Many people lack the knowledge of how to cut plexiglass sheets, yet it is a versatile and useful material. Plexiglas is a glass substitute that is popular with serious DIY enthusiasts. It offers many opportunities for home improvement projects.
Plexiglass, also known as acrylic, is a transparent material with many uses. One plexiglass plate can be used for many purposes. Acrylic plastic was first produced in 1928. Today, plexiglass is used to make picture frames, airplane windows, basketball backboards, and even transparent car wheels.
Plexiglass cutting
Whether you want to cut a thin layer or thicker sheets of plexiglass, this durable material requires careful handling. As with glass, it is necessary to wear protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses. Plexiglas can be cut with a saw or other electric tools. When working with thin sheets, it is safer to cut them by hand, e.g. with a utility knife or saw. Thicker sheets will require more powerful saws.
Carbide tips
If you want to cut through thicker plexiglass material, you will need to use an electric saw. However, cutting plexiglass with an electric saw should be done with care. Choosing the right blade is important. You can use any blade to cut metal, but the best blades for cutting plexiglass are carbide blades. In addition, when using an electric saw, for example, it is necessary to avoid long-term use. Allow the blade to cool between cutting steps. An overloaded blade can melt the acrylic sheet and damage the device.
Here are the steps you should take in your plexiglass project:
Gather the materials
You will need a cutting tool, a scratch tool or a cutting knife, a plexiglass cutting knife or a cutting tool, and a measuring tape. When working with thicker plexiglass, you will need additional tools. Thicker acrylic sheets require a fine-toothed table saw. When purchasing plexiglass, it will be wrapped in protective paper to prevent scratching. Some protective papers may stick to acrylic sheets, making them difficult to remove. You can use soapy water or other home remedies to get rid of the paper.
Prepare the work surface
As with any project, you need a clean and tidy work surface.
Measure and tag
You can use a permanent marker or a cutting tool to mark the plexiglass. Measure everything first. Determine the desired size and record each measurement. Then measure again to match the dimensions. Also make small incisions along the straight lines with a permanent marker.
Notches and cutting
For straight cuts, use a scratched line with a cutting tool or a cutting knife. Make a shallow cut along a flat surface. Then make a deeper cut, guiding the knife along straight lines. Continue cutting until you are at least 3/4 of your target depth. Then move the piece to the end of the table and apply sharp pressure to the other side. If it breaks, it’s okay, but if the acrylic sheet doesn’t break, keep cutting.
Rubber sanding block
The rubber sanding block holds sandpaper in wet or dry conditions. For best results, use an electric sander to get the perfect finish. For an amazing finish, use a polish designed for plastics.
Summary
It’s easy to confuse acrylic with plexiglass. Acrylic is a type of versatile, clear plastic. Plexiglass, on the other hand, is a specific type of acrylic used in construction. However, when you talk about acrylic, people may ask about specifications. Working with plexiglass is easier than working with glass. Thanks to its versatility, plexiglass can be used in many projects. You can use it for furniture, walls, showers and much more.
