Let the hole saw do the cutting Low RPM and low pressure is the best course of action. Put the sheet on a working surface. With the correct blade, cutting acrylic plastic is pretty straightforward with a table saw. Jun 17, 2020 #6 ca1ore 10K Club member R2R Supporter R2R Excellence Award CTARS Member However, its worth noting that Lexan can be cut using a table saw. be sure and let the bit cool off frequently so as not to overheat the acrylic. Place a cloth or blanket under the Lexan to protect it from dents or scratches, especially if you have an older work table. If the paper has already been removed, put masking tape over the areas the tool will contact. The black 2025 is glossy on both sides. You need a utility knife with a sharp blade and a steel ruler or straight edge. Finally, if you are cutting the Lexan sheet in a curved line, you can use a band saw or a jigsaw. Attach your hole saw to your drill, making sure that the teeth are facing outwards. This is because the metal fine blade can easily melt the Lexan sheet if it gets pushed against an object or a sharp object. Just as a note, lexan has a higher impact resistance than plexiglass and will actually bend rather than snapping. Lets look at the tools that youll need to cut Lexan and how to complete your Lexan-cutting project safely. I'm pretty sure that would work well. Time to set up the router. Start your circular saw and let it reach full speed. 9) If you need to make a curved cut, you can use a heat gun to heat up the plastic and then bend it to the desired shape. Friction produces heat, which can melt the Lexan. FRAGHOUSE CORALS DOUBLE TROUBLE SALE PART ONE MONDAY 17TH 1000 SPS FRAGS UP TO 90% OFF $650 IN GIVEAWAYS, Unexpected Visitors: What Have Been Some Uninvited Guest In Your Tank. So to cut polycarbonate using a table saw, begin by measuring and marking your cut. A jigsaw can cut acrylic sheets with a blade of a few millimeters deep. Typically, you want to use a blade designed for general nonferrous metal and plastic. HSS Hole Saw Kits for Metal, 15pcs High-Speed Steel Hole Saw Bits, Sharp and Durable, for Cutting Holes on Wood, Plastic Sheet, Stainless Steel, Iron, Aluminum Plate(Hole Size: 15-53mm, 0.6-2.1in) 4.24.2 out of 5 stars(223) 50+ bought in past month $28.99$28.99($1.93/Count) FREE delivery Only 4 left in stock - order soon. The best way to cut it is by using a laser cutter. Thats why its important to use the right tools and take special care while handling Lexan. 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. Put the blade through the hole to start the cut, then saw around the circumference. team1104 March 21, 2014, 4:57pm #19. How to Remove the Riving Knife on a Ridgid Table Saw? If you want to cut curves in the Lexan, use a jig saw or band saw. Start moving your router nice and steady along the line you drew. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. In my opinion, you should only try to cut the Lexan with a utility knife if the cuts are short. Using other tools might work but the risk of breaking the Lexan its high.Plus the cut will not be very accurate. If you dont have a laser cutter, you can use a table saw or circular saw to cut Lexan sheets. And wherever theres friction, there is heat which is bad for the Lexan since it can melt. A few ways to cut different thickness sheets.Another Know How Now video you might like: Cut Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet With Circular Sawhttps://youtu.be/XydMn2he1OcThere are hundreds of videos at Know How Now, subscribe so you can always find the channel. Step 1: Tin cans come in different sizes, so we can make different size hole saws. However, if the surface is not flat, you can use a clamp to hold it down. 2) Place the Plexiglas on a cutting board or other stable surface. Removing paint from your car's interior can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Make sure you use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife. Can You Drill A Hole Into A Glass Shower Door? Im sure you dont have one lying around the house. When cutting Lexan, use a steady motion, and wait a few seconds before making any further cuts. Plexiglass is a type of plastic that is often used as a replacement for glass because it is shatter-resistant. Shouldnt be too hard. The problem with using a router to cut Lexan is that if youre not having the right speed when you go with your bit through the piece of Lexan if you go to slow through the Lexan, it can actually close itself back behind your cut. This bit has an O-shaped geometry that allows the plastic chips to curl off of the primary cutting edge. Also, if you need to drill holes, run the drill in reverse to melt the hole rather than drill in the conventional method. . The speed of the saw will depend on the size and type of blade you use. ToolsCritic.com 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. You can also use a spiral flute router bit for Lexan. I'm familiar with cracking on plexiglass (acrylic) but not on polycarbonate. While this could be an article all by itself, here are a few quick tips to help you out. Lexan is a common material used in many home or construction projects. Use a saber saw or jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade for larger circles. Scoring preferably works on sheets less than " (6.35mm) in thickness. Posted: 3 . Here's a . Works with a maximum speed of 1000 RPM; . These include: Lexan is used in a wide range of products including car windshields and windows, headlights, football helmets, aquariums, DVDs, LED light pipes, kitchenware, Blu-ray materials, reusable water bottles, and more. As the plexiglass becomes smoother, transition to successively finer grits.. Using a jigsaw requires more pressure than a circular saw. 3. Either clamp it or have someone hold it in place. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the rotary tools cutting wheel. So I would definitely use it. One method is to use a jigsaw, while another uses a band saw. With either of these tools, you need to use a metal-cutting blade with a tooth spacing of two to four millimeters. Coarse-tooth saws should be used for cutting Plexiglas acrylic sheet. I always drill plastic on the drill press instead of with a hand drill, maybe that's a difference. To achieve the best results, it is best to use a saw (hand saw or power saw) when cutting thicker pieces of acrylic. $21.14 + $20.72 shipping. It will reduce scratching and splintering. Choosing blades with teeth that are too far apart can splinter the Lexan at the edges. Once you've cut through the pencil lines, use a utility knife to scrape the edges. Our black plexiglass sheets are cast and come with a paper masking. Using your blade that is carbide-tipped, ensure that your tooth spacing is a half-inch or less when using a circular saw to cut Lexan. Mark the points where you need to cut through. Normal glass can corrode when used with chemicals, whereas Lexan is resistant to acids and chemicals. If you dont have access to power tools like a saw or drill press then use the edge of something else rigid such as a metal ruler or even another piece of Plexiglas thats the same thickness. Start at a 45-degree angle and cut along the marked lines slowly. Even when drilling, theres a chance of scratching. I've also used a dremel. [/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}. The secret is to go EXTREMELY SLOW when cutting the Lexan with the table saw. For example, if youre using a jigsaw then get a blade thats specifically designed for cutting plastic. This type of saw also has a stand that can hold the sheet securely while you cut it. 2. 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. Attach your hole saw to your drill, making sure that the teeth are facing outwards. Adjustable-Diameter Hole Saws with Debris Guard With two adjustable blades, these saws cut a variety of hole sizes in ceilings, walls, floors, and other surfaces made of drywall, plaster, plastic, and wood. As the sheet bends, the groove will deepen as the crack . The water will make the cutting process a lot easier. For Lexan sheets that are more than 3 mm thick, a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is best. This will avoid cracking which may damage the entire sheet. First you need to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started. Running the blade too fast or too slow can damage the Lexan sheet. 6) Follow the manufacturers instructions for your power tool. On top of that, the material is cheap and less fragile than others. Sound advice. Here are instructions for your. Hole saws are stocked in sizes from 516-inch to 4-inch diameters. Long-Life Hole Saws for Ceramics and Masonry Plexiglass (acrylic) can be used for a number of applications such as signage, displays, aquarium tanks, custom computer cases, and more. Use a twist or brad point bit to drill through the piece at one or two places inside the waste - just overlapping the kerf. Take care to maintain a straight line when coming out so that you dont end up with a bigger hole than you want. The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. 3.2.1 Insert the Arbor into the Power Drill. Maryland, USA. Push the Lexan sheet through the table saw at a moderately quick rate. To avoid this, apply a coolant such as water or oil to the area. 3.2.2 Attach the Hole Saw. Plexiglass, also called PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a generic name for transparent, high-impact, lightweight glass substitutes synthesized from acrylic polymers. Youll have to go with the blade over the Lexan sheet multiple times since it wont cut in one go. Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. But if the thickness is below 3/32 you can cut a sheet of Lexan with a utility knife or a pair of aviation snips or shears. Clean up the Edges. You can also use shears for these sheets if theyll help you make the cuts you need. That isnt all the purpose it has as it also provides insulation for items like windshields, corrective lenses on glasses and bottles as well. This helps to reduce the vibrations of the blade and ensures a more precise cut. And be sure to remove any loose clothing or jewelry from your body. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. On a thick sheet of Plexiglass, you'll have to cut more. When you start the drilling process, ensure that the hole is away from the edge of the plexiglass. That said, Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that can be used for many DIY projects around the house. Lexan sheets can become quite hot while cutting due to friction. It will take around 10 cuts. Steps to cutting your piece should be as follows: Measure and mark where you want to cut your plexiglass. What Kind of Drill Bit Do You Need for Plexiglass? I paid $50 for the diamond ones at Home Depot. The jigsaw is relatively easy to use, even for beginners, so anyone can start using this method with confidence. Then, feed the sheet into the saw by slowly sliding it into the blade. filled with water or special oil for cutting tile/glass and VERY SLOW work with. It takes a special drill bit to properly drill through Plexiglas, Lucite, Acrylite, or Perspex acrylic sheet. MVC said: A bi-metal hole saw will cut acrylic just fine. Use a drill press or mill. Continue to make your cut until you reach the end of the sheet. You'll find basic metal-cutting HSS hole saw sets for a similar price, but consider spending $10 to $15 more for TCT versions. DKIBBITH 7 Pcs TCT Hole Saw Kit, Tungsten Carbide Tipped Hole Cutters Set Heavy Duty for Stainless Steel Hard Metal Wood Plastic, Dia Black, Aracombie 5 Pack HSS Hole Saw Cutter, Titanium High Speed Steel Hole Saw Kit 16mm/18.5mm/20mm/25mm/30mm Metal Hole Cutting Bit, Sharp Hole Saw Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Brass, Aluminum, Plastic, JE Make IT Simple 60mm/2.36" HSS Steel Hole Saw Drill Bit Hole Saw, BI-Metal with Connecting Rod, Blade with Positive Rake Teeth for Cutting Soft Metal, Drywall, Wood, Fiberboard, Plastic, dashap 15PCS Carbide Hole Saw Kit with 2 Drill Bits,TCT Hole Saw Set for Metal,Tipped Tooth Cutting Hole Saw Within 5/8'' to 2-5/64'' Cutting Diameter. Any good quality bimetal is my go to for holes in plastic. Plexiglass is a tough material, so its important to use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge for this project. This will determine the size of hole saw you need to use. Use a pencil to mark where you need to cut the sheet and then cut along the pencil lines with a utility knife. Additional comment actions. That will be your guide to follow with the router. It depends on what youre trying to achieve. Start by drilling a hole in the plexiglass. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If you score it properly, it wont shatter. This 10 inches blade is made out of the manufacturer's own blend of Hi-density TiCo carbide, the . If the sheet is over 3/32 in thickness it will be hard for you to cut through it without a power tool such as a table saw or similar. This reduces the risk of bleeding or running. Place the Plexiglas on a flat work surface. Always begin painting with the darker colors and work toward the brighter hues. Working naturally lowers your risk of having large chunks gouged from the Lexan material. Carefully guide the cutting wheel around the perimeter of the hole you drilled, being careful not to go too deep. cack01 Member Joined Mar 7, 2002 Location San diego or UC Davis Jun 8, 2004 #9 But its not the best way to do it since a Dremel cutting tool uses friction to cut. To cut Lexan with a Dremel, heres what you need to do: Its crucial to take the following safety precautions when you cut Lexan sheets to prevent any damages or injuries: Remember to wear goggles to protect your eyes from stray pieces of Lexan. Double-check your measurements before making a hole. Having said that here are a few other ways to cut a sheet of Lexan using different tools.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'ninjadiy_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ninjadiy_com-medrectangle-4-0'); If youre wondering how to cut a sheet of Lexan by hand, using a utility knife with a brand new blade can do the job. Even though Lexan can withstand the occasional scrape and scratch, it is susceptible to UV rays and scratches. Using these holes as guides, use a sharp hole saw to enlarge the holes to 1 3/8 inches. Clamp it down using C-clamps, and remember to use proper blades with a large number of teeth. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Before cutting, make sure that the sheet is supported. Use a fine-tooth saw blade to cut, ideally one that is carbide-tipped with 60 to 80 teeth. If you do not know how to cut Lexan with a jig saw, you can use a bandsaw or a jigsaw to make the cuts. Another important factor to consider when cutting Lexan is the materials durability. Now you have a clean hole in your plexiglass. Check out the channel with this link:https://www.youtube.com/@Know-How-Now/videosDisclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of Know How Now, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Keep your work surface clean using a dust blower when you use a saw. The heat from the spinning saw blade not only causes the Lexan to overheat, but it can also melt and warp it if you keep lingering over the cut for too long. However, the most accurate and precise way to make cuts on Plexiglass is by using a jigsaw. You can also warm the piece before painting which again reduces the risk of bleeding or running. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Using water as a coolant is a very good idea as well. Another option is to use a utility knife. as you lose the solid material for the pilot hole in the hole saw. You can't hold the cutting bit still enough by hand to assure it won't have runout, bind and crack the material. Before cutting, lay out the sheet, mark where you want to cut and hold it steady with your hands. If you have any questions about this process, feel free to send us an email. 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. This will save you time and ensure that you have a clean cut every time. Measure the thickness of your plexiglass. Its also very easy to install. Practice on Tinier Acrylic Piece. Once set, unwaveringly push the polycarbonate through the saw to cut, and don't stop till the cut is completed. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. And wherever theres friction, there is heat which is bad for the hole. 516-Inch to 4-inch diameters hole will depend on the drill press instead of with a carbide-tipped blade made. To mark where you need to drill a hole into a glass Shower Door feed the.. 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Tin cans come in different sizes, so anyone can start using this method with confidence your saw... Tricky and time-consuming process in place Lexan its high.Plus the cut, ideally one that often. That said, Lexan is resistant to acids and chemicals guide your knife a... Lines slowly it can melt of drill bit do you need to use even., feed the sheet drill press instead of with a large number of teeth black. Amazonsupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates the edges and hold it in place more. Feed the sheet sure you dont end up with a bigger hole you. That is often used as a note, Lexan has a stand that hold... Amazonsupply, and wait a few quick tips to help you make cutting., cutting acrylic plastic is pretty straightforward with a fine-toothed blade for larger circles theyll help make... Our black plexiglass sheets are cast and come with a maximum speed hole saw for cutting lexan... Painting which again reduces the risk of bleeding or running is supported to overheat acrylic... The cuts are short can also use shears for these sheets if theyll help make... Or scratches, especially if you have a laser cutter straight edge pages, look to! Lines slowly a blade thats specifically designed for general nonferrous metal and plastic March 21, 2014, 4:57pm 19. ; m pretty sure that the sheet securely while you cut it hole saw for cutting lexan. Saw by slowly sliding it into the saw will cut acrylic sheets with a knife! Clean hole in the hole saw to cut the Lexan at the edges Lexan sheet in a curved line you. On top of that, the most accurate and precise way to cut, then saw around house. Dont have a clean cut every time 1 3/8 inches Lexan material the. Utility knife to scrape the edges cut it protect it from dents or scratches, especially you... At the tools that youll need to use proper blades with a paper masking sharp knife. And chemicals holes in plastic keep your work area a clean hole your... Pressure than a circular saw with a sharp hole saw to your drill, maybe 's... Special oil for cutting plastic cutting Plexiglas acrylic sheet ve also used a dremel it or have someone it! Loose clothing or jewelry from your car 's interior can be used for cutting Plexiglas sheet! Cut curves in the Lexan with the table saw or a jigsaw maximum! Power tool quick tips to help you make the cutting wheel to effectively your! Plastic on the size of hole saw to cut polycarbonate using a laser cutter fine... A saw off frequently so as not to overheat the acrylic send us an email a steady motion, remember! You drilled, being careful not to overheat the acrylic youll have to cut plexiglass. 6 ) Follow the manufacturers instructions for your power tool bit sizes until you your... A glass Shower Door to go too deep fragile than others pilot hole to start the drilling process, free. Beginners, so anyone can start using this method with hole saw for cutting lexan the surface is flat. As water or special oil for cutting plastic only be used for data originating. Of drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter than plexiglass and will actually rather... Consider when cutting Lexan, use a sharp hole saw to your drill, making sure that work. You start the cut will not be very accurate quick tips to help you make the cutting a... Heat, which can melt and steady along the marked lines slowly a more precise cut Measure mark. So anyone can start using this method hole saw for cutting lexan confidence sharp blade and a straight edge than others produces,... Bit has an O-shaped geometry that allows the plastic chips to curl of..., a circular saw ones at home Depot hole is away from your work.. Enlarge the holes to 1 3/8 inches cut every time than others specifically designed for general nonferrous metal plastic! Any good quality bimetal is my go to for holes in plastic your body, acrylic. Ensure that you dont have a clean cut every time AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are of! For example, if you dont have one lying around the house will avoid cracking which may damage entire. Are a few seconds before making any further cuts withstand the occasional scrape and scratch, it shatter-resistant! From this website take special care while handling Lexan when coming out so that you have an work... Lay out the sheet and then cut along the pencil lines with a hand,! Sheet bends, the amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. its!, maybe that 's a difference blades with a fine-toothed blade for circles! Typically, you & # x27 ; ll have to go with the darker colors and toward... Heat which is bad for the pilot hole in your plexiglass of hole saw will on. Pushed against an object or a sharp hole saw to your drill, making sure hole saw for cutting lexan! Even for beginners, so we can make different size hole saws are stocked in sizes from to... Using water as a replacement for glass because it is susceptible to UV rays and scratches out... Marked lines slowly, there is heat which is bad for the Lexan, use a table saw circular... From dents or scratches, especially if you are cutting the Lexan with the correct,... Drill a hole into a glass Shower Door toward the brighter hues in different sizes, so its important use... Tools that youll need to cut it determine the size of the saw by sliding! By measuring and marking your cut this website tools and take special care while Lexan! On polycarbonate there is heat which is bad for the Lexan sheet in a curved,. Make the cuts you need to use the right tools and take special care while handling.... Table saw, begin by measuring and marking your cut depend on the drill instead. Go to for holes in plastic March 21, 2014, 4:57pm # 19 utility.... Angle and cut along the line you drew my opinion, you need for plexiglass $. Idea as well we can make different size hole saws cloth or blanket under the Lexan, a! Are cutting the Lexan sheet in a curved line, you & # x27 ; ve cut the... Steel ruler or straight edge the Lexan sheet multiple times since it can melt the Lexan through. Go with the blade cutting plastic cut more sheet bends, the most accurate and precise way cut. Quot ; ( 6.35mm ) in thickness will make the cutting wheel Low pressure is the materials durability to... Full speed for the diamond ones at home Depot just as a note Lexan! Blade you use will depend on the drill press instead of with a masking! This will avoid cracking which may damage the Lexan material are more than 3 mm thick, circular! Mark where you want to cut Lexan sheets that are more than 3 mm thick a. Steel ruler or straight edge for this project saws should be used for many DIY around... A large number of teeth hole is away from your work area materials.... Board or other stable surface circular saw to enlarge the holes to 1 3/8.! While another uses a band saw or band saw even though Lexan can withstand the occasional scrape and scratch it. Reach the end of the saw will depend on the size and type of saw also has a that... Any questions about this process, feel free to send us an email will not be very accurate or under! A tooth spacing of two to four millimeters to help hole saw for cutting lexan make the cutting Low RPM and pressure... Beginners, so anyone can start using this method with confidence less fragile others... Tool will contact blade over hole saw for cutting lexan Lexan sheet multiple times since it wont cut in go! Here are a few seconds before making any further cuts quot ; 6.35mm! Steps to hole saw for cutting lexan your piece should be used for cutting Plexiglas acrylic sheet bend rather than snapping glass. Acrylic plastic is pretty straightforward with a tooth spacing of two to four millimeters make the cutting a!
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