What Is Plexiglass?
Plexiglas, also called acrylic glass, is an extremely strong and transparent material thats widely used in construction, home improvement, and art projects. You can find it in many colors, thicknesses and sizes. The most common applications are shower enclosures, windows, doors, and display cases.
There are three types of acrylic sheets:
- Cast acrylic
- Acrylic extruded
- Polycarbonate acrylic
Cast Acrylic
Cast acrylic is used in molding due to its ability to be shaped into any shape. Cast acrylic is also easy to work with. Cast acrylic is heavier than other materials, which means it takes longer to dry out. Cast acrylic is not flexible so it can crack if bent too hard. Cast acrylic, as with all plastics, will eventually begin to break down.
Extruded Acrylic
Extruded acrylic can be made by pushing molten plastic through an extruder at high pressure. This creates sheets with very little warpage. Because extruded acrylic is flexible, its often used for making signs, banners, window displays, and picture frames. Its also lightweight, durable, and long lasting.
Acrylic From Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate acrylic can be used in place of polycarbonate resin. Like cast acrylic, polycarbonate acrylic is heavy and hard to bend. But unlike cast acrylic, polycarbonates are heat resistant and wont shatter when dropped. Theyre also more translucent than cast acrylic. Sometimes, polycarbonate acrylic is used in architectural glazing. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for large-scale projects.
Although cutting plexiglass is not difficult with a tablesaw, there are some things you should keep in mind before starting. First, make sure your table saw is set up correctly. Next, choose the right blades. Finally, follow these steps.
How To Cut Plexiglass On A Table Saw
Before you use a table saw to cut plexiglass, make sure its properly set up. These are the steps you need to follow before you start.
Make sure the fence is positioned correctly. You could cause damage to the blade if the fence is too close to it. If the fence is too far away from the blade, your piece might not fit in the kerf (the area between the blade and the fence). Adjust the fence until its just about even with the blade.
Make sure to remove any loose material from the table’s surface. You should remove any small pieces of metal or wood particles that could cause problems when cutting. Use a damp cloth to clean the table.
Raise the blade guard. Blade guards are a feature of most table saws that protect your hands from sparks and flying shavings. You should always raise this guard before using the table saw.
Set the depth stop. A depth stop prevents the piece being cut from going deeper than the setting on the machine. Always lower the depth stop before you start a cut.
Adjust the miter gauge. Some table saws come equipped with a miter gauge. You can adjust the angle of your cut with these gauges. Before you begin cutting, tighten the screw that holds the miter gauge in place.
Install a dust collection port. All table saws include a dust collection port. This allows air to flow around the blade and prevents the spread of debris and dust. It is important to properly install the port.
You can adjust the height of your fence. The fence controls how deep the piece being cut goes into the material. The fence should be as low as you can when the saw is first installed. After you have adjusted the piece to be cut, return the fence to its original location.
Reduce the blade. After you have finished trimming the pieces, lower your blade until it is at its lowest point. This will stop the blade hitting any surface while you are cutting.
Turn off the motor. Before you take off the blade cover, always turn off the motor. If something is caught under the blade, the saw will stop running.
Remove the blade cover. The blade cover can be lifted off. Be careful! If you don’t lift the blades correctly, they can fly out of your saw. Once youve removed the blade, wipe down the entire saw with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil.
Check the alignment of the guide pins. Alignment guides ensure that your piece fits perfectly in the kerf. To check the pin alignment, line them up with the centerline of the blade. If they arent aligned perfectly, adjust one or both pins accordingly.
Select The Right Blade For Plexiglass
When you need to cut plexiglasses, youll want to use a blade designed specifically for this type of work. There are two types of blades used to cut plexiglass: carbide-tipped blades and diamond-coated blades. Hard steel is mixed with tungsten carbide to make the carbide-tipped blades. These blades are very efficient at cutting glass but require regular sharpening. Diamond-coated blades are coated with diamonds. Because they dont wear down as quickly as other blades, they last longer. They are usually reserved for professionals because they are more expensive.
Safety First:
Always make sure you follow these steps when working with a table saw. Table saws are dangerous. Make sure you read all instructions and watch your fingers. Do not attempt to remove a jam by yourself. Get a professional to help you.
Cutting Plexiglass With A Table Saw
- Place the plexiglass flat on the edge of your table. Avoid placing the plexiglass faceup on the table. This could cause damage.
- Place a straightedge across the bottom of the plexiglass. Use a scrap piece of plexiglass to help guide the straightedge.
- Align the blade of the saw with a straightedge. If you have a miter gauge attached to the saw, make sure its pointed away from the plexiglass and toward the straightedge.
- Slowly lower your blade until it touches the glass. Then slowly lift the blade again. Repeat this process several times until the entire surface has been cut.
Tips To Avoid Breaking Or Cracking Plexiglass When Cutting
These tips will help you avoid breaking or cracking the plexiglass when cutting it.
- Keep the blade moving at all times. Dont stop the blade just because you think the plexiglass is done.
- To ensure that the plexiglass does not break, slow down the blade speed.
- You can move the piece you are cutting in small pieces.
- Only one side at time
- Cut only half of the plexiglass at once. Then move the piece to the next station.
Call a certified technician immediately if you have any problems with the cutting process.
FAQ,s
How to repair broken plexiglass
Don’t worry if you break or crack plexiglass. Its easy to repair. Just apply some super glue to the broken edges. Allow the glue to dry for about 30 minutes, then use a hammer or woodblock to press the pieces together again.
What kind of table saw blade Do I need to cut plexiglass?
You should buy a blade specifically designed for cutting plexiglass. A standard blade will not perform well.
How much does it cost to replace a blade?
The price depends on the brand of the blade and how long its been out of warranty. Blades come with a manufacturers warranty for 1 year. You may need to replace the blades after that period.
Conclusion
Plexiglas is a popular material used for many different projects.
You’re sure to find the right tool for you, whether you want to make a display case or create an art project.
