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cutting pexiglass correctly?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=65932
Printed Date: March 28, 2024 at 1:32 PM


Topic: cutting pexiglass correctly?

Posted By: atsronnyats
Subject: cutting pexiglass correctly?
Date Posted: November 09, 2005 at 4:16 PM

ok i need to know how to cut say 1/4 in and 1/8 in pexiglass and say 1/16 to 1/32 sheet metal properly because im sure the correct tool is about the only one to use without it break and not conforming correctly so help with that would be appreciated im going to use this to mod my computer but the knowlegde id like to have for an amp rack i plan to make in the future out of pexi using neon lighting etc... so your know ledge is muy apreciated! thanx

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97 Rolla CE pair of kx6.5 components and DX693ways on a 240 watt 4 channel and a rockford cd player



Replies:

Posted By: liquidx9
Date Posted: November 09, 2005 at 9:10 PM
Cut plexi with a jigsaw and a router. Make a template out of MDF, cut with a plactic blade in your jigsaw, then flush trim the rough cut plexi to the template. Don't use the same bit you use to cut wood with to make as clean a cut as possible. If my rough cut line is more than the width of the router bit(I use a 1/2" shank) I'll go around the piece ,attached to the template with 2 sided tape, with a bearing thats 1/4" bigger than the shaft, then flush it with my finishing bit.

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///Alpine/MB Quart/Image Dynamics/Soundstream/Stinger




Posted By: smurphalurph
Date Posted: November 11, 2005 at 2:05 AM
I just use the Dremel with a dimond plated cut-off wheel.

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When you do things right, people won't realize you've done anything at all.




Posted By: OCURIEL
Date Posted: November 26, 2005 at 5:38 PM
What if you use a big ruler, clamp it down & deeply score a line along the ruler. Then just bend the plexi at the scored line so it can crack. I've never tried cutting plexi, but if i had to, I would try this befor eanything.

note: this is only to cut straight lines.   




Posted By: menace2sobriety
Date Posted: November 26, 2005 at 11:43 PM
i just tried scoring and it did not work to well. it splintered for plexi that the end are not showing i use a skill saw with a 40 tooth blade. and it works fine.

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Posted By: captain_zap
Date Posted: November 27, 2005 at 2:07 AM
leave it to me to suggest a lazer for true detail work....
With respect to scoring, it works, on sheets, I have had it work on 1/8" and other small stuff but past that it. Its futile not to mention dangerous...I have enough nicks scrapes and razor knife accidents on the job, on my own and from midnight fabrication marathons without trying to saw through acrylic with one. for holes, a hole saw works ok run in reverse, literally melting thought the acrylic. Plastic drill bits are also a useful investment if you plan to do allot of acrylic fabrication. For a PC modder the best tools are likely the dremell, the die grinder for the better equipped, the nibbler, a basic power drill, and a nibbler, the nibbler is an invaluable tool to get small holes and used to be a common PC modder tool to do big windows on a low budget, just wear gloves or get big blisters, you can get very smooth results with hardly any filling.




Posted By: realitycheck
Date Posted: November 28, 2005 at 2:03 PM

I just bought a nibbler to do sheet metal work for shaving door handles. It is amazing. I just cant get mine to cut intricate shapes because of the back side of it. So I just use sheet metal snips to do that. About $20 bucks at your local air and heating supply store.



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Learning the trade one fiberglass creation at a time!




Posted By: auex
Date Posted: November 28, 2005 at 2:16 PM
Best way for installers is the router. Make a template out of wood, double sided tape it to the plexi, and then run the router to the outside of it. You can do it with a jig saw but make sure that you have a fine toothed blade in it and take your time.

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Certified Security Specialist
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Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: November 28, 2005 at 3:39 PM
When your done....try taking a scrap piece, and get out your propane torch. Flame polish the edges....looks good. test it....not too hot the stuff melts and burns.posted_image

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Posted By: DukeDuke
Date Posted: December 06, 2005 at 11:32 PM
My best recommendation is the router, and if you have the balls and are good enough a jig saw with a high tooth count blade, like everyone else mentioned. As well as for clean up, get some 220 grit give it all a nice sand, then take it to your buffer and get some good polish and polish it up, then if you have to, go up to 400 and polish again. Comes out CRYSTAL clear. Good luck. If you want to be a lazy PC modder(like myself) by yourself a prefab plexi case. They are only like $30.00 now. Good luck!

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Duke Duke





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