Thread: Cutting thin acrylic.

So after seeing a post where someone used acrylic from a clipboard to make scales, I've decided to do the same. What's recommended for cutting thin acrylic like that without melting it, etc? And what do you do to finish the acrylic along the edges, etc? I can't find anything in the wiki or sticky's above.
Thanks
Aaron

I use a coping saw, say 15-20 tpi.

I use a coping saw and I hate it.

I thought a coping saw was the answer...I have one...looks a bit tedious to do....
Gotta do it though..
Thanks...

Before I got my scroll saw I would use a hand held jigsaw. It worked out fine for the rough cut. Just have to be careful to hold the job down to the bench so it doesnt jump around and crack.

I believe I've read you can use dremel cutting disks as long as you move them quickly through the material. I used a dremel to cut some compter case acrylic a while back and I think this was true. I remember some areas melted and some didn't, and I think the areas that I cut more slowly melted.

I was going to suggest a scroll saw but Baldy beat me to it.

on the more expensive side of things a variable speed bandsaw cuts pretty nice turned down on the lowest setting. My bandsaw spins at 100 SFPM for steel and plastic. With the thin stuff for the most part regardless of material the rule of thumb is 3 teeth in the material at one time so that could be a 24tpi or 14 depending on the thickness. Even then sometimes those rules go out the window. A 24TPI cuts REAL SLOW.

I use a band saw. A scroll saw will work but, as you are using the same part of the blade to cut the whole time, it can get hot and start to melt the acrylic. With a band saw the blade has time to cool as it goes around and you don't get that problem.

To finish the edge use wet/dry sand paper (dry). start at 240 grit and progress to 1500. Then buff with Brasso. You should now have a super high gloss edge.

Thanks again everyone...I've got a little 'experimenting' to do then.