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3K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  BinghamtonEd 
#1 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
 

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#2 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
Well I have cut some on a saw. I have tried a band saw and it is about like using a coping saw. The plastic has a tendency to melt together in the kerf behind the blade. You are back to square one. I had my best results with an old fashioned plywood blade in my table saw. It can and will chip on ocassion and safety gear is required. I had good results with this. Now it appears that you need to cut a curved side. That will probably require a band saw and maybe a stationary sander.
 

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#3 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
It is somewhat wasteful but sandwiching the plexi between 2 pieces of thin ply or Masonite will help with the chipping problems. Taping the cut lines top and bottom helps as well. I've cut it on the tablesaw, bandsaw, and chopsaw (chopsaw is the worst choice!)

I think the people that cut this stuff on a daily basis use a fairly fine toothed blade and a slow speed set up.
 

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#4 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
I agree with gfadvm to the extent of taping the area that you cut with a bandsaw only because I've heard that before a couple of times by different people. Never had to try it myself so can't say for sure. I know for a fact that thinner makes it tricky. I would wonder if you can score it with a knife with it being so thin. But again you have the radius. Hope this helps. good luck
 

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#5 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
If it were me, I'd make a template and use a router to cut out the shape. I've never done it personally, but I know we use routers at work to make plexi guards for machinery.

You could also try a jigsaw with a fine blade. There's a specialty blade for plexi: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-T101A-4-Inch-14-Tooth-Blades/dp/B0000223FX/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1366872108&sr=8-3&keywords=plexiglass+blade.

Good luck, whatever way you go! The shelf looks really beautiful.
 

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#6 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
I have cut plexi on the scroll saw by taping the cut lines with masking tape and then marking where to cut.
 

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#7 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
Leave the protective covering on while cutting.
 

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#8 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
I cut plexiglass on my scrollsaw for ornaments. The best way I have found is to tape the line of cutting and slow the scrollsaw way done to prevent burning and melting back together.

Your shelf turned out pretty good. What color are you going to put behind?
 

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#9 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
What type of blades do you use Kelly?
 

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#10 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
Kepy, thanks I will.
 

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#11 ·
Plexiglass

Ok just finished this piece made of 3/4" walnut, except for a mirror background. A little nervous about it, but going to jump right in and for the 1st. time cut plexiglass for the background of this project.
Brown Plant Wood Sculpture Interior design


I just ordered a piece that's 1/8" thick x 12"x24" from Sloan's Workshop along with Olson blades double skip tooth 3D and 5D. Not sure witch size blade will do it, so got the 2 sizes. LOL

Sloan's has instructions on how to cut and handle the plexiglass, but I still could use some pointers while waiting for the shipment to come in.
I've only cut plexiglass in larger square pieces, and got good results with a circular saw guide and a board underneath, so that the piece was clamped between the two boards. Doesn't seem like this is what you want, but I will tell you that if you plan on drilling it, the cheapo glass and tile bits (around $10 for a set of 4 at HD or Lowes) work great. Normal drill bits have a tendency to grab the plexiglass and snap it if you're not very careful.
 

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