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FREEDGUY 
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Joined: 15 Apr 2017
Location: South West Mich
Points: 5391
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 Topic: Cutting Plexiglass/ Acrylic ??
Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 6:47pm |
I've cut a lot of different materials in my line of work, but never plexi/acrylic panels. What is the blade/tool of choice for this project( it's a 1/4" thick panel) for a wind break on a neighbors covered porch. Thanks
The panel will be 4'x8' but I need to cut an angle (the 4' way) to match the roof angle.
Edited by FREEDGUY - 25 Oct 2020 at 6:49pm
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Dakota Dave
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: ND
Points: 3893
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:00pm |
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Go to menards and get a plexi knife. It looks like a little hook blade. Put your straight edge on it and score it a couple times flex it and it'll break a the line. That is the cleanest way to cut plexi. You can tape it and cut with a sabre saw with a very fine blade. You'll have to sand smoot after cutting with a saw
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FREEDGUY
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Joined: 15 Apr 2017
Location: South West Mich
Points: 5391
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:11pm |
Thanks Dave  , that's where the panel is coming from  .
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omahagreg
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:37pm |
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A 40 tooth circular blade does really nice!
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Greg Kroeker
1950 WD with wide front and Freeman trip loader
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FREEDGUY
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Location: South West Mich
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:42pm |
 omahagreg wrote:
A 40 tooth circular blade does really nice! |
I have a few of those, does the blade need to be installed "backwards" like cutting vinyl siding ?
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Thad in AR.
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Arkansas
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:54pm |
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I usually use a cutoff wheel on a 4.5” angle grinder. Tape and mark the cut line on the tape.
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HD6GTOM
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Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Location: MADISON CO IA
Points: 6627
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 8:00pm |
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The lumber yard I worked for had us replacing glass in windows. We would use clear tape on both sides of the plexiglass and a very very fine toothed jig saw blade. We had 2 pieces of plywood layd down, almost butted together supporting the plexiglass the saw blade went between the two pieces of plywood.
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Grayray
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Ambridge PA
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 9:18pm |
FREEDGUY wrote:
omahagreg wrote:
A 40 tooth circular blade does really nice! |
I have a few of those, does the blade need to be installed "backwards" like cutting vinyl siding ? |
No. Just cut it like you are cutting plywood. The more teeth the better. I use a plywood blade, but have used a 40 tooth blade without any problems.
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omahagreg
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Location: Omaha, Nebraska
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Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 9:36pm |
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Not necessary to run it backwards, but it would work fine and probably be better! I dont, I'm usually in a hurry...!
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Greg Kroeker
1950 WD with wide front and Freeman trip loader
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jaybmiller
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 21451
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Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 5:32am |
80 tooth blade works very well, though I get a friend to 'cut and supply' when I have to use it. He owns signshop.....
When you're done cutting, use a propane torch to 'fuse' the cut edge.No need to sand then. Do NOT try drilling holes in it though ! It'll shatter crack, unless you use 'special cut' drill bits and STILL go slow,not so slow the plastic melts into a blob and not too fast to crack it....
I use Polycarb instead of Acrylic. Poly is easily drillable AND you can tap the holes. Cuts GREAT too...... supposedly bullet proof though I've never tested that 'property'...
Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
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DMiller
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Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:12am |
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I used clear packing tape where wanted cut line, set that edge on a sheet of plywood supported on saw horses on cross lumber to keep flat, mark the line set a straight edge for a circular saw set SHALLOW, 80T blade and walk it thru not drive it thru with a pair of hands holding the offal piece, remove tape off BOTH sides and used 600 sand paper to feather the edges
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Tbone95
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Joined: 31 Aug 2012
Location: Michigan
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Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 7:40am |
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If you ever need to drill it, use a UNIBIT step drill bit. Works amazing, no grabbing or chipping or anything, smooth sailing.
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john(MI)
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Location: SE MI
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Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 11:45am |
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KKeep the edge where your cutting close to the edge of what its laid on. Be very careful drilling near the edge. I've had the best success with a jig saw. Go slow!
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D14, D17, 5020, 612H, CASE 446
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FREEDGUY
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Joined: 15 Apr 2017
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Posted: 26 Oct 2020 at 6:59pm |
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DMiller
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Posted: 27 Oct 2020 at 5:01am |
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Been using that since taught it by Grandfather, ?60 years?. Refers to the Off Fall Material when cut anything so become a standard word offal.
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Pat the Plumber CIL
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Springfield,Il
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Posted: 27 Oct 2020 at 11:04pm |
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My grandfather used the term " swarth "as the material a saw or drill removes as it works
German heritage maybe ?
Edited by Pat the Plumber CIL - 27 Oct 2020 at 11:05pm
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You only need to know 3 things to be a plumber;Crap rolls down hill,Hot is on the left and Don't bite your fingernails
1964 D-17 SIV 3 Pt.WF,1964 D-15 Ser II 3pt.WF ,1960 D-17 SI NF,1956 WD 45 WF.
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. And thanks to ALL that replied 
.