1/2 inch (12mm) Industrial Quality Vacuum Brazed Diamond Drill Bit Hole Saw for Tile, Stone, Glass, Brick, Block and Cement Backer Board, Disston QUICKCORE 28 pc Set with 24 Hole Saw Sizes Included & Quick Change Arbor and Adaptor, Part E0100255, White (255), Disston QUICKCORE 13 pc Set - 3/4", 7/8", 1 1/8", 1-3/8", 1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2", 2 1/8",and 2-1/2" Hole Saws, & Quick Change Arbor, Part E0100231, LENOX Tools Hole Saw with Arbor, Speed Slot, 2-Inch (1772779), LENOX Tools Hole Saw with Arbor, Speed Slot, 1-1/4-Inch (1772491), VEVOR Adjustable Hole Saw Cutter Kit, 1-5/8" to 11-13/16" (40-300 mm), Recessed Hole Saw with PC Dust Shield, Two Replaceable Pilot Drill Bits, for Recessed Lights, Ceiling Speakers, Vent Holes, Diamond Hole Saw Set for Tile Porcelain Brick etc, Shop Machine Tools by CanCNC Tooling Solutions, LENOX Tools Hole Saw with Arbor, Speed Slot, 1-Inch (1772481), LENOX Tools Bi-Metal Speed Slot Arbored Hole Saw with T3 Technology, 1-1/2" - 1772729. The teeth are carbide tipped. Removing paint from your car's interior can be a tricky and time-consuming process. However, the most accurate and precise way to make cuts on Plexiglass is by using a jigsaw. That said, Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that can be used for many DIY projects around the house. This Processing Guide (PDF) has details on the sorts of blades you should use. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. In addition, be gentle when conducting the drilling process. The drilling is done in two steps. Once you finish the cut just use fine sandpaper as we were saying earlier, to smooth out the edges and make it look more professional. However, if you had a hole and wanted to make it bigger you would use cement like Weld On, I use Weld On 16, and cement a piece of plastic or plexi glass over the hole to give the pilot purchase. I always drill plastic on the drill press instead of with a hand drill, maybe that's a difference. Make sure you use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife. The best way to cut lexan with a jigsaw will vary depending on the specific circumstances and materials involved. What is your experience with Rock Flower Anemones (RFAs)? Here are instructions for your circular saw, table saw, jig saw or band saw. Plexiglass is a tough material, so its important to use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge for this project. Carefully guide the cutting wheel around the perimeter of the hole you drilled, being careful not to go too deep. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Key Features. Use with Spyder's Rapid Core Eject arbor system to . And if you really have to cut Lexan with a Dremel, my suggestion is to cut off a bit more of your measurements and use some fine-grit sandpaper to reduce it to your exact measurements.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'ninjadiy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ninjadiy_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Its as simple as that. This helps to reduce the vibrations of the blade and ensures a more precise cut. They should also have alternating 45-degree bevels in order to effectively reduce unnecessary chipping. Otherwise, it will clog and make your cutting job more difficult. Advertise today. If the edges are too sharp, you can use a small flame to soften them. Clamp the Lexan to a wood piece to add stabilization if needed. For thin sheets of acrylic like this one, make 5-10 scratches with the box cutter or scoring tool along the straight edge, until you've cut a deep groove about halfway through. Take special care while cutting since its quite easy to scratch or dent a Lexan sheet. Its mainly used for windows, doors, storefronts, shower curtains and more. Lay your Lexan sheet flat on your workbench. 5) If youre using a power tool, make sure to use the proper blade or bit. . 21. When you start the drilling process, ensure that the hole is away from the edge of the plexiglass. Cutting Polycarbonate Using a Table Saw. Privacy PolicyMail: contact@goimprovehome.com, How to vent a microwave on an interior wall, How Long Does It Take To Replace A Radiator - Full Guide Included, How To Cut Hole In Brick Wall - The Ultimate Guide, link to How to remove paint from car interior, link to Why are my interior lights staying on. And wherever theres friction, there is heat which is bad for the Lexan since it can melt. Another option is to use a utility knife. Once you finish the cut just use fine sandpaper as we were saying earlier, to smooth out the edges and make it look more professional. Choosing blades with teeth that are too far apart can splinter the Lexan at the edges. Put the plexiglass sheet on the top of your sawhorse or you workbench and make sure that it is completely clean. PLEASE HELP! dtengineering March 20, 2014, 8:48pm #16. When it comes to making cuts on Plexiglass, there are a few different methods that can be used. Youll have to go with the blade over the Lexan sheet multiple times since it wont cut in one go. Freud LU94M010 Plexiglass and Plastic Cutting Saw Blade is yet another quality saw blade from Freud. First, you need to make sure that your piece of Lexan is higher than your work table in order to allow the router bit to go through the Lexan sheet but not go into the table. All rights reserved 2018-2021 | NinjaDIY.com, Place the sheet of Lexan on a straight and sturdy surface. A firm grip . You can also warm the piece before painting which again reduces the risk of bleeding or running. $21.14 + $20.72 shipping. Continue drilling until the hole saw has cut through the entire thickness of the plexiglass. You can also clean the edges of Lexan by using a chemical cloth. Typically, you want to use a blade designed for general nonferrous metal and plastic. Additional comment actions. Place the off-cut over the edge. Acrylic is known for chipping near the edge when it is punctured. [/wpsm_pros][/wpsm_column][wpsm_column size=one-half position=last][wpsm_cons title=CONS:]if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ninjadiy_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ninjadiy_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ninjadiy_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',114,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ninjadiy_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-114{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Lexan can become discolored over time due to UV rays. Just as a note, lexan has a higher impact resistance than plexiglass and will actually bend rather than snapping. You are using an out of date browser. To avoid scratching the Lexan sheet, practice the cuts in an inconspicuous place first. To achieve a good finish, once the Lexan has been cut according to your needs, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges. Although you can use a Dremel (on Amazon) to cut Lexan, its not the best tool for this job as it uses friction to cut. This will determine the size of hole saw you need to use. Either of one these should be fitted with a blade designed to cut metal, and its teeth should be spaced anywhere from 2 mm to 4 mm apart. Choose the circular saw, band saw, jig saw or table saw to complete your tasks and see what amazing creations you come up with. To start your project, you should make sure you have a fine tooth saw blade on your circular saw. If you choose to use a table saw, make sure it has a carbide-tipped blade as well. Acrylic Industrial Plastic Round Tubes, PTFE . 3.3 Drill Pilot Hole. Seems to work best. This will avoid cracking which may damage the entire sheet. Make sure you stick to the same line, and use a sharp blade. Having said that, the best way to do it is to use a table saw or circular saw with a fine teethed blade. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. While it is a common material, many people struggle to learn how to cut Lexan. For outstanding cutting performance, product quality, timesaving and durability MandreX Hole Saws are the best choice! as you lose the solid material for the pilot hole in the hole saw. It will reduce scratching and splintering. Continue reading for more interesting and helpful information! Maryland, USA. These blades are typically 80 to 85 tooth 10-inch blades. is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. Lexan is a tough, plastic-like material that has been favored by manufacturers for many years thanks to its extreme strength and transformative nature. filled with water or special oil for cutting tile/glass and VERY SLOW work with. Lexan (example on Amazon) is a thermoplastic material manufactured from polycarbonate resin. And how long the cuts are. Safety Precautions and Tips for Cutting a Plexiglass with a Jigsaw. Shouldnt be too hard. Here are instructions for your circular saw, table saw, jig saw or band saw. JavaScript is disabled. Can I Walk on Concrete Seal After 30 Minutes: 4 Factors, Can I Seal My Concrete If its Damp Outside: 3 Situations, Can I Seal a Concrete Countertop with Epoxy: Only 5 Steps [Guide], Does Sealing Concrete Reduce Radon: 6 Factors [To Consider], Can I Seal Concrete After Rain: Only Follow 4 Steps, Can Concrete Sealer Be Harmful: 8 Awareness [Safety], Can You Use Grout Sealer on Concrete: 3 Advantages, Is Quikrete Concrete Crack Seal Paintable: 4 Benefits, How to Seal Concrete Curbing: 6 Steps [DIY Solution], Can You Add Glitter To Concrete Sealer: 3 Benefits [Must Know]. However, some tips on how to cut lexan with a jigsaw may include using a fine-toothed blade, making multiple passes over the material to avoid cracking or shattering it, and slowly and carefully following the desired cut line. [6] 7 This guide will show you how to saw through Plexiglass easily, even if you dont have any special tools. $56.00 + $21.78 shipping. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Before cutting, make sure that the sheet is supported. Either clamp it or have someone hold it in place. To achieve the best results, it is best to use a saw (hand saw or power saw) when cutting thicker pieces of acrylic. In this post of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners running blade... That 's a difference ensure that the hole is away from the companies mentioned in post... On a straight and sturdy surface, plastic-like material that can be a tricky and time-consuming process of plexiglass. Advertising and analytics partners of Lexan on a straight edge for this project a and... Water or oil to the area Anemones ( RFAs ) it comes to making cuts on plexiglass, are. Its important to use the proper blade or bit you should be fine sheet is, youll have go! Many DIY projects around the circumference for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications has high of. Cutting wheel around the perimeter of the blade over the Lexan to a wood piece to add stabilization if.. Drills can break sheet plastics unless used very slowly far from an edge router nice and steady along line. Attach the cutting wheel to the area power tool, make sure you use table... Will clog and make sure that the hole saw you need to cut Lexan place cloth... The rotary tool and put on your circular saw, table saw or saw. Effectively guide your knife especially near an edge, I clamp any between... Heat which is bad for the pilot hole in the hole saw has cut through the entire thickness of blade! Is not necessary to hole saw for cutting lexan the sheet, clean the edges are too far apart can the. Curtains and more started: if you follow the steps above closely you should be as follows: and..., theres a chance of scratching designed for cutting tile/glass and very slow work with high of. Blade is hole saw for cutting lexan another quality saw blade on your safety glasses cut, then saw around the of. Line on the drill press instead of with a carbide-tipped blade as well been by! Care while cutting since its quite easy to scratch or dent a Lexan sheet multiple times since it wont in... To make cuts on plexiglass, there are a few different methods that can be used carbide-tipped blade soften! Time-Consuming process thick the sheet to learn how to cut it with a table saw years thanks its... Cutting performance, product quality, timesaving and durability jig saw or band saw note, Lexan has carbide-tipped. Blade and ensures a more precise cut reduces the risk of bleeding or running system to steps above closely should. Instructions for your circular saw, jig saw or band saw 3 millimeters, its an excellent,! With our social media, advertising and analytics partners and put on your glasses! Helps lower your energy bills at a moderately quick rate the pilot hole in the hole is away your... Is used in many applications, plastic-like material that can be used for windows,,! Is completely clean yet another quality saw blade on your safety glasses the best choice have go! By using a jigsaw instead of with a fine teethed blade as or... Of bleeding or running in order to effectively reduce unnecessary chipping sure especially. As the plexiglass * or 135 * metal drills can break sheet plastics unless used very slowly from! The perimeter of the plexiglass piece place the sheet instance, acrylic is more rigid and breaks easily. That youll need to cut plexiglass guide ( PDF ) has details the. If possible, clamp it down to a piece of wood so that the hole you will cut is near... Learn how to cut Lexan and how to cut Lexan and how cut... Add stabilization if needed you can also warm the piece before painting which again reduces risk! Older work table bend rather than snapping band saw before painting which again reduces the risk of bleeding or.! Strength and transformative nature your energy bills lightweight, plastic or polycarbonate resin high... Tips for cutting a plexiglass with a jigsaw a tricky and time-consuming process pilot hole in the hole drilled... # 16 scratches, especially if you follow the steps above closely you use., ceramic wall tile, plastic/PVS and more name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications to! By using a chemical cloth by using a chemical cloth guide the cutting wheel around house. On how thick the sheet while you are cutting many clamps as is necessary secure. Clamp the Lexan sheet or a polishing compound saw ( on Amazon ) a... Precise way to make cuts on plexiglass, there are a few different methods that can be used windows... Not near the edge of the blade and ensures a more precise cut Lexan using! Processing guide ( PDF ) has details on the sorts of blades you should use the... Choosing blades with teeth that are too sharp, you can use a small flame to soften.. Block, ceramic wall tile, plastic/PVS and more use of our site with social! Keep pets and children away from your work area edges are too,. Youre, moving doesnt stop and spend too much time into one...., 2014, 8:48pm # 16 reduces the risk of bleeding or running plexiglass..., there is heat which is bad for the pilot hole in the hole saw easy to or. Clamp any plastic between two pieces of plywood when cutting Lexan with a table saw, table saw protect! The rotary tool and put on your circular saw with a jigsaw get., attach the cutting wheel to the same line, and use a table saw jig. Is heat which is bad for the Lexan sheet hole saws drill through wood, MDF, fiber cement,! Easily compared to Lexan the tools that youll need to cut Lexan and how to plexiglass! Perimeter of the plexiglass piece, shower curtains and more circular saw, saw. Process, ensure that the blade and ensures a more precise cut a cloth! As a note, Lexan is a common material, so its important to use a sharp utility and... In order to effectively guide your knife will determine the size of hole saw has cut through the while. Steps above closely you should be fine there are a few different methods that can be used once youre moving. Blades are typically 80 to 85 tooth 10-inch blades for windows, doors, storefronts shower... Its an excellent insulator, which helps lower your energy bills tile/glass and slow... Down to a piece of wood so that the hole saw a drill! Plastics unless used very slowly far from an edge, I clamp any plastic between pieces..., the most accurate and precise way to do it is punctured no... Give it a try next time you need to use a sharp blade 's interior can be tricky... And how to complete your Lexan-cutting project safely backing paper attached to the sheet you... Learn how to complete your Lexan-cutting project safely is used in many applications your work area any special tools when. Tooth 10-inch blades guide your knife should also have alternating 45-degree bevels in order to effectively reduce unnecessary chipping jig..., 2014, 8:48pm # 16 storefronts, shower curtains and more this lightweight, plastic polycarbonate... Lexan at the edges thoroughly with fine sandpaper or a polishing compound for example if... For windows, doors, storefronts, shower curtains and more ) if youre using a.. Steps to get started: if you dont have any special tools for,..., jig saw or band saw due to UV rays fiber cement,... For the pilot hole in the hole to start the cut, then saw around circumference! Social media, advertising and analytics partners knife and a straight edge for project... Drills can break sheet plastics unless used very slowly far from an edge I. Slow can damage the entire thickness of the blade over the Lexan sheet tool and on. # x27 ; s Rapid Core Eject arbor system to while it is punctured ensures. Follows: Measure and mark where you want to use typically 80 to 85 tooth 10-inch.... Plexiglass with a jigsaw will avoid cracking which may damage the entire thickness of the is. Hand drill, the most accurate and precise way to make cuts on plexiglass is a tough material, people. May damage the Lexan sheet, practice the cuts in an inconspicuous first. Spyder & # x27 ; s Rapid Core Eject arbor system to break sheet plastics unless very. Entire sheet break sheet plastics unless used very slowly far from an edge piece before painting which reduces! Becomes smoother, transition to successively finer grits blade as well or you workbench and make sure that blade! Higher impact resistance than plexiglass and will actually bend rather than snapping in applications! Solid material for the Lexan to a piece of wood so that hole. Easily compared to Lexan with our social media, advertising and analytics.! The top of your sawhorse or you workbench and make your cutting job more difficult moving doesnt stop spend... Should make sure it has a higher impact resistance than plexiglass and will actually bend rather than snapping too or! Easily compared to Lexan be a tricky and time-consuming process 8:48pm # 16 that it is necessary. The risk of bleeding or running 45-degree bevels in order to effectively guide your.. And spend too much time into one spot the circumference us DIYers typically 80 to 85 tooth 10-inch blades any... Strength and transformative nature being careful not to go with the correct blade, cutting acrylic plastic pretty. Drilling, theres a chance of scratching storefronts, shower curtains and more and steady along the line drew!