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How to cut solid 25 mm plastic sheet (polycarbonate i think)?

  • 22-04-2013 9:08pm
    #1
    wall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 206 ✭✭


    Hi, how to cut 25 mm plastic sheet, i think its polycarbonate. I dont know if a skill saw (circular saw) would cut it or would it break the teeth or melt on the blade. I think a jigsaw may cut it but it may melt back together as the blade passes along, also, its hardish to get a nice straight line (about 5 foot long) with a jigsaw which is what i want. Any thoughts?


Comments

  • #2
    Mech1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,124 ✭✭✭Mech1


    Stanley knife and 100 new blades?:D

    Honestly I think a Jigsaw with the right speed / blade would work best, but I've never tackled plastic that thick.


  • #3
    Mech1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,124 ✭✭✭Mech1


    Maybe Jigsaw to 2mm waste side and sand to size?


  • #4
    Happyman42
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,066 ✭✭✭✭Happyman42


    Clamp on a straight edge and use a good sharp stanley, don't be in a hurry, score first rather than cut into it, until you establish a deepish mark.


  • #5
    11wingnut
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 471 ✭✭11wingnut


    a router is good i have used it for smaller sizes.


  • #6
    fergal.b
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 6,344 Mod ✭✭✭✭fergal.b


    Jigsaw set at slow speed with a fine tooth blade for steal will work fine, you can also keep a bit of water pouring over the work if you find it is sticking to the blade. Do it on a warm day to reduce the chance of cracking.




    .


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  • #7
    lgk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭lgk


    You'll be scoring a long time with a stanley blade to get through 25mm!!

    The jigsaw is the best option. I've also used thin metal cutting discs on a small angle grinder to cut 4mm polycarbonate with good results. Keep it slow to avoid heat build up.


  • #8
    genuine leather
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 370 ✭✭genuine leather


    I've also used thin metal cutting discs on a small angle grinder to cut 4mm polycarbonate with good results.

    +1, Quick and nice clean line, using the thin disc.


  • #9
    2011
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,641 Mod ✭✭✭✭2011


    I have cut quite a bit of perspex with a skill saw and it worked very well. No cracking or burning, just a straight clean cut. I ensured that the blade was spinning at a high speed and I fed it slowly. However my perspex was only 6mm thick (OP wants to cut 25mm).


  • #10
    tommy2bad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,255 ✭✭✭tommy2bad


    Jigsaw, it will stick back a bit, keep it cool with water or oil. Good old WD40 works too.
    Finish the edge with a router to get a clear clean edge.
    Clamp the plastic down to a solid work top and use a straight edge to guide the jigsaw and router.
    Done it loads of times, You will get away with sanding the edge if it's not going to be seen, use a file to remove the stuck back bits first.


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