Thread: Cutting perspex

hi jill, i just use my bandsaw if the piece will fit on table or i use a really fine jigsaw blade and i do not seem to have any problems, i use a hole cutting saw for the 35mm, but there may be better ideas out there, regards (peter) grandad to 14

Any woodcutting tool will work - but put down a few strips of masking tape or similar to protect the plastic from the sole plate of the jigsaw or whatever. (this also works for minimising chipping on the surface)

Don't use too fine a tooth saw bit - they tend to gum up if it gets too hot - just a normal one. Don't try to cut too aggressively, sometimes the plastic can fracture.

If you are routing, you will get covered in fine, electrostatically charged sawdust...err plastic dust, so if you can cut it outside, it'll make less mess of your shed.

Hi Jill, I cut perspex on the table saw with my normal blade HOWEVER you get a much better finish with a zero clearance insert and slow feed.
fletty

Yep I second what the guys have said. especially the masking tape, prevents chip out.

You can also use the score & snap method to cut perspex

Gidday

After rough cutting with what ever method desired (Ive always done this within 3mm) HAve had great success with a quality straight bit in the router table. You could even do it topside using a straight edge to guide your router.

Although Ive only done this a few times Ive always got perfect results!

REgards Lou

Cutting perspex is fine Jill. Plenty of methods described above.

I have always found drilling to be another matter. Might I suggest you try the Forstner on some scrap before risking your sheet.

And definitely use a hold down/clamp of sorts while drilling bigger holes like 35mm DAMHIKT!

When cutting best results are achieved with a negative rake blade table saw.

When drilling I think the lube to use is kero

The Perspex Workshop Handbook tells you just about everything you want about working Perspex.
http://www.theplasticshop.co.uk/plas...pex_manual.pdf
Mark

bandsaw, jigsaw, tablesaw, circular saw, router, coping saw, handsaw, chainsaw (dont try this at home, it works), knife (score an break).

a normal wood drill bit will drill holes no problems

Have found in my limited perspex experience that the gentle application of heat from a heat gun will eliminate [it goes back to clear] the "white" scratches from cuts or holes - note gentle - get it hot but not so hot that it softens and deforms.

Hope it helps, regards,
Bob

Mark, thanks for the link - from a quick glance the manual looks to be very helpful.
Ron