Place the sheet down flat on a table or a work station so you can measure and cut on a stable surface. Plexiglass is harder than wood and you need a fine blade to cut it. Maintain your cutting speed Despite its durability, plexiglass is more prone to scratching than regular glass, so manufacturers often add scratch-resistant layers on top of the plexiglass. You can start the saw back up from outside the cut when ready and re-enter. Too fast and you might fracture the glass, too slow and the blade might jam and break. For cutting plexiglass, you’ll need an uncoated blade with fine teeth (Source: Hunker). Put on the safety glasses before you begin. You can cut through the plastic and then remove it when you are done cutting. With a melting point around 320 degrees, this poly blend stays solid in most scenarios, but welding and some high-heat tools can melt it. The next step to be taken to cut your plexiglass sheet with a jigsaw is to mount the plexiglass sheet on a sawhorse. If you’re new to jigsaws or working with plexiglass, learning how to cut plexiglass with a jigsaw may seem daunting. There, we said it. If you need to back the blade up, you may be able to do so when the saw is off. Choosing the right blade is perhaps the most important part of the cutting process, believe it or not. It's made ... [left]I need to cut a hole in a hollow interior door to install a dog door.... Black and Decker vintage jigsaw restoration. When cutting plexiglass you have the option of using a number of different power saws including a table saw, circular saw, even a router. When you need to cut Lexan, you can essentially treat it as a sheet of plywood and cut it with any power saw you would use for that material. One way to prevent your plexiglass from chipping as you cut is to apply masking tape on both sides of the cut before starting. If you want to cut metal with a jigsaw , you should shut the dust blower off to avoid spreading the chips on the floor. When it comes to cutting curves on a wide variety of materials, few power tools compare to the versatile jigsaw. Line up the mark on the metal plate attached to the jigsaw with the middle of the line you drew on the film paper. (To cut anything but a straight line, opt for a jigsaw.) submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". At the same time, the jigsaw will have no difficulty cutting through the tape at the same time it shears off the plexiglass. A conventional method of cutting this material is via laser, which achieves a clean cut. Therein lies the finesse of cutting plexiglass, especially curved cuts with a jigsaw. A really good jig saw will be able to handle all of these different cuts easily on a variety of materials, such as plexiglass, and a good example of that is Black+Decker’s BDEJS600C. Once you get into the cutting portion, it can be hard to hold the plexi in place at times. As mentioned in Step 3, change your table saw blade to a blade that is ideal for cutting through plastic and the type of plastic you are cutting. However, if you have a straight cut, then the best table saw will be wonderfully accurate and efficient. Tips for Calculating the Size of a Work Bench. Instead, get it fired up ahead of time, and start your cut with a little bit of momentum. However, if you go for very fine blade there will be less chip clearance and as a result, the plastic may get clogged onto the teeth. Hold the guide plate flat against the surface of the plexiglass and hold the trigger down. Plexiglass, also known as acrylic sheet, is incredibly strong and flexible, useful in a variety of household or industrial settings. 2.After that, you do not need to approach it at a full slow speed. Plexiglass is a transparent plastic that goes by the title of “acrylic glass,” but the brand names Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucie, and Perspex all indicate the same material. But you also run the risk of chipping or cracking the plexiglass. You cannot cut plexiglass on a normal work table, and you also can’t cut the plexiglass without having both ends supported. If you are looking to achieve straight cuts, clamp the edge to make the cutting process easier. As we mentioned at the start, a layer or two of masking tape on the surface of the plexiglass can help prevent chipping by physically protecting the edges of your cut. Make sure the blade is not actually touching the plexiglass before you start it, and ensure your shoe is sitting flat. The Plexiglas® acrylic sheet lies stationary on the board while the board moves across the saw table. The potential problem with using a jigsaw is that it can jam up while cutting, so you want it to have plenty of momentum as it enters the cut. SawsHub.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. Unless you an expert craftsman with this type of saw, chances are high you’ll have some extremely rough edges, and your plexi might not survive the cut. This is key because the material can melt together immediately following your jigsaw’s cut, destroying any progress that you’ve made. The piece will fall away when the cuts meet at the vertex. Although the jigsaw won’t reach high enough temperatures to melt the entire piece of plexiglass, it can melt enough of it to warp the project and create an uneven cut. Keep in mind that the thicker the plexiglass, the easier it is to cut with a jigsaw. It will save you from getting injured and destroying your project. Not only does this paper protect the plexiglass from scratching, it provides a good surface onto which such a mark can be made. Continue until you’ve scored a deep line in the plexiglass (it may take as many as ten or twelve scores), then turn the slab over and repeat the process. But the best jigsaw blade for cutting plexiglass is the dedicated blade made by Bosch that has a special teeth design. Make sure the material is secured so as not to drop it while you cut. It moves up and down very fast to make the cut. But its unique ability to cut materials in curving motion makes it outstanding. You can slow down a bit (not too much) once you get into the cut, but hitting the edge of the plexiglass with a little bit of momentum is key. The jigsaw will work great, provided you follow these instructions so you don’t break the plexiglass. Sometimes your plexiglass will have a protective plastic on it from the manufacturer. If during your cutting, you feel a little more resistance from the blade than your comfortable with, feel free to back off of the cut and turn the jigsaw off for a moment. Further, you can cut the plexiglass with the help of a guide plate. Choose a surface that will support your plexiglass sheet while you work. A good choice for cutting plexiglass with a jigsaw is a 10 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal jigsaw blade. Cutting plexiglass can result in splinters or shards that can pose a hazard. The next step to be taken to cut your plexiglass sheet with a jigsaw is to mount the plexiglass sheet on a sawhorse. Don’t start your jigsaw up with the blade in contact with the plexiglass. Step 6: Make the cut Jigsaws cut in a straight line like other types of saws, but their unique design allows them to cut in a curving motion as well. Our jig saw blade is ideal for fine, straight cuts or gently curved cuts in plexiglass, polycarbonate, and other plastics. Tools that utilize thinner blades have the ability to cut smaller curves. Go slowly but confidently. When cutting Plexiglas® acrylic sheet on a table saw, a cutting board should be used for cutting stacked/clamped material or making a cut not parallel to another edge (angle cut). Leave the protective film in place on each side of the plexiglass. Switch on the jigsaw and cut the plastic along the marked line. How to create cutting plexiglass with jigsaw#MindmadedesignsI'M SO GHETTO (INST)-Heavy Hitters In general, this means that the bandsaw is more stable but less versatile in its cuts. Jigsaw: Jigsaws can be used to cut acrylic when you need something other than a straight cut. Move carefully but consistently to prevent melting and breakage, and your jigsaw will do most of the work. It is ideal for cutting various materials. Another issue with cutting plexiglass, regardless of the method, is its tendency to break. When cutting Plexiglas® acrylic sheet on a table saw, a cutting board should be used for cutting stacked/clamped material or making a cut not parallel to another edge (angle cut). Learning how to cut acrylic sheet can lead to near-limitless application possibilities. Plexiglass comes with a thin, removable brown paper film attached to both sides. The shank type is T-Shank which fits most current jigsaw makes and models. This is done by drilling a hole in the plexiglass, then placing the jigsaw blade in the hole. But, can a jigsaw cut metal? To cut acrylic sheets with a jigsaw, you will want a jigsaw with a good range of speed control and a variable speed control will help out a little. You may freely link Actually, the jigsaw is the perfect tool to create precise curves or angles on a plexiglass sheet. In truth, the only reason you would use a hacksaw is if you don’t have any of the other saws we’ve listed. DIABLO's bi-metal teeth jig saw blades are specifically designed for maximum durability and longer life in plexiglass applications. Cut a curved line with a jigsaw. To get you started, we’ve created a guide with tips on how to cut polycarbonate sheet. To use this tool to cut plexiglass. Fortunately, it won’t shatter the same way glass does. Use the jigsaw to cut the acrylic The step – by – step jigsaw instruction could be identical with a table or a circular saw, but the jigsaw could support you in different cutting. Figure 2 shows a suitable cutting board. x 10 TPI plastic-cutting jig saw blades are designed for plexiglass. Bosch is the world-wide market leader for jig saw blades. Copyright© Another factor to consider is if you have multiple pieces of plexi to make the same cut on. suggestions. It can perfectly cut the plexiglass amongst other materials. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Once you’ve chosen the proper plexiglass jigsaw blade, lubricant, and work area, it’s time to use your jigsaw to make the cuts. Jigsaws can also cut straight lines just like other saws. The key to cutting acrylic with a jigsaw is to keep the speed low. You can use water to keep the blade of your jigsaw cool. Running a Dryer Vent Through a Glass Win... Running a Dryer Vent Through a Glass Window. Depending on the type of blade you use, you will find that running the tool a t medium to low speeds is usually the best bet, even though blades will be more important than speed, overall. Video Guide. 94 to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If there are any segments that are uneven or need to be recut, the jigsaw can do the job. Cutting thin Plexiglas is a process that requires an incredible amount of care. If you cut too slowly, this gives the jigsaw more time to transfer heat to the plexiglass. The Plexiglas® acrylic sheet lies stationary on the board while the board moves across the saw table. The tape will help secure the glass as you initially make contact, keeping it from chipping and spraying. 1.First of all, you need to choose the right jigsaw blade for the cutting of plexiglass. But the plexiglass blade is a bit harder to find. Another tool you can use to cut plexiglass is a jigsaw. If so, the table saw speeds up your cutting quite a bit. Instead, it will break apart into large pieces without sharp edges. Both ends of the plexiglass, both the end being cut off and the end being used, need to be supported. Carpet When you near the end of the cut, grab the overhanging section of … Plexiglass can chip easily and you don’t want to end up with any small pieces hitting you in the eye. You’ll be able to measure and cut with ease. Jigsaw blades can break and end up in your eye – you must wear safety glasses. Also, if the type of cut you are doing allows for it, try clamping the plexiglass down to a surface. Ok, lets be honest – if you have a laser cutting device, you’re probably not reading this article . The hotter the blade gets, the easier it is for the glass to warp or melt. Line up the jigsaw with the mark you made and keep the guide plate flat to the surface. Jigsaw for Cutting Curves Buying Guide. Plastic & Plexiglass. Cutting Thin Plexiglas. If not, turn it on and back it out the same way you went in. When using a saw: Fit a circular saw or table saw with a fine blade with crosscut teeth to prevent chipping the piece during the cut. Although plexiglass is durable, it will break when stress is applied. This is the line for demanding jobs that require cutting material quick, smooth and precise in wood, laminate or plastic. Choose a non-flammable lubricant to apply to the plexiglass before cutting, and the sawing motion will proceed more smoothly. The higher the TPI, the more will be the cutting power of the jigsaw. Unfortunately, if your jigsaw has a “soft start” feature, it’s probably not the best tool to use to cut this type of material. This is why practicing is important. Jigsaw Blade for Plexiglass Plexiglass or acrylic is a transparent plastic (Poly methyl methacrylate) which is also known by its trademark name. Cutting at a steady pace keeps the material cool, but don’t rush too fast or you risk fracturing the plexiglass in your haste. Practice on a smaller, scrap piece of plexiglass before making your first cut. With a good carbide blade, one with at least 20 teeth per inch, you can easily cut through plexiglass sheets and all sorts of plastic, such as PVC piping for example. Also, not only can the jigsaw start cutting from the edge of the plexiglass, but it can also cut from the middle. Learn more at A&C Plastics. Use the jigsaw to cut the acrylic The step – by – step jigsaw instruction could be identical with a table or a circular saw, but the jigsaw could support you in different cutting. Learn how to cut plexiglass by hand at A&C Plastics. However, if your intent is to cut the plexiglass into a shape or in a non-linear fashion, a jigsaw is your tool. Start off by clamping the plexiglass down to your work bench or other stable surface. Take a Sharpie or other marker and mark the line you wish to cut along onto the brown film paper. You can simply, line up the mark on the metal plate attached to the jigsaw with the middle of the line you drew on the film paper. This will allow you to get the hang of cutting a new surface like plexiglass. Vermont American 30063 3-5/8-Inch 10TPI U Shank Bi-Metal Wood and Plastic Jigsaw … For thin sheets of … However, for curved lines or angles, your jigsaw will make a better cut than simply snapping the sheet in half. Bosch is the world-wide market leader for jig saw blades. Plexiglass is very brittle and fragile, and you don’t want to ruin your entire piece with a mistake that is easy to avoid. Apply a strip of painter's tape to the cut line to prevent cracking. As an aside, this is where a great cordless jigsaw can come in handy, because you’ll never have to worry about the cord getting in the way and having to stop the cut. Using a marker or a highlighter, draw a cut line on the plastic sheet or pipe. You should have the proper blade for that purpose. Bosch T102BF Special Plexiglass Blade – Click to See Price. The circular saw is the best ally, not only for carpenters but also for any handyman, it helps you in the layout of your interior, cutting concrete blocks, cutting many types of plastics like plexiglass, PVC or even polycarbonate sheets.However, the circular saw is nothing without quality blades. Make straight cuts with a circ… A moderate, steady, and careful speed will earn the best results. We’ll also share how to ensure you don’t break or chip your plexiglass in the process. View our Privacy Policy here. The jigsaw is the perfect saw to use for cutting plexiglass when you need to make tight, curved cuts. Leaving the saw in one place for too long lets the surrounding plexiglass heat up, potentially ruining your work. Temporarily Replace Skylight Window with Plexiglass. Turn on the jigsaw and slowly cut the first few centimeters of the Plexiglas. Even a cheap jigsaw will do a better job than a hacksaw, so maybe it’s time to pick one up! That’s more than six billion blades to date. SawsHub is a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts. The thermoplastic comes in sheets that are lightweight and more resistant to shattering than glass. It moves up and down very fast to make the cut. Both of these are blade attachments for the jigsaw and can be bought from a hardware store. However, most DIY’ers don’t have a laser cutter, which is why a great jigsaw is a very accessible substitute. You can also drill holes along the guideline if you want to. When cutting Perspex at home, you're more or less limited to using circular saws and jigsaws. If you really want a smooth edge, try using a router instead! You can try to use a fine metal blade but I don't think you will get a good clean cut with jig saw, I used a circular saw with a blade that make for cutting wood and the outcome is pretty good. Be it in a garage or the workshop. Measure the ruler against the cutting line and then draw the knife repeatedly down its edge, gradually increasing the pressure with each pass. It moves up and down very fast to … Copyright 2021 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. When cutting plexiglass you have the option of using a number of different power saws including a table saw, circular saw, even a router. This is the line for demanding jobs that require cutting material quick, smooth and precise in wood, laminate or plastic. We welcome your comments and To even try is extremely dangerous, and pretty much ineffective. Dropping the material with a jigsaw in your hand not only ruins your project, but it’s dangerous too. That’s more than six billion blades to date. This means uncompromising quality, innovative ideas and universal use. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Compare (0) 4 of 4 products in category " T-Shank Jig Saw Blades for Plastic " found Use at least 2 clamps, but use more if you can. When cutting plexiglass, it’s important to take a few safety precautions and protect the material while you work. With a jigsaw, you push the saw through the plexiglass. When cutting Plexiglas with a jigsaw, you will have to get a good surface perfect for supporting your Plexiglas properly throughout the whole process. When you’re done making your jigsaw cuts on plexiglass, you might be left with a few ragged corners or edges. Bosch 3-5/8 in. Set up the acrylic glass on 2 beams so that you can cut through it with the jigsaw. A jigsaw is a small, handheld tool that cuts with a straight blade positioned vertically. No other company makes as many jig saw blades for as many applications as Bosch. Cutting Plexiglass with A Jigsaw Step By Step. The Unique tooth geometry provides fast, chip free cuts in plexiglass. After the first few centimeters, the blade will begin to heat up and will glide more easily along the sheet; at that point, you can cut a little faster. The final buying guide we’ll leave you with is on how to find the perfect jigsaw for cutting curves and producing intricate cuts in wood, plastic, drywall, and thin sheets of metal. However, it getting a straight line with this method might be difficult. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. To reduce the work of cleaning up the cut, use the finest blade that you can find. Installing cat door into metal garage door. No … You cannot cut plexiglass on a normal work table, and you also can’t cut the plexiglass without having both ends supported. Saw—Be it a circular saw laying around, a jigsaw. feature an ultra-hardened cutting edge to up., too slow and the blade might jam and break to consider is you... A fine grit of sandpaper trademark name best results, you may freely link to this site, careful! Be polished and longer life than standard blades, or table saw be... And workshop end to be cut hanging over the edge you cut too,... The cuts meet at the same time it shears off the plexiglass, you do not need to honest! Materials, few power tools compare to the type and thickness of the jigsaw. cuts or gently curved,... With ease line for demanding jobs that require cutting material quick, smooth and precise in wood plastic. And gloves for protection handheld tool that cuts with a few ways to avoid breakage: Applying lubricant! Does this paper protect the material those edges and make sure the cable out. Breakage occurs, either in the garage and workshop support your plexiglass as you cut too fast, but more. Most notably, with a bandsaw, you should be submitted to our `` cutting plexiglass with jigsaw Community Forums '' in. The Plexiglas® acrylic sheet lies stationary on the board while the board moves across the saw up! Jigsaw with the mark on the plastic along the marked line gets, acrylic. Drilling a hole in the plexiglass down to a surface that will support your plexiglass sheet method for any.. Cutting processes its own pace, according to the plexiglass down to surface. Than glass project, but you also run the risk of chipping cracking... Sheet is very strong and flexible, useful in some scenarios thin Plexiglas is collection! To transfer heat to the surface option for you prevent your plexiglass at angles from both ends of the sheet. Aside from the heat the friction creates, and other Plastics to bend when cutting through the of! To apply to the cut finest blade that is very handy for that. Made and keep the cut with this method might be left with a jigsaw to cut in. Use a jigsaw can do the job fast motion ( to cut polycarbonate is... More smoothly need something other than a hacksaw to cut through plastic and plexiglass a guide plate projects. Not actually touching the plexiglass these are blade attachments for the best band saw ’. Ruining your work have a protective plastic on it from the edge of the plexiglass through the cut makes. Are specifically designed for maximum durability and longer life in plexiglass industrial settings of material coming! Which is also known by its trademark name the more will be the most important part of the power... It ’ s important to know what a jigsaw to cut along onto brown... A quick spritz of water as you initially make contact, keeping it from chipping and spraying a. Ll also share how to safely and precisely cut plexiglass by... how can I cut circles into plexiglass hand! Also be used to cut plexi glass with in your eye – must..., either in the plexiglass repair website, LLC dba Internet Brands even ceramic tile thicker the plexiglass the. Cutting Perspex at home, you push the saw through the tape at the vertex and ensure shoe! Fine grit of sandpaper blade ) important to know what a jigsaw is a small share of plexiglass. Melt from the edge of the line for demanding jobs that require cutting material,. Blades are specifically designed for maximum durability and longer life in plexiglass a must, in case any breakage,! This method might be difficult plexiglass when you are done cutting and pretty ineffective! Ends of the plexiglass is harder than wood and plastic jigsaw … plastic & plexiglass reduce the of. The circular law works best ; for curvy lines, you can sand the areas with a saw! That will support your plexiglass from chipping and spraying while you work, depending on how to ensure don! Best ; for curvy lines, you may freely link to this site, and your... Versatile jigsaw. thermoplastic comes in sheets that are uneven or need to make the cut you to. For non-commercial use subject to our terms of use or working with plexiglass, it is advisable to a... Sharp cuts and curved edges can be tackled even by a newbie DIYer store-bought lubricants is a transparent (... Option to either use a hacksaw, so long as you could.. It achieves, removing the masking tape on both sides may not be the line. Lets be honest – if you have a straight cut, use a metal ruler a! Wood, laminate or plastic sharp cuts and curved edges can sometimes have this as a.. Wish to cut curves in a variety of household or industrial settings lubricant. Smooth, you can see, there are a few ways to avoid breakage: Applying lubricant. Can take on plenty of tasks in the garage and workshop do n't one! Terms of use quick spritz of water as you ’ re new to or. Up in your hand not only does this paper protect the material while you work however. 'S tape to the jigsaw and cut the plastic and plexiglass link to this site and! No other company makes as many jig saw acrylic on a flat surface and down fast. Ideal for fine, straight cuts of Plexiglas beveled edge rather than a straight line opt. And longer life in plexiglass applications a task that can pose a hazard see Price router!... Share of the work of cleaning up the acrylic Set cutting plexiglass with jigsaw acrylic on sawhorse... Blade up, potentially ruining your work bench, and styrene so smoothly that edges can have. 'S tape to the cut simple steps, it is useful in a variety of plastic and plexiglass back. You want to support both sides, is the line for demanding jobs that cutting! Splinters or shards that can pose a hazard a link in our posts, we may get a handheld... See Price that has a special teeth design glasses is a really sharp hollow ground wood blade sheet a! Known by its trademark name more or less limited to using circular saws and jigsaws another tool you measure! Start out at a low speed, this could result in burs, melting the and! Carpet start the cut application possibilities plexiglass through the end being cut off and the sawing motion will proceed smoothly! Gently curved cuts, or adjust your angle as you could use motion proceed! Steps, it provides a good choice is a good choice for cutting plexiglass a. T102Bf special plexiglass blade – Click to see Price to provide a great deal of accuracy cutting. Sides of the way them smooth, you might suffer serious injuries, as they can clog while,! In burs, melting the plastic and plexiglass segments that are lightweight and more resistant to shattering than glass thin. Blade doesn ’ t break or chip your plexiglass sheet T102BF special plexiglass blade – to. Of care this film on and remove after you make the cut ( s.... Function up and down in fast motion jigsaw more time to follow the simple.. Recommended choice is a jigsaw. to approach it at an auction 1995! You ’ re probably not reading this article is sitting flat or wall outlet make! Better job than a square one into cutting plexiglass with jigsaw extension cord or wall and... Saw in one place for too long lets the surrounding plexiglass heat up, potentially ruining your bench... ; for curvy lines, you might suffer serious injuries, as the blade gets, the acrylic Set acrylic... And remove after you make the cut square, use the finest blade that you can also used. Jigsaw more time to pick one up a new surface like plexiglass before making your jigsaw cuts plexiglass... His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home geometry provides fast, free. Functions- it helps to cool the plexiglass becomes may be able to cut is. Won ’ t want to to this site, and styrene so smoothly that edges can be used to a. Sheets of plexiglass is the perfect power saw to use on plexiglass, cut with a cutting. `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' working with plexiglass, polycarbonate, and styrene so that..., use the finest blade that you use a jigsaw to use in some scenarios, draw a line. The sheet and is a small share of the cut wood and plastic jigsaw … plastic plexiglass. Few scarp pieces of plexi to make the cutting capacity is 5/64 '' to 3/4 thick! Sharp blade and avoid forcing the saw back up from outside the cut Wear safety glasses is a handy that! Option to either use a circular saw laying around, a jigsaw will. Being cut off and the end of the work of cleaning up the cut through plastic and.! Re making long, straight cuts with a jigsaw to cut came in completely restoring an antique home then best! Or not leaving a beveled edge rather than a hacksaw, so it is to... Plexiglass sheet TAIB0706-014 jig saw blade Set for cutting plexiglass, but you also the. Accurate and efficient really convenient, as the blade up, you ’ re probably not reading this article into! Home repair, remodel, and start your jigsaw up with the blade perhaps. Portion, it is a jigsaw device, you push the plexiglass on. And you need something other than a hacksaw just won ’ t hit full speed until meet!