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tool to cut acrylic

M

Markistehnamezor

Gawd
Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
808
I bought a Nibbler thinking it was big enough to cut a AC ryan acrylic window. But it wasn't, so whats the best tool or most efficient one to cut it cleanly? I am going to use 3M red tape to mount it.

Thanks,
Mark
 
Nibbler would probably crack anyways.

Popular rotary tool works well. Some use jigsaws.
 
Nibblers are for metal, a jigsaw or any type of table saw. I use a band saw which is a little pricey.
 
dont use a dremel for cutting plexi. The motor spins too fast often making the plastic melt and bond to the blade, causing blades to shatter, and it really puts a big strain on the motor.
For cutting thin acrylic, a sharp knife will do. (you just need to score the material a lot of times)
But for heavier acrylic, a low rpm jigsaw with a fine blade works fine.

K-TRON
 
Black and Decker 1 speed jigsaws are like, 19$... Get a pair of 32tpi blades for like, 3$...

Just go VERY slowly, and tape EVERYTHING up first.
 
The dremal is not the do all tool no matter how many idiots you find using it.

You cant tell me that these are too expensive.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46055
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=222024-70-JS515&lpage=none

And BTW these are the normal prices. On sale, expect them to be $10-20.

BTW, just an idea. If you buy the plexi at a hardware store, the store may actually be able to cut the sheets for you on a table saw if you give them the dimensions up front.
 
Ah, I googled my results, its probably why I saw jigsaws for more than $50. I like that B&D one. And 32TPI is the ideal blade for acrylic?
But what do you guys think of that scoring knife I posted above?

Thanks,
Mark
 
A $1 box cutter. you might also want to get a straight edge to start the line off. But I would not recommend this.

Here is a box cutter.
87433162.blSIAORm.boxcutter.JPG


BTW, how do you exactly plan on cutting out your window in the first place?
 
I just need to nibble some more metal off my side panel of my 900. I just need to square the Top and Bottom left corners. I will leave the Top right and bottom right alone. I am currently debating if I should buy that B&D jigsaw, but what type of blades come with it?

PS, I won't be doing a worklog since my sister's camera is broken.

Thanks,
mark
 
Sigh going to buy the B&D this coming monday, a $30 tool just to cut a window.

Since I don't want to create a new thread. What brand of holesaw should I use? I am going to need 3" diameter, 2" diameter, and 3/4" diameter holesaws.
 
You guys who say don't use a dremel to cut acrylic must be somewhat misled. If you need small detailed work, a dremel at low rpm is the way to go. However any long cut should be done with a tool such as a jigsaw.

The key is to buy good quality cell-cast acrylic, not the extruded crap that melts when you cut it.
 
Markistehnamezor said:
Sigh going to buy the B&D this coming monday, a $30 tool just to cut a window.

Since I don't want to create a new thread. What brand of holesaw should I use? I am going to need 3" diameter, 2" diameter, and 3/4" diameter holesaws.
Click to expand...

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-678-01-Circle-Cutter-Straight/dp/B000HI5WTY/ref=dp_cp_ob_hi_title_0

As far as a hole saw I use this Dremel attachment because it cuts any size and a steady hand cutting slowly will be sufficient for holes. I agree with no straight lines with the Dremel but expensive round blade bits and the uniform size are ugh, This will do whatever you set it and lock it in place for.
 
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Yes I have used it to mod several materials, all computer case stuff, the bit is relatively durable. I have almost a year of modding on mine with mild to moderate use and it still performs to a good standard requiring minor filing for a finished product.
 
Yup.. the Dremel reinforced cutting blades work well, as long as you don't need long perfectly straight cuts. A larger saw like a jigsaw or circular saw with a finetoothed blade works much better for that.

The cylindrical sanding cylinder things and the stone grinding wheels are great for detail work too.
 
A hole saw is nice for cutting out fans. That is what I use.

A jigsaw can be used to cut out holes as well.

If you are going cheap, a jigsaw can do everything you just mentioned.
 
I would use a jigsaw, its just I am not that experienced to turning a saw to make a circle. I would rather use a hole saw or the dremel hole saw to do the job. I will do a trial run on a small part of the big acrylic piece I got from AC ryan. I only need about an 10"x12" square but the acrylic sheet itself is like 19"x19". So yea...If it doesn't go as planned I will go to the local hardware store for the jigsaw.

Thanks,
Mark
 
I use a table saw with a blade for plywood for big straight cuts and a dremel for cutting out holes for fans and such. At high speeds it will melt, just remember to go slow and you shouldn't have any issues.
 
utnorris said:
I use a table saw with a blade for plywood for big straight cuts and a dremel for cutting out holes for fans and such. At high speeds it will melt, just remember to go slow and you shouldn't have any issues.
Click to expand...

I just got me a 200 tooth blade for my table saw... Uhm, how fast do you feed the piece of acrylic through the blade on average?

I need to go take my table-saw plastic virginity :p
 
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