Thread: Cutting plexiglass w/o bandsaw?

Hey all,
I'm trying my hand at making clear scales. I wanted to see if anybody had any tricks for cutting plexi w/o large equipment like bandsaws.
I have the rough shapes cut out but to prevent tons of filing to get the final scales, I'm looking for any cool methods you may have picked up.

Thanks,
D

coping saw works fine.
I use one of those right now
SHARK CORPORATION;High Quality Hand Tools
works super

Originally Posted by mainaman

coping saw works fine.
I use one of those right now
SHARK CORPORATION;High Quality Hand Tools
works super

Yeah I used a coping saw to get my rough shape but it seems to bind up after cutting for a while. I don't like that flexing when I'm getting so close to my final shape. What kind of blade do you use?

dfafs .... just ease up on the speed and pressure ... let the blade cut at its own pace ... dont get in a hurry and clean it off with your fingers when you notice it starting to clog. Plexi will overheat easily and clog the teeth.
I used a belt sander to shape mine but again you cant get agressive or hurry the removal of materials.
Other than the belt sander i did mine with hand sanding and polished with a dremel.
Here is mine
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...r-acrylic.html
Good luck!

Mike

Originally Posted by dfafs

Yeah I used a coping saw to get my rough shape but it seems to bind up after cutting for a while. I don't like that flexing when I'm getting so close to my final shape. What kind of blade do you use?

I use blade for wood.
I used to cut rough shape only, then fine shape with files.

Originally Posted by Mcbladescar

dfafs .... just ease up on the speed and pressure ... let the blade cut at its own pace ... dont get in a hurry and clean it off with your fingers when you notice it starting to clog. Plexi will overheat easily and clog the teeth.
I used a belt sander to shape mine but again you cant get agressive or hurry the removal of materials.
Other than the belt sander i did mine with hand sanding and polished with a dremel.
Here is mine
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...r-acrylic.html

I still get a "woodie" when I look at that razor 'n scales! But it's like Charlie the Tuna, eh? They don't want a tuna with taste, they want a tuna that tastes good!

Mike, thanks for the tips. I remember seeing your razor, it looks great by the way.
I think I figured out what I was doing wrong! I found a finer toothed blade which works better on the plexi and I found a better place to clamp my piece (I don't have a vice).
We'll see how it goes and I'll report back.

-D

If you use a coping saw, try clamping the piece down with a squeeze clamp or a C clamp so it's easier to cut. This will help you focus on cutting, not trying to hold the piece down. Also, make sure your blade is sharp, ie, brand new! This will also help make things go much smoother.

Originally Posted by dfafs

Mike, thanks for the tips. I remember seeing your razor, it looks great by the way.
I think I figured out what I was doing wrong! I found a finer toothed blade which works better on the plexi and I found a better place to clamp my piece (I don't have a vice).
We'll see how it goes and I'll report back.

-D

I used to use c-clamps but now I have switched tothat style and it works really well
Amazon.com: Adjustable Clamp 3201HT 1" Pony Spring Clamps: Home Improvement

Originally Posted by mainaman

I used to use c-clamps but now I have switched tothat style and it works really well
Amazon.com: Adjustable Clamp 3201HT 1" Pony Spring Clamps: Home Improvement

Thanks,
One more thing to go on my wish list for razor restoration!