Best way to cut plexiglass?

bignutZ · 28-December-02, 09:43 PM

I've tried a few dremel tools, but they all seem to just melt the surrounding edges. I have a jigsaw too but the blade (pretty fine) seems to crack it a little. Anyone have a recommended tool to cut the glass for a window? I'm sure it's been answered before and the answer is pretty obvious, but I'm kinda new to this. Thanks

putwig · 28-December-02, 10:33 PM

I use a dremel on low speed ..... and a jigsaw with a metal bit.

bignutZ · 28-December-02, 10:38 PM

what kinda bit should i use for the dremel?

PoKey · 28-December-02, 10:43 PM

well you might want to check and see if they make plexi glass cutting bits if not use thin metal cutting bits

scapegoat · 28-December-02, 10:43 PM

A regular reinforce wheel will work fine with a little elbow grease and patience, remember to take it slow

if you want somthing that will work a little better, the Tugsten Carbide wheel(# 542) works very well ( just dont use it for mettle)

Digital-World · 28-December-02, 10:46 PM

Hrmm. I use a hand tool for cutting Plexi

It looks like an exacto knife with a small hook on
the end. Its about 97 cents and can be found in lowes or hoe depot. really just trace your design using a hard edged window and this special bladed tool and snap it comes right apart like magic .

bignutZ · 28-December-02, 10:53 PM

thanks guys, im gonna go scout that hand tool, even though i dont know really what you just said digital

This is a great forum, good 1st impression thanks

scapegoat · 28-December-02, 11:02 PM

in short what DW said is all you need to do with plexi is to use the hand tool to mark deep enough into the surface of the plexi, then simply strike the excess off(like magic) the should come apart with a fine edge. Dont try that if you are using lexan though its propertys are diffrent and this trick does not work as well(at least not for me)

Digital-World · 28-December-02, 11:12 PM

hrmm depends on the depth of your cut and the thickness of your lexan. the tool is usually found right next to the plexi in the store . Havent bought a window kit here in a long time. Not when theres door edge molding and plexi by the sheet

Coelacanth · 29-December-02, 03:59 AM

I've seen this new Black & Decker "Zip Saw" or something advertised like crazy lately...it looks pretty intriguing! It looks a bit like a jigsaw, and the commercial says it cuts through wood, plastics, and even metal. Though that claim sometimes means "metal...but only if it's paper-thin". Anyone see that tool, and what do you think about it?

bignutZ · 29-December-02, 01:16 PM

Haven't used it yet because I can't find it. I'm looking for 1 and I'll review it for everyone.

28-December-02, 09:43 PM		#1 (permalink)
bignutZ Apex Techie Wannabe	Best way to cut plexiglass? I've tried a few dremel tools, but they all seem to just melt the surrounding edges. I have a jigsaw too but the blade (pretty fine) seems to crack it a little. Anyone have a recommended tool to cut the glass for a window? I'm sure it's been answered before and the answer is pretty obvious, but I'm kinda new to this. Thanks

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28-December-02, 10:33 PM		#2 (permalink)
putwig Dr. Hydro Pimp	I use a dremel on low speed ..... and a jigsaw with a metal bit.

28-December-02, 10:38 PM		#3 (permalink)
bignutZ Apex Techie Wannabe	what kinda bit should i use for the dremel?

28-December-02, 10:43 PM		#4 (permalink)
PoKey Apex Advanced Techie	well you might want to check and see if they make plexi glass cutting bits if not use thin metal cutting bits

28-December-02, 10:43 PM		#5 (permalink)
scapegoat Apex Tech God	A regular reinforce wheel will work fine with a little elbow grease and patience, remember to take it slow if you want somthing that will work a little better, the Tugsten Carbide wheel(# 542) works very well ( just dont use it for mettle)

28-December-02, 10:46 PM		#6 (permalink)
Digital-World Old Skool Pimp	Hrmm. I use a hand tool for cutting Plexi It looks like an exacto knife with a small hook on the end. Its about 97 cents and can be found in lowes or hoe depot. really just trace your design using a hard edged window and this special bladed tool and snap it comes right apart like magic .

28-December-02, 10:53 PM		#7 (permalink)
bignutZ Apex Techie Wannabe	thanks guys, im gonna go scout that hand tool, even though i dont know really what you just said digital This is a great forum, good 1st impression thanks

28-December-02, 11:02 PM		#8 (permalink)
scapegoat Apex Tech God	in short what DW said is all you need to do with plexi is to use the hand tool to mark deep enough into the surface of the plexi, then simply strike the excess off(like magic) the should come apart with a fine edge. Dont try that if you are using lexan though its propertys are diffrent and this trick does not work as well(at least not for me)

28-December-02, 11:12 PM		#9 (permalink)
Digital-World Old Skool Pimp	hrmm depends on the depth of your cut and the thickness of your lexan. the tool is usually found right next to the plexi in the store . Havent bought a window kit here in a long time. Not when theres door edge molding and plexi by the sheet

29-December-02, 03:59 AM		#10 (permalink)
Coelacanth Apex Tech God	I've seen this new Black & Decker "Zip Saw" or something advertised like crazy lately...it looks pretty intriguing! It looks a bit like a jigsaw, and the commercial says it cuts through wood, plastics, and even metal. Though that claim sometimes means "metal...but only if it's paper-thin". Anyone see that tool, and what do you think about it?

29-December-02, 01:16 PM		#11 (permalink)
bignutZ Apex Techie Wannabe	Haven't used it yet because I can't find it. I'm looking for 1 and I'll review it for everyone.