Re: Beginner questions

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: robert heidlebaugh <rheidlebaugh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Ralph: I cut all types of plastic from poly ethylene to fiber glass. I have
the best results with a blade with as many teeth as I can get, Carbide
blades work best. Rich is correct use safety glasses and feed the work
slowly or the work will jump up at you. If you have a hold down use it. When
I cut old computer cases I take a risk with no hold down. Thin plastic is
more of a problem than thick. PVC sheets are real good because the cut well
and glue. Poly ethelene requires plastic screws or welding. Harbor Freight
sells a plastic welder for around $35 and the plastic supply sells welding
rod. Practice on scraps before you weld your project its not the same as
welding metal. It is more like welding aluminum. Its an art, not science.
      Robert   H

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> From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:26:43 -0700
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: Beginner questions
> Resent-From: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Resent-Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:26:52 -0700 (MST)
>
> Original poster: "Rich" <rdjmgmt@xxxxxxxxxx>
>
> I cut 1/4 and 1/8 Lexan all the time with a std 10" carbide blade, I
> call it Lexan but it is a generic brand of the same thing , std
> Plexiglas does not cut as well , it will crack very easy . You do need
> to wear safety glasses with it , I don't always put them on if I cut a
> small piece of wood but I do wear them with plastic. You must feed
> slower than wood and keep a firm grip on it.  I have had more safety
> problems making blind ended dado cut than through cuts on a table saw.
>
> Rich
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tesla list [mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx]
> Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 11:46 PM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: RE: Beginner questions
>
> Original poster: "Ralph Zekelman" <gridleak@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Robert,
>
> What kind of plastic are you cutting on the table saw and what kind of
> blade are
> you using.
>
> I have had much trouble and several near-death experiences trying to
> cut various plastics on a table saw. I can do a much better job on the
> bandsaw
> with a coarse-tooth saw. Thanks.
>
> Ralph
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tesla list [mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx]
> Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 5:42 PM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: Beginner questions
>
> Original poster: robert heidlebaugh <rheidlebaugh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Tyler: I make my primary coil spokes on a table saw.  Cut all your
> plastic
> supports to the disired highth , about 1 in or so. Then clamp a 1/4 in
> strip
> to your table saw parallel to the blade and spaced 1 coil space away
> from
> the blade . ..................saving bandwidth
>
>