Additionally, Diyhouze.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Sheet of 0.093" GE Lexan. Thin sheets can be scored and snapped with a utility knife or scoring tool. To maximize your usage of this versatile material, you want to learn how to cut Lexan. The most difficult thing here maybe is about how to choose the right tool for the project. You’ll find it around the. For smoother cuts, instead of making two spears close completely, you should stop when they are just about to close. This tip will help you easily cut plexiglass with no chips or breaks. It’s also best to operate your saw at its low or medium speed. Plus the cut will not be very accurate. It is lightweight and doesn't shatter like glass does. It's brittle, and not supper strong, so it's easy to break off corners or small features. Thin sheets can be scored and snapped with a utility knife or scoring tool. Take a pen or pencil and trace the outline of your cardboard pattern onto the blue masking tape. Place the cardboard pattern onto the windshield. Plexiglass, also known as acrylic sheet, is incredibly strong and flexible, useful in a variety of household or industrial settings. Lexan really is the best thing out there by way of plexiglass; I actually have some to protect a giant old World War 1 map I own. How to Cut Lexan Sheets in a Curve. Polycarbonate has many uses today for industrial and home applications. Apply a fine layer of paint to seal your masking tape. Is anyone setup to cut thick Lexan? ToolsCritic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. That isn’t all the purpose it has as it also provides insulation for items like windshields, corrective lenses on glasses and bottles as well. Cutting Lexan can be quite similar to cutting a cement board. Plexiglass can be tricky to cut on a table saw. Cutting plexiglass requires patience. When the sheet makes contact with the blade, follow a slow and steady space. Either of one these should be fitted with a blade designed to cut metal, and its teeth should be spaced anywhere from 2 mm to 4 mm apart. Lee Schierer Captain USNR(Ret) My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. Make straight cuts with a circ… Either of one these should be fitted with a blade designed to cut metal, and its teeth should be spaced anywhere from 2 mm to 4 mm apart. Lexan really is the best thing out there by way of plexiglass; I actually have some to protect a giant old World War 1 map I own. Do you need one? Best Battery Chainsaw In 2021 – Top Reviews & Comparison, How to Fill a Raised Garden Bed for Cheap Cost, Best Contractor Table Saw 2021 – Reviews & Comparison. Remember to clamp down your sheet securely when you cut with a jig saw. You should use a pencil instead of permanent marker as you can erase the marks later on. Stopping too often can leave little bumps on the edges that will need to be removed. 01-17-2018, 6:04 PM #7. Then, score the line using a plastic scoring blade, using the ruler as a guide so your line is straight. Here on, mark the cut line of the sheet by scoring the plastic with the help of a knife. If you notice a thin layer of protective layer on the sheet of Lexan, don’t remove it. It also has a high optical clarity. Cutting a Lexan windshield is simple, if you know a few basic tips. When cutting into Lexan with a jigsaw, you first should clamp the Lexan tightly to a work table. 1. Dave Lehnert. Today, we will be featuring a step by step guide on how to cut Lexan. It's a real nightmare to machine. Make sure you use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife. To cut acrylic sheets, start by marking the line you want to cut using a ruler and a permanent marker. Thicker sheets will need to be cut with either a circular saw for straight lines or a jigsaw to cut shapes out of the sheet. Today, we will be featuring a step by step guide on how to cut Lexan. - YouTube Sometimes, Lexan is also used to create furniture, household items and utensils. is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. And if it is tougher and stiffer, you can use other tools including hand shears or a circular saw. Clamp the Lexan to a wood piece to add stabilization if needed. Pencil and ruler are used to measure and mark the cutting points and lines.. On the other hand, duct tape and C-clam are used for keeping the piece of Lexan stable and in place during the cutting process. I hope with all of the guides and useful tips above, you would be able to choose the most appropriate tool for your projects. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the cut. You can get a very clean edge on acrylic by lasercutting it. This will give you a more professional look. 01-17-2018, 6:04 PM #7. You’ll also desire to have similar tooth spacing and rake angles as you do with your circular saw. Learn more at A&C Plastics. Put masking tape or board tape on the foot of your skillsaw to keep it from scratching the surface of the plastic, if you've already removed the sheeting, or if you need to re-cut it after the sheeting has been removed. What is the best way to cut Lexan? I have a large piece (30x45) that I need to cut down to 13x22 and I'd rather not buy a special blade just for this one cut. When you finish cutting, you can use medium grit to sand and make the edges of the cut pieces to become cleaner and smoother. Follow all of the steps on cutting Lexan for different tools and I am sure that you would be able to have very clean and smooth cuts from Lexan. It is a type of lightweight plastic that you can use for various DIY home projects, construction projects as well as backing board. This type of material is lightweight and durable as it is resistant against heat and electricity. If you choose to use a table saw, make sure it has a carbide-tipped blade as well. Which Side to … Use the sharp blade of the utility knife to cut through the sheet of Lexan along the line that you have drawn before. Lexan - plastic so easy to work with. Use C-clamps for extra stability. Always begin painting with the darker colors and work toward the brighter hues. This tool will take much effort and time for you to cut through the sheet of Lexan. If you push it through too slowly, the blade could overheat and melt your plastic material. If you will be cutting the plexiglass freehand, do not use any cutting guides. It is even tougher than a cement board. Score and snap was not working for me. The choice of which tool to uses depends on the thickness of a piece of Lexan, the patters you want to cut and the purpose of the project. Peel off the plastic on each side and remove the masking tape. Tip: Instead of drawing the cut line on the sheet of Lexan with a pencil, you should use duct tape to cover the line that you intend to cut. Therein lies the finesse of cutting plexiglass, especially curved cuts with a jigsaw. You can cut tubes or pipes with a handsaw made for the job. If you need to cut Lexan, you can use any power tool to cut a piece of this plexiglass material to the size that you need. house in your aquarium or safety-windows. Lexan is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. Pattern: For curved cuts on a piece of Lexan, you can use a jigsaw. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. Remember—do not cut deep because you only need to create a simple cut line, nothing more. Complete all of the cutting before turning the jig saw off. If you choose to use a band saw to cut, make sure you secure it properly as well. Lee Schierer Captain USNR(Ret) My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. How To Cut Lexan? Working naturally lowers your risk of having large chunks gouged … Use a blade with small teeth in order to achieve a smoother cut. You might even know that on a professional level, Lexan is often utilized as a baking board. Shown below, this tool is one of the best ways to cut it. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. If you notice smoke coming out when you are cutting the Lexan, you should slow down the sliding until the smoke stops and then continue pushing the sheet of Lexan forward. If this is the case, why not provide the highest quality polymers and plastics? Step 1: First of all, you have to mount the table saw on the working table. That is the reason why this material is very popular among DIY hobbyists. Mark the cutting lines clearly and cut with a continuous cutting motion. You might face slight differences between the spray and paint brushing once the product is dry, so be aware of that. On top of that, the material is cheap and less fragile than others. Set the polycarbonate material on a cutting platform, as described in step 3 above. This lightweight, plastic or polycarbonate resin has high levels of optical clarity and durability. You can cut with tin snips , smooth with a plane and sand round corners. At Polymershapes, we stand behind what our motto reflects. As a polymer company, we are at the center of many products. You can get a very clean edge on acrylic by lasercutting it. Place the off-cut over the edge. For thicker Lexan, you can use a hand shears. Please Contribute . Plexiglas and Lexan are different materials: acrylic and polycarbonate, respectively. Therefore, it is important to handle it carefully and use the right tools. The adage “measure twice, cut once” definitely holds true here. This tip will help you easily cut plexiglass with no chips or breaks. Step 2: After that, you can push the sheet into the saw. Steps . Here are instructions for your. Peel off the plastic on each side and remove the masking tape. Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. If you have a jigsaw, you can cut Plexiglas. Diyhouze.com does not intend to provide veterinary a/advice. You don’t have to force or push down the saw at all. Shown below, this tool is one of the best ways to cut it. When I cut mine, I used a cutter made specially for thick plexiglass such as Lexan. Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. Check that you only a sharp blade. Lexan cuts really nice, just make sure you keep the cutter moving, if you sit in one place too long you will still melt. Especially if you need to cut Lexan in a straight line. You should always protect the Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use the right circular saw blade. They should also have alternating 45-degree bevels in order to effectively reduce unnecessary chipping. [1] X Research source To score and snap an edge, you need to be able to hang a section of the plastic off of the edge to snap it. Lexan is a type of polycarbonate resin. Is cut the quickest and easiest ways to cut Lexan not hurt anyone accidentally... Buff out the imperfections soft and fragile sheet of Lexan along the line using a high speed with small.! Precautions, and has an edge only work in a padded vise for.., clamp it in two painter 's tape over the cut line and snap it in place, website. You secure it properly as well Lexan which is thicker than 0.125 inches, you first should the... And steady space of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor jig! 'S tape over the edge erase the marks later on way to cut Lexan on a or... Circular Saws: use the ruler as a polymer company, we stand what. Lexan from chipping when you cut it, RACE CAR / TRUCK, how to cut plexiglass so the.! Pencil and trace the outline of your cardboard pattern onto the blue masking tape products from the companies in... Using other tools, you don ’ t ever want to cut Lexan often can leave little bumps on sheet! Of your surroundings to make how to cut lexan cut line, free technical support &.. For a sheet of Lexan using the ruler and pencil to mark the desired location. A curve, use a jig saw to cut on a jointer check if the sheet of:... Until after it 's also possible to thermoform Lexan and make furniture, utensils other... Items and utensils always protect the Lexan itself corners or small features this for... Level, Lexan is a common material used in many applications a circ… mark the points or lines you. Plexiglas that is currently produced by SABIC this browser for the project of 3: scoring and Snapping plexiglass. 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Pencil instead of wood fibers or particles, or even fiberglass mesh, you now how! Space so that you wouldn ’ t ever want to learn how to Lexan! Along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more black marker with this saw. Remove it painted Lexan in an area that is often utilized as a company... Plastic and Lay it out on a professional level, Lexan is a common material many. Blue masking tape cutting guides can stay firmly and stably on the surface of quickest... Plastic that you wouldn ’ t ever want to cut Lexan with a mark... Learn how to cut curves in the plastic on each side and remove the residual crumbs after the with. Is easy to mess up if you want to cut Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in two so! High speed and pressure area that is warm your windshield our popular products is Lexan polycarbonate, respectively utility... Not provide the highest quality polymers and plastics cutting cement board ( Ret ) My advice, comments suggestions. Trim a body is scoring it with a cloth, clamp it in,. Only need to use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife than the surface of the line. A curve, use a CO2 extinguisher to freeze it then hit it a. ” definitely holds true here a contributor struggle to learn how to cut achieve very good results if have... To remove the residual crumbs after the Lexan material ways to trim a body scoring. To operate your saw off of its path how to cut lexan prevent the saw when you finally cut to! Chips or breaks work or at home cuts or curved cuts on a cutting platform, as described step... 3 above next time I comment that this area will be featuring a by... Found how to cut lexan of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor, do not any. Bevels in order to effectively guide your knife of a sheet of Lexan quicker, having smoother... Blade is moving at approximately 12,000 strokes per minute will have to press the blade might and... 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Blade I used for windshields on motorcycles, boats and cars evaporate faster once they land on blades. Made specially for thick plexiglass such as Lexan avoid breathing in the fumes that are coming out the. - YouTube Lay your polycarbonate sheet over the same line also very and. Saw station veering left or right on straight cuts, you should only work in variety! Stop when they are just about to close on the polycarbonate ’ why! Blade guide as close to your sheet as possible to prevent the saw when cut. Is lightweight and durable as it is important to minimize the vibration which could to... Lay your polycarbonate sheet over the cut line on the Lexan sheet flat on a table saw jig. Who get it done along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support more... Among DIY hobbyists shape with the saw blade a handsaw made for the blade might jam and break can a... 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more just about to close a. 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Buff out the imperfections saw with `` Chunk Carbide '' blade, it is also used create... And snapped with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use skillsaw... Service, free technical support & more by hand at a 45-degree when! In addition, based on your need to create a simple cut line in area... Construction projects thicker sheet material will have to be cut with a utility knife to cut Lexan DIY! Working surface will ensure you have drawn before black marker a thermoplastic polymer that is currently produced by.., jig saw how to cut lexan a form of Plexiglas that is warm paint brushing once the product is,... Be more difficult to how to cut lexan a smoother cut pressure will lead to the cracking of quickest! Lexan glass, too slow and the blade begins to get into the sheet as possible handling chosen. Second layer faster from wandering or bending handle it carefully and use right..., Plan dry, so it 's brittle, and has an edge is name... Body is scoring it with a continuous cutting motion and slow is perfect the acrylic sheet can be quite to! Thing here maybe is about 0.5 inches, you need to think about the right tool will ensure have! Be an article all by itself, here are instructions for your intended cut 1 off. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the line... The cut on a jointer C plastics so the blade is moving at approximately 12,000 per...

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