Even though Lexan can withstand the occasional scrape and scratch, it is susceptible to UV rays and scratches. It will reduce scratching and splintering. Shouldnt be too hard. Position your plexiglass on a sturdy table. Then, clamp the sheet to the work table using a soft material. Mark the points where you need to cut through. In Hanks case, 9mm = ~ 3/8". It will reduce scratching and splintering. Dont let it freeze. Remove the hole saw from the plexiglass and remove any excess material around the edges of the hole with a file or knife. It depends on what youre trying to achieve. If you have any questions about this process, feel free to send us an email. Complete the cut with the hole saw. 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. Start the process with 120- or 180-grit waterproof sandpaper, in combination with a wood or rubber sanding block. 6 TPI Clean for Polypropylene T-Shank Jig Saw Blades To start your project, you should make sure you have a fine tooth saw blade on your circular saw. Acrylic sheets can be machined with most shop tools. Using water as a coolant is a very good idea as well. team1104 March 21, 2014, 4:57pm #19. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Cutting acrylic with a hole saw HHO4gas 181 subscribers Subscribe 17 Share Save 29K views 14 years ago Here's what I've learned about cutting acrylic with a hole saw. Always wear protective gear when working with them, including safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask. The jigsaw is great for curves and intricate designs, so you can really get creative with your projects. However, if a piece of Plexiglass becomes broken, it can be difficult to fix without replacing the entire sheet. Double-check your measurements before making a hole. Proceed to insert the arbor via the back of the hole saw, ensuring that the power drill grips it firmly. Use a glass cutter to cut through the marked points. Large-diameter hole saws may be made by inserting a piece of band saw blade in a groove machined in a steel disc and holding it with set screws. If you need to cut Lexan on a curve, use a jigsaw or band saw. filled with water or special oil for cutting tile/glass and VERY SLOW work with. To achieve a good finish, once the Lexan has been cut according to your needs, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges. However, its essential to use the right blade. More by the author: Here is a video on how to properly drill through acrylic plexiglass. To achieve the best results, it is best to use a saw (hand saw or power saw) when cutting thicker pieces of acrylic. The best way to make a clean round hole in plexiglass is to use a hole saw. Vearter TCT Carbide Hole Saw Kit for Hard Metals, 5/8''-2'', 10 Carbide Bits with Pilot Drill,for Stainless Steel, Iron, Aluminium, Alloys, Plastics, Etc. Plexiglass (acrylic) can be used for a number of applications such as signage, displays, aquarium tanks, custom computer cases, and more. Works with a maximum speed of 1000 RPM; . Also, make sure to clamp the Lexan tightly to your work table when cutting with a jigsaw as it will limit the vibration and wobbling that could cause the Lexan to chip or result in a skewed cut. The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. 16pc Large Holesaw Drill Bits Set Round Hole Saw Circle Cutters Wood down light. Ensure that the off-cut falls freely. To maximize your usage of this versatile material, you want to learn how to cut Lexan. If it pops through too hard it will send a crack or two off the circle that doesn't look too good. 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We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Use a permanent marker to mark your measurements on the Lexan. Step 1 Leave the backing paper attached to the sheet while you are cutting. For more tips and tricks on how to cut Lexan, be sure to reference this informative video: Those who are interested in learning how to cut Lexan also seem to want to learn the proper way to paint it. Use the cutting guide and the straight line to guide the saw through the sheet. nothxplz . Lexan comes with some unique features and benefits. A jigsaw can cut acrylic sheets with a blade of a few millimeters deep. Lexan is a brand name. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's a WIN-WIN! If you want to cut curves in the Lexan, use a jig saw or band saw. Mark the center of the hole you wish to cut with a permanent marker. And do I need to keep spraying water on the hole when drilling it? Then, you can extract the chips with minimal heat. dtengineering March 20, 2014, 8:48pm #16. But that also doesnt mean that you need to go too slow. Even if youre a beginner, the jigsaw is easy to use and will help you achieve great results. 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. Always begin painting with the darker colors and work toward the brighter hues. If you want to use this tool for your cutting applications, you need a fine-toothed blade-at least one with 10-18 teeth per inch. Its mainly used for windows, doors, storefronts, shower curtains and more. Our black plexiglass sheets are cast and come with a paper masking. Using a jigsaw requires more pressure than a circular saw. Score the Cut Line. Step 1: Tin cans come in different sizes, so we can make different size hole saws. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. Whatever your purpose for using this versatile material, you now know how to cut Lexan effectively. Secure the plexiglass sheet to your work surface. In my opinion, the best way to cut Lexan is by using a table saw using a fine saw teeth blade (excluding laser cutter since its expensive). Once youre, moving doesnt stop and spend too much time into one spot. Place the Lexan on your work table in such a way that the piece you plan to cut is hanging over the edge. is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. You can also use a table saw or a circular saw and achieve good results. Otherwise, it will clog and make your cutting job more difficult. Continue to make your cut until you reach the end of the sheet. Take special care while cutting since its quite easy to scratch or dent a Lexan sheet. You can use it for building a solar panel, aquarium, terrarium and much more. While you may have a fear of using a circular saw, you should not let it stop you from getting the job done. The teeth are carbide tipped. Best bet is to have someone with a hole saw do it for you, but dremel will get the job done albeit a tad sloppy. You should also wear protective clothing while cutting Lexan. Confidence: The feeling you experience before you fully understand the situation, https://www.amazon.com/Norseman-Acry/dp/B003BQOFFQ, http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vbl-bits-183967/, If this is your first visit, be sure to If youre wondering how to cut Lexan sheets, you can use a jigsaw or band saw. This will save you time and ensure that you have a clean cut every time. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. I've also used a dremel. Thats why we created this step-by-step guide on how to cut Lexan. This lightweight, plastic or polycarbonate resin has high levels of optical clarity and durability. The first important thing to know is that Lexan is NOT the material in itself. It will take around 10 cuts. This is important to keep in mind during installation and construction, when damages might occur. Why is Heartwood Darker in Color than Sapwood. Additional comment actions. If you need to cut Lexan, you can use any power tool to cut a piece of this plexiglass material to the size that you need. Table saw - Photo courtesy: BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE. I'm familiar with cracking on plexiglass (acrylic) but not on polycarbonate. 1. Plexiglass is also known by the brand name Lucite or Acrylite. If you score it properly, it wont shatter. Continue reading for more interesting and helpful information! However, if the surface is not flat, you can use a clamp to hold it down. This reduces the risk of bleeding or running. Plexiglass (acrylic) can be sawed, drilled, routed, laser cut, painted, silkscreened, and formed. Also, crosscut blades with 45-degree bevels and teeth close together help to protect the Lexan sheet from any damage. 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. First I emptied the can Ask Question Comment Step 2: Then I cut off the inner rim Ask Question Comment Step 3: Then I drilled a hole in the center Ask Question Step 4: I used a rotary tool to cut teeth Ask Question Download Step 5: I sharpened one end of the bolt I drilled a tank with a diamond hole saw and it was glass. 1. Clamp the Lexan to the table to avoid movements. Cover the side of the Lexan facing upwards with old bedsheets or any linen such as rags for protection. 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. Lexan can become discolored over time due to UV rays. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Thats why we created this step-by-step guide on how to cut Lexan. Be sure to move smoothly and let the blade work at its own pace. Also share information about your use of our site with our social media features to. A maximum speed of 1000 RPM ; Lexan, use a jigsaw or band saw you reach desired! Is important to keep in mind during installation and construction, when damages might occur it,... A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding but not on polycarbonate the jigsaw great! Using a circular saw, you should also wear protective gear when working with,... March 21, 2014, 4:57pm # 19 protective gear when working with them including! Ve also used a dremel upwards with old bedsheets or any linen such as rags for protection your use our... 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