looking for a wrenchin' secret to cutting clear acrylic without cracking it?

[Evans Ward]

Tried to cut some acrylic I have for a project with a jigsaw and cracked the acrylic splintering it. Only doing straight 90 degree cuts. Do they make a blade for plastic cutting just for a jigsaw? If it matters, thickness is .080 Project is clear license plate bug deflectors for the front tags.

Anyone know any tricks or tips here? Thanks!

[Smartin]

I use a die grinder with aa metal cutting wheel. Cuts really nice!

[Evans Ward]

Thanks Adam. I don't have a die grinder. I do have these that may work with the proper cutting blade: jigsaw, circular saw, and dremel tool. I'm thinking special designed plastic cutting blade for the jigsaw might be my best approach with what I have.

[Roberta]

Another thought is to score it with a very sharp knife and straight edge, a couple of times, then it should snap clean, but not fun or easy to do. RV

[Ken Warner]

I may be imagining this but seems I was told that a "roto-zip" or a router do a pretty nice job. Wouldn't swear to it though....


good luck!

[JESUPERCAT]

Dremel and an 1/8 inch roto-zip type bit:TU:
If you don't have the rotor base for the Dremel it's worth picking up. Then you can use a straght edge to make a very clean/smooth cut.

[70 gsconvt]

I have one word to say to you........RotoZip. I've done it to trim 1/4" thick stuff and it works great. Just use a smooth, metal or masonry blade.

[Evans Ward]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!:)

[benderbrew]

try putting masking tape on the plastic before you cut it. Place the masking tape, covering where you will cut. Workes for me.

[Evans Ward]

benderbrew said:try putting masking tape on the plastic before you cut it. Place the masking tape, covering where you will cut. Workes for me.

Thanks Len. I sure was splintering the acrylic with just going at it with the jigsaw and wood cutting blade! I'll try that with the masking tape.

[dualqwad]

A router with a flush cutting follower bit works great and leaves a very smooth edge.
Clamp the piece of acylic with a straigt edge as your guide to a work surface and have at it. :TU:

[Michael Evans]

The problem might be that your using a wood blade (TPI ?). Try the masking tape while using an 18 TPI (teeth per inch) blade.

[buick 494]

For straight cuts on thin plastic, flip the circular saw blade in backwards. This way the teeth don't "grab" the plastic. This is an old trick that vinyl sider's use on houses. Any clouding can be taken out by propane torch and or sand paper. Be careful not to melt the plastic, move the torch pretty fast back and forth.
Hope this helps.
Kelly

[cray1801]

First choice --> router.
Second choice --> sandwich plastic with plywood and cut.
Third choice --> sandwich plastic with tape and cut.

If a jigsaw is used go with a fine tooth blade (2 - 3 teeth per thickness of material is best).

[GS464]

As many teeth as you can find for a blade and moving the saw VERRRRRYY slowly into the work with the blade moving about as fast as your saw can make it go. You will also have to have the acrylic tightly held to keep it from vibrating.

I have to say that the Dremel or router are probably best of all though.

Good luck.