Plexiglass is not like glass it is a type of clear plastic acrylic, and many people use it because it is more resistant than glass and doesn't break like glass does. It is more resistant to heat and cold. The problem is that plexiglass can also chip, melt, smear, and scratch easily. In fact it is very prone to chipping if it is not cut right. That is why we are going to go over the best way to cut plexiglass. There are many different saw blades that can be used to cut plexiglass which makes the process much easier.
Things you will need to be prepared for - You will need to have the following products on hand:
o A circular saw or a table saw
o The sheet of plexiglass. Choose a thicker type if possible. Thicker plexiglass doesn't chip as much as thinner plexiglass.
o Fine grain sand paper
o Ruler
o Saw blades.
The process
First you will need to use a measuring tape or a ruler to measure out the size you need. Once you have the size you need then you need to carefully choose the blade you are going to use. If the plexiglass is thin then you need a blade with more teeth to reduce the risk of chipping.
Sometimes you need to types of saw blades. When a piece of plexiglass is harder then it usually chips more easily. Acrylics that are soft can melt much more easily.
When you start cutting it is best that you use goggles. You want to protect your eyes from flying plastic chips. If you start to see chipping then you want to change the saw blade for one that has more teeth. You may have to change several times before you find the right blade.
Once you have cut the plexiglass, you are going to use a piece of sandpaper to smooth down the edges. Once you have finished your plexiglass is ready to go.
The use of plexiglass is often a better, cheaper, and safer choice than using glass. You just have to be careful cleaning it and cutting it. But once it is in place it is a much better option for many of your projects.
