Cutting Acrylic Sheet

[thiggy]

What is the best way to cut Plexiglas sheet to size? I have done it a couple of ways over the years but never been particular satisfied with the results. I have used the band saw as well as scribed and broken. It will be used in a flag display case I am making for a friend's widow.

[crokett]

The few times I did it I cut it on the table saw. I left the protective paper on until I was ready to use it.

[Tom Slick]

use a sharp carbide blade on your table saw then sand and flame polish the edges with a propane torch, it'll look great.

[Uncle Cracker]

I have used a carbide blade and ZCTP in my TS many times, without incident.

[jabe]

When I was working as a sheetmetal worker, we always scribed & snapped. Thicker & larger sheets were scribed on both sides & placed in the brake to snap it. Light sanding on the edges & heat with a propane torch as Tom suggested for a nice finish look. Note, practice with the torch technique on a peice of scrap first.

[thiggy]

Great suggestions folks. Thanks for the prompt replies.

[pecker]

If using the tablesaw and thin plexiglass, make sure it can't slide under your fence.
It can jam under there and get kicked back at you.

[cabinetman]

Any method to cut wood will cut acrylic sheet. For thicknesses up to 3/16" scribing and breaking works well. For thicknesses 1/4" and over a 60T or greater carbide tipped sawblade will cut.

Cast acrylic sheet will cut with less molting than extruded material. As for flame polishing, the edges will deform due to the heat. For an absolute clear polished clean edge, block sand flat up to 800x-1200x and use a buffing wheel and rubbing compound.
.

[LCHIEN]

Another vote for theTable saw.
Hints:
Leave the paper on until after you mark and cut it.
Use a good quality sharp high tooth count carbide blade.
feed quickly as you can so it won't melt.
Use dust collection or face a storm of white snow.
U don't need to polish the edges if you are hiding them in grooves in your case and they don't show.