I'm am going to be cutting plexi glass and/or acrylic for some decorations. These plastics will be cut into awkward, round, zigzagy shapes and I was wondering what is a good tool to use when engaging in such a project. I need the tool to be as precise as possible, and maybe something fast. I'm open to any suggestion, thank you!
Cutting plexi-glass/acrylic.. what tools to use?
- Thread starter kyazh
- Start date
shape cutting
The multi cut (sears brand) or rotozip(home depot) does a good job. my kit came with a circle cutter. this is:dance2: like a compact rotor with a 1/8 spiral blade.
The multi cut (sears brand) or rotozip(home depot) does a good job. my kit came with a circle cutter. this is:dance2: like a compact rotor with a 1/8 spiral blade.
The only thing I've used is a jigsaw (for cutting acrylic lids for my tanks). They can cut resonably tight curves, give neat edges etc, expensive piece of equipment though.
Just googled for an image;
Just googled for an image;
A rotozip would work nicely. However, they take a bit of practice to get the hang of. I wouldnt just jump right in on your project pieces without practicing on scraps first. If you look around, you could probably find a knock off brand for around $30.
If I were doing something that needed precision though, I would make a template out of thin wood. Clamp it to the plexi and use a router with a flush trim bit to cut it out. If your template is just the way you want it, so will be the project piece. However, the router might not be the best tool for "zigzagy" pieces as it wont be able to get into the pointy areas.
If I were doing something that needed precision though, I would make a template out of thin wood. Clamp it to the plexi and use a router with a flush trim bit to cut it out. If your template is just the way you want it, so will be the project piece. However, the router might not be the best tool for "zigzagy" pieces as it wont be able to get into the pointy areas.
ROTARY SAW ALL THE WAY!!!!!!
Beats a jigsaw hands down for anything.
I own a mastercraft spinsaw maximum, and let me tell you man..... omg that tool rocks.
Rotozip is another good rotary saw, DeWalt also makes one.
Beats a jigsaw hands down for anything.
I own a mastercraft spinsaw maximum, and let me tell you man..... omg that tool rocks.
Rotozip is another good rotary saw, DeWalt also makes one.
Thanks for all the help, maybe I should clarify the sizes of the objects I am going to be cutting. They are fairly small, and need to be very precise. The average size would be maybe about 8 square inches, or the size of a pair of sunglasses. I have been using a dremel tool up until now, but the problem I'm experiencing with this thing is that it melts the plastic and clogs up the tip. Is there a special tip I should be using? What are some techniques that could help me out with this thing?
Thank you, once again!
-John
Thank you, once again!
-John
cutting acrylic
Do not use anything but a router. Ive worked with acrylic for 13 years and made anything from countertops to fish aquariums and all the manufactuers have recomended not to use anything but rotary tools{routers,rotozips etc.}. If u use anything with teeth it could cause extremely small cracks in the acrylic which will increase in size over time and cause a catastrophe in an aqurium. if u plan on just making decorations anything would be fine.
I would recommend using a router with a sharp carbide steel router bit preferabaly 1/2" depending on size of material, Hope this helps.
Do not use anything but a router. Ive worked with acrylic for 13 years and made anything from countertops to fish aquariums and all the manufactuers have recomended not to use anything but rotary tools{routers,rotozips etc.}. If u use anything with teeth it could cause extremely small cracks in the acrylic which will increase in size over time and cause a catastrophe in an aqurium. if u plan on just making decorations anything would be fine.
I would recommend using a router with a sharp carbide steel router bit preferabaly 1/2" depending on size of material, Hope this helps.