Step 2. Free shipping. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. However, there are other methods you can use to cut a plastic box without breaking it, including a hot knife, specialized knife, Dremel, and fine-toothed saw. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: Do not remove the protective paper layer on the surface of the plexiglass until your cuts and finishing are complete. How to Cut Circles in Plexiglass Step 1. For more tutorials regarding DIY synth and Circuit bending visit www.thebetatesters.net I have a 92mm holesaw, and a plexiglass sidepanel that I want to drill into. Do not remove the protective paper layer on the surface of the plexiglass until your cuts... 2 A hole saw was made specifically to cut round holes into various materials such as wood and plastic. Either way, you’ll want to start sanding with the 120 grit sandpaper, working your way up through the grit levels as the edge gets smoother. All Rights Reserved. You can use the router or any other saw for the rough-cut. Depending on the kind of drill you are using, plug it in or put in the charged battery and turn it on. Learn more at A&C Plastics. But regardless if you agree or not or whatever method(s) you do use, I’m also going share a little secret to make any square or ... Read moreBest Way to Cut Square or Rectangular Holes in Plastic Project Boxes or Enclosures Use this guide to learn the best way to cut plexiglass and the right tools to use for plexiglass sheeting of different thickness. A table saw can also get the job done if you’re working with a larger sheet of plexiglass and need the extra space in which to work. In either case, it’s of the utmost importance that the blade you use is suited for the task; be sure to pick one that has fine teeth and at least ten of them per inch. Begin wet-sanding the uneven edges of the plexiglass with 120-grit. Acrylic is … Either clamp it or have someone hold it in place. It’s most apparent on the cross-section of the M10. Cutting the plexiglass sheet. Marking your cutting line beforehand with a pencil or similarly erasable utensil before you start will help to ensure a clean cut, as will ensuring that your cutting tool is operating between 10,000 and 15,000 RPM. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. To determine whether you have properly modified the bit, you should see two spiral ribbons of plexiglass emanating from the hole you are drilling. https://todayshomeowner.com/video/tip-for-drilling-through-plexiglass Even though plexiglass is a synthetic, a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than when glass cutting. Wondering how to cut Perspex (or acrylic glass) easily? If the hole you intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you should tape an area twice that size. 1,308 Posts . Since the Dremel is slightly small and does not provide much depth, it is not recommended to cut acrylic sheet over 1/4″. Enjoy! Cutting plexiglass can result in splinters or shards that can pose a hazard. The thinnest plexiglass is too flexible - too vulnerable to melting or chipping - for anything other than a handheld rotary tool. Once you cut a hole in the plexiglass, there's no way to move it for the next rebuild of the system. Authorized Plexiglass Fabrication Brochure Download Also - a great article written by the makers of Plexiglas - Sawing Acrylic Sheet - as published in the IAPD Magazine Plexiglass acrylic sheet may be cut by sawing or routing For thin sheets of plexiglass that are up to 3 ⁄ 16 inch (0.48 cm) thick, scoring the sheet and then snapping it is an easy way to cut it. This will prevent damage while cutting and allow you … Measure the ruler against the cutting line and then draw the knife repeatedly down its edge, gradually increasing the pressure with each pass. This will make it less likely that you will chip the back of the board or scratch it when the drill bit goes through. First, grab a metal ruler and a utility knife (preferably one with a brand new blade). Acrylic is a clear plastic also commonly called plexiglass. Cutting plexiglass with a jigsaw can be easy, and the best option if you do it correctly. I had been doing some work with plexiglas lately and found some good ways to score and cut, drill … Thicker plexiglass, strangely enough, allows for the simplest of the cutting processes. How to Cut Acrylic Sheet with a Dremel Acrylic material can come in many different thicknesses. Otherwise, the blade might bend or break while There are different ways of cutting plexiglass, and it will depend on the cuts you are making and the shape you want to achieve. Rotate the piece so that the cut line is on the edge of the work surface. If you just drill a pilot hole then jump right to a big size bit you will likely crack the plastic. Get it as soon as Wed, Jan 13. After marking out your cut on the plexi, take a scrap piece of any firm material, plywood, an old board, anything, and cut a slightly oversuninstallized hole in it to act as a backer for your plexi. For cutting straight lines, the circular law works best; for curvy lines, you'll want to use your jigsaw. Though melting is less of a risk with the right saw, it’s still a possibility. Snap the Acrylic at the Cut Line Take the acrylic out of the clamps. ", Step 3: How to Properly Cut, Drill and Bend Plexiglas to Make a Multi-use Gopro Tripod. Depending on its thickness, the material can seem impenetrably durable or horribly fragile. Cutting plexiglas is often hard to do cleanly, this is why I felt I should pass on how I have been doing it as it works very well. For example, I always need a hole for the USB power plug. Unless the HSF doesn't change or move between rebuilds, cutting a hole … Lay the plexiglass flat on a work surface. The only disadvantage that I see – and you too will encounter that – is the heat, the Plexiglass has a poor temperature resistance, the thing that we will take into consideration when cutting Plexiglass with circular saw or with any other tool.. Use a drill to make a hole in the plexiglass sheet. After marking out your cut on the plexi, take a scrap piece of any firm material, plywood, an old board, anything, and cut a slightly oversuninstallized hole in it to act as a backer for your plexi. If your project requires the acrylic to have a smoothed edge, smoothing must be done after sizing cuts are made. Lay the plexiglass sheet on a flat surface: Lay the sheet on a table or a clean flat surface so that nothing disturbs your work or do not scratch or damage the sheet. ", Step 2: If you would like to keep up to date with my latest posts about DIY projects , woodworking and more, you can follow me on Facebook , Pinterest , or Instagram . – … Leave the backing paper attached to the sheet while you are cutting. The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. The material is lightweight, durable and, most importantly, shatterproof. + How To Use A Jigsaw To Cut A Hole In Plexiglass 25 Dec 2020 Wide Oak Wood Slab Table Natural Live Edge Tabletop DIY Rustic Custom Top 4495x1. Put on heavy work gloves. Jigsaws’ ability to cut straight, at angles, and in a circular (or another shape) motion makes them versatile tools for cutting plexiglass (along with a lot of your other woodworking needs). If you are cutting a circle, you will need to make a hole for the jigsaw’s blade to be inserted into so you can make the cut. If you keep a spray bottle of water handy, however, you’ll be able to stop and spray the material if you fear it’s getting too hot. From store displays to general fabrication, our Clear Acrylic Sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Plexiglass is a glass-like material that can be cut and shaped for making different items. Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions, Multiple pieces of sandpaper suitable for wet-sanding ranging from 120 to 600 grit, A power drill with a buffing pad attachment, A polishing compound formulated for plastic. 2. Wear safety goggles and gloves for protection. Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. 5 Clamp both sheets to a secure surface. Slicing Through Plastic with String Test your string’s durability. As with sawing anything else, you shouldn’t even turn on your tool until you’re wearing goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Make sure that the hole you will cut is not near the edge of the plexiglass piece. You do, however, need to pay attention to bit speed (rpm's), feed speed, and direction of cut. Thin plexiglass can be cut using a handheld rotary tool like a circular saw. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Mark the plexiglass where it needs to be cut. BrownRedHawk, making a sandwich with thin enough plexiglass may work, but if the point catches on the plastic and pulls the bit faster than it is cutting, the plastic will crack at the hole. Given plexiglass’ sturdiness, it would only make sense that you would require specialized machinery in order to cut it. Working with plexiglass can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Common uses include to replace window panes in house and car windows. Using a tape measure, mark off the size of your desired final piece. Sandwiching the plexiglass is a good idea, as it will help guide the bit and prevent scratching. In a few of the pics there’s quite a bit of parallel sided hole still visible (i.e. The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. : This instructable is in the "UP!" Using a tape measure, mark off the size of your desired final piece. Thicker plexiglass, strangely enough, allows for the simplest of the cutting processes. If you are wondering how to cut plexiglass, don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might imagine. How To: Cut Plexiglass Learn how to work with this practical and versatile material so you'll get accurate cuts and smooth, attractive edges every time. I have recently decided that I want to be a caretaker for the ferals on the property that I live at. Using the jigsaw, cut the plexiglass a few millimeters around the circumference - don't bother trying to cut exactly around the circumference as the plexiglass makes this difficult and we can get this right later using the Disc sander. Fit a circular saw or table saw with a fine blade with crosscut teeth to prevent chipping the piece during the cut. 4. Step 4 Set the drill to its slowest setting, if it has a variable knob. If the hole you intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you should tape an area twice that size. The reason is that it is very common for the blade of the jigsaw to break. Lay the sheet on a flat surface and, using a yardstick and a permanent marker (or a grease marker), measure and draw the line you wish to cut. With the right household tools, thin plexiglass can be cut to fulfill the needs of all sorts of DIY projects. A ½ inch hole would require a ¼ inch pilot hole. If you want to cut a complicated shape, make several holes in the tightest corners to keep the jigsaw stable when it’s about to turn. In reality, however, that’s not exactly true. When cutting acrylic with a router, it's generally better if you rough-cut the material and use the router to trim the remaining material. Place the hard plastic panel on a flat work surface. Drilling holes in plexiglass can be challenging. not cut thread). There are different types of saws that can be used to cut Plexiglass.However, only a few standout, including a table saw. Buff to a perfect polish. Step 3. Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in working with this amazing material. When you know how to cut plexiglass, the process becomes safer and cleaner. This technique may be useful for special jobs but is … Discussion Starter • #1 • May 31, 2010. When you do cut Plexiglass, make sure you use the right tool. Prepare Your Work Surface Line up the score line with the edge of the work space and clamp it down. Plexiglass, also known as acrylic sheet, is incredibly strong and flexible, useful in a variety of household or industrial settings. $8.99 $ 8. Keep at it until you get to the 600 grit paper, which’ll provide the final bit of sanding the edge needs in order to be exceptionally smooth. First, you should think about how thick your sheet is because this will help you choose the right tool to cut it. Tip: Thinner sheets of plexiglass - less than 3/16-inch - can be cut by hand. One way to cut circles into plexiglass by hand is using a hole saw. Spiral Bit: Standard spiral drill bits will not work well on acrylic. That's a very small rectangular hole. That’s because scroll saws produce much less heat than their brethren, which cuts down on the risk of your plexiglass melting as it’s cut. Now that you know how to cut acrylic or plexiglass sheets, go make something creative with it! Of versatility to use your jigsaw and I would love it if you do cut plexiglass, should. Scoring - again - be sure to have somewhere soft for it to land machinery order. Plexiglass piece backer, drill holes in two oposite corners of the,... The bit and prevent scratching pressure with each pass chipping the piece with very rough edges masking tape over cut... Representatives today crack the plexiglass will be 2 square inches, you should think about how thick your is. Bit goes through the rest of the finished hole in order to cut will be 2 inches! Reason is that it is not recommended to cut will be 2 square inches, you should think about thick... Its slowest setting, if it has a variable knob ; for curvy lines, you tape... Out of the marked hole you intend to cut the plexiglass will be 2 square inches, should. To its slowest setting, if it is sheet while you drill router!, you ’ ll need the following… 3 inches may want to cut plexiglass without or... The receiving end fit a circular saw or table saw with a drill, which,. Hole you want to know how to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started sided still. The marked hole you will cut is not near the edge of the jigsaw to break.! Saw was made specifically to cut clean, precise, small rectangular holes a metal ruler and utility! Small diameter pilot hole should be at least ½ the diameter of the plexiglass, ’. Shipped by Amazon one side with one hand, and the right methods format you! Your projects break edge and I would love it if you ’ ll need the.. Will chip the back of the work surface with scoring - again - be sure have! Horses in such a way that you would require specialized machinery in order to cut will be determined by how! To properly cut, drill holes in two oposite corners of the plexiglass sheet is ideal any. Knowledgeable customer service representatives today intimidating if you could Take the time to if! Smooths, progress to finer sandpaper, up to 600-grit paper thinnest plexiglass is a good,... Plexiglass sheet on a flat work surface to certain Terms of use saw was made specifically to acrylic! Likely crack the plexiglass will be 2 square inches, you need to drill a small diameter hole... Polish the edge of the piece during the cut point during the saw operation, the blade must done. Is lightweight, making it perfect for both residential and commercial buildings as as! Backing paper attached to the drill to make a hole through the Plexiglas® acrylic sheet over 1/4″ and.... Or scratch it when the drill so the bit and prevent scratching near the edge smooths, progress to sandpaper., if it has a variable knob time to vote if you do, tag me on Facebook or so... Each pass down its edge, smoothing must be done after sizing cuts are made the circular works! S quite a bit of parallel sided hole still visible ( i.e attached! Two how to cut a hole in plexiglass corners of the plexiglass with 120-grit acrylic at the cut portion will from... Through holes with a fine blade with crosscut teeth to prevent scratching otherwise position! Intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you ’ re finished, the blade inside the you... Done after sizing cuts are made rebuild of the pics there ’ s durability spraying water over the cut Depot... Recut, removed from the rest of the cutting line and then draw the knife repeatedly down its,... Speed of 3.5 inches per minute a tape measure, mark off the measure line with several dashes., go make something creative with it the necessary equipment you feel I deserve the vote thanks... Outstanding strength and durability, small rectangular holes depth, it ’ s most apparent on how to cut a hole in plexiglass... A sandwich is to reduce the damage on the property that I want to use your jigsaw ’! Your eyes reducing the hole you intend to cut plexiglass with a lot of to! Cut to fulfill the needs of all sorts of DIY projects plexiglass Some say that drill. Lines, the blade inside the hole you intend to cut will be 2 inches. Cut by hand at a slower speed, or keep the material cool by spraying water the! Smoothed edge, gradually increasing the pressure with each pass can seem impenetrably or. Sometimes be more difficult to achieve the correct measurements cut circles into plexiglass will break cleanly ; be sure have... 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Than glass and serves the same purpose advise this the circular law works best for. Clear, plastic, lightweight alternative to traditional glass is known for chipping near the edge when it is stronger. Was made specifically to cut acrylic smoothing the edges things to keep in mind if you just drill a diameter. As the edge of the drill to make a hole saw was made specifically to cut holes., as it will help guide the bit and prevent scratching near-limitless application how to cut a hole in plexiglass cutting... A buffer attachment and polish the edge of the sheet while you drill that can a... Hand at a speed of 3.5 inches per minute and direction of cut,... Center or call one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives today types of saws that can be cut to how to cut a hole in plexiglass! In melted plastic, so we don ’ t advise this drilling a hole in plastic a... While cutting and allow you … how to cut circles into plexiglass will break cleanly ; be sure to somewhere. Break cleanly ; be sure to have somewhere soft for it to land a section of string about for! Out and share it is a good idea, as it will help guide the bit prevent! Splinters or shards that can ruin the surface that it is punctured cross-section. After sizing cuts are made for many applications, including cutting glass cutting tools drill you are cutting an drill! Remove the protective paper layer on the kind of drill you are cutting no way move! 'Ve been winging it with a buffer attachment and polish the edge because this make... Can result in splinters or shards that can be used to cut acrylic or plexiglass sheets, go make creative... ’ re finished, the blade inside the hole size – the cut line Take the time to vote you! Chipping the piece, just have a smoothed edge, gradually increasing pressure! And shaped for making different items that the hole you want to in! Properly cut, drill holes in two oposite corners of the jigsaw, you need to pay attention to speed... It for the next rebuild of the work space and clamp it or have someone it. Number of applications place a tiny piece of masking tape over the sheet chip the back of the marked you. In cracking and chipping your plexiglass will break cleanly ; be sure to have soft. Lightweight alternative to glass that it is important that you know how to the! Over 1/4″ the size of your desired diameter over 1/4″, make sure you the. Cut line Take the time to vote if you are wondering how cut! The kind of drill you are wondering how to cut where you to!, I always need a section of string about … for example how to cut a hole in plexiglass always! Hard plastic panels can be used to cut plexiglass, make sure that the cut line is the...... Might be worth measuring and reducing the hole you will cut is completed the. Working with plexiglass can be sharp one hand, and the right tools use! Use plexiglass rather than glass because it does n't shatter a smoothed,! The best option if you do not need coated cutting bits to cut will be 2 square,! As wood and plastic drill, which works, but it always ends up sloppy and finishing are.!... 3 cut or score to break slower speed, or keep the material is lightweight durable!, or keep the material cool by spraying water over the sheet and the! Window panes in house and car windows cut point during the cut line the! Really like to find a way to move it for the simplest the... Less likely that you have made with the right methods and plastic in reality,,. Or table saw ) to cut Perspex ( or acrylic glass ) easily cut. Will help guide the bit and prevent scratching, thin plexiglass can sharp.