Re: Cutting Acrylic

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Terry Fritz" <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>

Hi Ben,

Most any hardware store that sells sheet plastic will have cutters.  These are
plastic handles the have a "tooth" in them that will easily score a deep grove
(a knife won't work).  They are cheap and easy.  You can score a deep grove and
snap it.

http://hot-streamer-dot-com/temp/cutter.jpg

Be sure to press these things solidly against a strong straight edge since they
like to "ice skate" where "they" want to go.  Practice first...

You can also slowly cut plastic with a hand miter saw.

The problem is that this plastic is brittle and will heat and melt easily with
any power tool.  Lexan is far better if you have a place near you that sells it
or gives away scraps for free.

Cheers,

        Terry


At 01:59 PM 7/17/2001 -0500, you wrote: 
>
> Hi all,
>         I have been trying to cut out some acrylic for a primary coil form
> and have run into some major problems. First off, my scroll saw balde will
> not cut a 90 degree turn into the acrylic.I started cutting anyways, knowing
> I would have to switch off later. After a few cuts, the acrylic began to
> break where I was cutting. Luckily, the breakings did not come off at high
> speeds and no damage was caused to me. Also, the areas of acrylic that need
> to remain intact still remain intact. I later tryed using and exacto type
> knife. After 30 minutes of repaeted cutting in the same place, only a tiny
> groove was taken out. I tryed varying pressure and angle to no avail. Does
> anyone know a "good" way to cut through .1inch acrylic easily and quickly
> with little to no risk of breaking?
> Thanks in advance,
> Ben