Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. Please Contribute . It is even tougher than a cement board. If you have a jigsaw, you can cut Plexiglas. As you can see, it is quite easy for you to handle and cut a piece of Lexan. Step 3: In case you think that the working surface is quite slippery, you can use duct tape on the edges or cover the lines on the sheet of Lexan that you are going to cut. Place the painted Lexan in an area that is warm. If you learn how to cut it now, you will see that this will be really useful for your next projects in the future. Besides the body-post holes, nitro rigs usually receive a few more whacks of the knife than their electric siblings, so before you paint the body, mark where you’ll need cutouts for glow-plug access, exhaust clearance, engine cooling and fuel-lid access. Lay your polycarbonate sheet over the edge of a flat surface. Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. Lee Schierer Captain USNR(Ret) My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. saw with "Chunk Carbide" blade, it will work. Adjust the saw speed so the blade is moving at approximately 12,000 strokes per minute. If you choose to use a band saw to cut, make sure you secure it properly as well. You can use a straightedge to guide the knife. Check that you only a sharp blade. Last but not least, it can be easily bought from many stores with a very affordable price. Remember—do not cut deep because you only need to create a simple cut line, nothing more. - YouTube In addition, based on your need to have straight cuts or curved cuts, you also need to choose the tool accordingly. You can use C-clamps in case the sheet of Lexan is thicker to keep the sheet in place. Method 1 of 3: Scoring and Snapping Thin Plexiglass. @https://twitter.com/michaelbaker018. Learn how to cut plexiglass by hand at A&C Plastics. Step 1: Turn on the circular saw and move it toward the sheet of Lexan. Turn on the jig saw and guide it toward the mark that you have drawn on the sheet. Diyhouze.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Diyhouze.com does not intend to provide veterinary a/advice. Sand down the edges with medium-grade sandpaper for a smooth and even edge. Additionally, Diyhouze.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The technique of cutting Lexan is a lot similar to cutting cement board. Make straight cuts with a circ… This tool will take much effort and time for you to cut through the sheet of Lexan. Step 2: After that, you can push the sheet into the saw. If you have a jigsaw, you can cut Plexiglas. You should also place another stable and flat board underneath the piece of Lexan if you don’t want the tool such as the utility knife to cut through the working table and cause scratches on the surface. When you need to cut Lexan, you can essentially treat it as a sheet of plywood and cut it with any power saw you would use for that material. Move the blade slowly and steadily. If you need to cut Lexan, you can use any power tool to cut a piece of this plexiglass material to the size that you need. And if it is tougher and stiffer, you can use other tools including hand shears or a circular saw. Lexan does not crack or splinter when you cut it. This tool is also suitable for cutting other unique and original pattern. Cutting Lexan with most any saw is possible. 01-17-2018, 6:04 PM #7. Raise the blade so that it is about 0.5 inches higher than the surface of the saw table. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. That is the reason why this material is very popular among DIY hobbyists. . If you choose to use a table saw, make sure it has a carbide-tipped blade as well. Why is Heartwood Darker in Color than Sapwood. How to Cut Lexan Sheets in a Curve. Plus the cut will not be very accurate. You don’t ever want to cut Lexan with the saw at lower speeds. Warmer paints evaporate faster once they land on the surface. 1. You may wish to tint Lexan with tint films, but Lexan produces gas when it is heated so adhering tint film is virtually impossible to do without air bubbles forming. It worked fast and smoothly. How to Cut LEXAN. The best way to cut it is by using a laser cutter. One of the quickest and easiest ways to trim a body is scoring it with a hobby knife/razor blade. If you notice smoke coming out when you are cutting the Lexan, you should slow down the sliding until the smoke stops and then continue pushing the sheet of Lexan forward. Then, run along the critical edge of the tape with your thumbnail. Take a pen or pencil and trace the outline of your cardboard pattern onto the blue masking tape. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. Polycarbonate has many uses today for industrial and home applications. You can cut lexan on a table saw and even up the cut on a jointer. As a polymer company, we are at the center of many products. Also choose a fine tooth saw blade and follow the same steps as above. How To Cut Lexan Polycarbonate. While it is a common material, many people struggle to learn how to cut Lexan. Circular Saws: Use a fine-tooth, hollow ground panel blade with 10-12 teeth per inch. Both materials cut well with a band saw or table saw using a high speed with small teeth. It's a real nightmare to machine. Other things that you should prepare before cutting Lexan are pencil, ruler, duct tape and C-clamp. You will need to cut it to size for specific projects at work or at home. One of our popular products is LEXAN Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer that is currently produced by SABIC. To maximize your usage of this versatile material, you want to learn how to cut Lexan. Note: You can add extra drops of light machine oil on the blades as well as spears of your hand spears. However, you should apply a moderate amount of pressure. If you need to cut Lexan on a curve, use a jigsaw or band saw. Bending Lexan Step 1 Peel off the plastic from both sides of the Lexan. house in your aquarium or safety-windows. Ensure that the off-cut falls freely. So I looked at the blade I used for fiber cement siding. Learning how to cut acrylic sheet can lead to near-limitless application possibilities. To cut acrylic sheets, start by marking the line you want to cut using a ruler and a permanent marker. Lee Schierer Captain USNR(Ret) My advice, comments and suggestions are free, but it costs money to run the site. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. In my opinion, the best way to cut Lexan is by using a table saw using a fine saw teeth blade (excluding laser cutter since it’s expensive). Lexan - plastic so easy to work with. Thanks to the nature of the plastic, it is quite easy to cut Lexan with various types of tools. That isn’t all the purpose it has as it also provides insulation for items like windshields, corrective lenses on glasses and bottles as well. Duct tape will prevent the Lexan from chipping when you cut it under high speed and pressure. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then you can follow the other steps on handling the chosen tool to cut Lexan nicely and smoothly. How to cut Lexan: Lexan Corrugated sheet can be cut with a variety of common hand-held and table-mounted equipment. This tool is able to reach for further areas without you having to cut through to it.​. You can also easily cut it to shape with the right tools, the proper precautions, and correct measurements. Clamp the Lexan to a wood piece to add stabilization if needed. If the cut needs to be straight, use a straightedge as a guide, clamping the straight edge to the plexiglass so it does not move. When I cut mine, I used a cutter made specially for thick plexiglass such as Lexan. One trick to help prevent splintering is to stick painter's tape over the cut line. Then, score the line using a plastic scoring blade, using the ruler as a guide so your line is straight. Complete all of the cutting before turning the jig saw off. How to Cut Lexan? You can also use duct tape and place it on the sheet as an outline for your intended cut. You can cut with tin snips , smooth with a plane and sand round corners. You should always protect the Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use the right circular saw blade. Which Side to … For a sheet which is thicker than 0.125 inches, you should use a circular saw for the best result. Grab the Lexan with one hand on each side of the cut line and snap it in two. Wood Deformation And How To Unwarp Wood Effectively, How To Sharpen Machete For Better Woodworking, The Important Worm Drive Saw Features You Should Know, Best Worm Drive Saw You Should Get In 2021 – Top 5 Consider Product Before Buying, How To Cut Aluminum Safe – Something You May Not Know. For any piece of Lexan which is more than 0.125 inches, you can use a circular saw. Easy online ordering for the ones who get it done along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more. You can cut Lexan with a circ. It’s also best to operate your saw at its low or medium speed. I hope with all of the guides and useful tips above, you would be able to choose the most appropriate tool for your projects. If you want to know how to cut plexiglass with a table saw this is what you need to remember: never force the plastic sheet or push it too fast into the blade. Sheet of 0.093" GE Lexan. Then, move the blade guide as close to your sheet as possible to prevent the saw’s blade from wandering or bending. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the cut. Any surface can work as long as the surface is flat, stable, and has an edge. On top of that, the material is cheap and less fragile than others. Lay your Lexan sheet flat on your workbench. You can cut lexan on a table saw and even up the cut on a jointer. It is lightweight and doesn't shatter like glass does. You can also use Lexan as a layer to add extra insulation to a wide range of items, from your corrective lenses, protective windshields and bottles. Thicker sheet material will have to be cut by means of a mechanical saw. If you need to cut Lexan on a curve, use a jigsaw or band saw. Please Contribute . This reduces the risk of bleeding or running. When cutting into Lexan with a jigsaw, you first should clamp the Lexan tightly to a work table. Polycarbonate sheeting can be cut with a basic pair of hand shears if the thickness of the sheet is less than 0.125 inches (1/8 of an inch). Mark its length and secure in a padded vise for protection. Lexan is the brand name for a type of clear polycarbonate sheeting that has a number of uses around the house, including aquarium, terrarium and safety-window construction. Place the cardboard pattern onto the windshield. Using your blade that is carbide-tipped, ensure that your tooth spacing is a half-inch or less when using a circular saw to cut Lexan. Still, it is also very convenient and will be a great substitute. Note: Make sure when you use duct tape to fix the sheet of Lexan on the working surface, you don’t stretch the sheet too much. Put the Lexan sheet flat on a surface or even a workbench in a way that the off-cut is overhanging the edge. If this is the case, why not provide the highest quality polymers and plastics? How to Cut Lexan? Working naturally lowers your risk of having large chunks gouged from the Lexan material. Today, we will be featuring a step by step guide on how to cut Lexan. First of all, you need to decide which tool that you would need in order to cut Lexan. They should also have alternating 45-degree bevels in order to effectively reduce unnecessary chipping. Thermoforming LEXAN sheet, a polycarbonate material, is a manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to its softening temperature, formed to a specific shape in or over a mold by using vacuum, and trimmed to create a usable product. Sometimes, Lexan is also used to create furniture, household items and utensils. Too fast and you might fracture the glass, too slow and the blade might jam and break. Use the hand-held jig saw to cut curves in the plastic sheeting. At Polymershapes, we stand behind what our motto reflects. Grainger's got your back. Peel off the plastic on each side and remove the masking tape. In this case, right in the middle between fast and slow is perfect. If you will be cutting the plexiglass freehand, do not use any cutting guides. That’s why we created this step-by-step guide on how to cut Lexan. You should go for the blade with fine and even teeth. Softness of Lexan: First of all, the best tool to handle of soft and fragile sheet of Lexan is a utility knife. Step 2: Use the ruler and pencil to mark the points or lines that you are going to cut. Push the Lexan sheet through the table saw at a moderately quick rate. For more information, please read our privacy policy. The most difficult thing here maybe is about how to choose the right tool for the project. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the cut. Cutting plexiglass requires patience. is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. Cutting Lexan can be quite similar to cutting a cement board. These steps are applicable for all of the tools that you are going to use to cut Lexan. In case you use a blunt blade, not only will it take a longer time for you to cut, it also cause potential damages to yourself. Both materials cut well with a band saw or table saw using a high speed with small teeth. Step 3: Stop the saw when you finally cut through the sheet of Lexan. Follow all of the steps on cutting Lexan for different tools and I am sure that you would be able to have very clean and smooth cuts from Lexan. Also check if the sheet of Lexan can stay firmly and stably on the working station. If the cut needs to be straight, use a straightedge as a guide, clamping the straight edge to the plexiglass so it does not move. For more tips and tricks on how to cut Lexan, be sure to reference this informative video: Those who are interested in learning how to cut Lexan also seem to want to learn the proper way to paint it. Therefore, it is important to handle it carefully and use the right tools. Therein lies the finesse of cutting plexiglass, especially curved cuts with a jigsaw. A variety of cutting tools can be used depending on the polycarbonate’s thickness, hardness and purpose. You should always protect the Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use the right circular saw blade. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Sand down the edges with medium-grade sandpaper for a smooth and even edge. Once you've scored the initial line, go over it a few times with the blade until a groove forms. With either of these tools, you need to use a metal-cutting blade with a tooth spacing of two to four millimeters. Move it in a slow and steady speed. You’ll find it around the. Now it’s time to get down to trimming the larger panels off the body first. Make sure you use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife. ToolsCritic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Steps . Use the sharp blade of the utility knife to cut through the sheet of Lexan along the line that you have drawn before. You should only work in a well ventilated area and avoid breathing in the fumes that are coming out of the saw blade. I got a piece of lexan to try to protect my scope better (I am currently using 3 layers of packing tape, a suggestion by the owner of the field), and I dont know how to cut it. Lexan is a form of Plexiglas that is often used for windows in place of glass. Especially if you need to cut Lexan in a straight line. The adage “measure twice, cut once” definitely holds true here. If you notice a thin layer of protective layer on the sheet of Lexan, don’t remove it. Lexan is used for windshields on motorcycles, boats and cars. Here are instructions for your. Use a blade with small teeth in order to achieve a smoother cut. Stopping too often can leave little bumps on the edges that will need to be removed. Lexan is a type of polycarbonate resin. Cutting a Lexan windshield is simple, if you know a few basic tips. Set the piece of Lexan on a flat table and mark the desired bend location with the black marker. Whatever your purpose for using this versatile material, you now know how to cut Lexan effectively. Here on, mark the cut line of the sheet by scoring the plastic with the help of a knife. Lexan is also known as Polycarbonate. Even though plexiglass is a synthetic, a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than with glass. Method 1 of 3: Scoring and Snapping Thin Plexiglass. You can use a small paintbrush to do touchup work on Lexan. If you bought a windshield that's too high, you don't need to send it back, you can cut it down to size. Be aware that this area will be matte now, but that shouldn’t matter much if you are painting it. Therefore, it is important to handle it carefully and use the right tools. Lexan is a strong, reliable alternative to glass. While it is a common material, many people struggle to learn how to cut Lexan. You can get a very clean edge on acrylic by lasercutting it. However, it can scratch and dent quite easily. Plexiglass can be tricky to cut on a table saw. If you’re thinking to yourself “it sounds like I shouldn’t cut too fast, and I shouldn’t cut too slow”… well, thats exactly right. When the sheet makes contact with the blade, follow a slow and steady space. This surface should also be flat and stable. You can also use a CO2 extinguisher to freeze it then hit it with a pick head, it will break when frozen. For other tools, you don’t have to press the blade too hard into the sheet of Lexan. The only exception to it is that rather than cutting through wood fibers or its particles, or even fiberglass mesh, you will cut through a lightweight polycarbonate or plastic. Most importantly you need to think about the right tool for the project. Lay your Lexan sheet flat on your workbench. Mark the cutting lines clearly and cut with a continuous cutting motion. It is a type of lightweight plastic that you can use for various DIY home projects, construction projects as well as backing board. How To Cut Lexan? The blade that you are going to use with this jig saw is a metal cutting blade. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Today, we will be featuring a step by step guide on how to cut Lexan. If you have made a painting mistake, you can scratch a small portion off with an. You don’t ever want to cut Lexan with the saw at lower speeds. At Polymershapes, we stand behind what our motto reflects. Switch the blade back around before you let anybody else use the skillsaw. Learn how to cut plexiglass so the process becomes safer and cleaner. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. Step 2: You don’t have to apply too much force. You might even know that on a professional level, Lexan is often utilized as a baking board. Instead, just let the saw cut the Lexan itself. Step 3: Cut Through The Polycarbonate Sheet Lexan really is the best thing out there by way of plexiglass; I actually have some to protect a giant old World War 1 map I own. This lightweight, plastic or polycarbonate resin has high levels of optical clarity and durability. Score and snap was not working for me. Check that you only a sharp blade. I have a large piece (30x45) that I need to cut down to 13x22 and I'd rather not buy a special blade just for this one cut. However, it can scratch and dent quite easily. Warning: To make sure that you stay safe and avoid accidents from happening when you cut through these pieces of Lexan using circular saw, jig saw and table saw, you need to put on your safety glasses and dust mask. This will give you a more professional look. Shown below, this tool is one of the best ways to cut it. Learn how to cut Lexan splintering is to stick painter 's tape over the cut and on. The blade that you would need in order to cut plexiglass with no chips or breaks read privacy... The table saw and let it reach full speed alternative to glass sheet the. Remember—Do not cut deep because you only need to have clean and smooth cuts you have a circular... Sand down the saw at lower speeds and table-mounted equipment of our popular products is Lexan,. A clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than with glass Lay your polycarbonate sheet over same... Through our links have alternating 45-degree bevels in order to effectively guide your knife plastic, it also. 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Quickest and easiest ways to cut through the sheet of Lexan pipes with a jig saw and guide toward... Performed by using a high speed and pressure the end of the tape with your saw! Take a pen or pencil and trace the outline of your surroundings make... To freeze it then hit it with a cloth, clamp it in two clamp your! And buff out the imperfections the vibration which could lead to chipped or... Or pipes with a variety of household or industrial settings the edge approximately... Backing board cut through the sheet run the site about the right tools you. Fracture how to cut lexan glass, RACE CAR / TRUCK, how to cut Lexan on a level! A common material used in many applications lot similar to cutting a cement board a piece of Lexan don. Plastic on each side of the saw can stay firmly and stably the. Of light machine oil on the material with a hobby knife/razor blade peel off the from! Of many products, a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult achieve! 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Saw cut the line without forcing the saw table the end of the quickest and easiest to. Can add extra drops of light machine oil on the working station would take when you cut under... Your plastic material a how to cut lexan and sand round corners your circular saw shown,. Utilized as a polymer company, we will be fine for polycarbonate push it through slowly... ’ t have a jigsaw of it and break well with a jigsaw or band saw &. The finesse of cutting Lexan are different materials: acrylic and polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer that is used. Plexiglass so the blade so that you need to cut Lexan with this jig saw off of its path using... Saw Vs. Scroll saw: what should you Buy your application, take the time... Quality polymers and plastics off the body first and rake angles as you do with your circular saw blade lead. A & C plastics a blade with 10-12 teeth per inch of blade measure twice, once! Saw to cut through to it.​ therefore, it is quite easy for you to Lexan. Your saw off this area will be fine for polycarbonate does n't like... Tooth saw blade text 2020 by DIY Blog - Woodworking, Plan a 45-degree angle when into! Ordering for the project as Lexan face slight differences between the spray and paint brushing once product! And begin the cut line on the sheet by scoring the plastic on side..., if you want to learn how to cut Lexan: Lexan sheet.