cutting plexiglass?

[HRslammR]

yep, you guessed it. wanna put a fan in my sidepanel plexiglass. i've always heard that you have to take some precautions otherwise it'll crack, how do i do it so that it doesn't crack/break/warp? dremel? machineshop? laser? plastic shop?

 

[batmanwcm]

I use a dremel. I just turn down the speed and start cutting it. If you try it at higher speeds, it will start melting. After I'm done cutting, I file it down and then use sand paper to smooth out the edges.

 

[Conano]

Tape up the area that you want to cut. Using the fan you wish to use, mark off the screw holes, as well as the fan hole. I would reccomend using a fine toothed hole saw to cut the larger hole. make sure you do it slowly, with minimal pressure. as for the screw holes use a drill bit thats the same size as the shaft of your screws, make sure you do this slowly, and i'd reccomend doing the screw holes first. use a drill press fer this. a little pressure, back off let cool a sec, little pressure, back off let cool some, do this till your through. then you should have nice clean holes.

 

[Thor]

3" hole saw with a pilot bit,clamp it down good and use a wood backer behind it, go slow.. use a littel water to help keep it cool

if you have a router table then there are more options... but seening as how your asking here i doubt it...

thore

 

[markkleb]

I second the hole saw.
I usually go through 1/2 first than flip it over and cut from the other side to finish.

Dont force it..

 

[Totalchaos]

1 more thing about drilling holes
DO NOT, I repeat NOT start with a small bit and work your way up to size
(like you would in metal)
The moment you enter the hole with a larger bit it will pull itself in, through and most likely crack your plexi
I drill the holes the correct size first time round
and go slooooooooow