Plexiglass can Put on heavy work gloves. Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. If you do, tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can check it out and share it! Using a tape measure, mark off the size of your desired final piece. The problem with cutting a hole in a plastic box is that it tends to break and crack, especially if you use a utility knife. Interested in learning more about working with plastics? Shop our wide selection of products and get everything you need for your projects. 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. Get it as soon as Wed, Jan 13. A Dremel is commonly used for many applications, including cutting glass. As with sawing anything else, you shouldn’t even turn on your tool until you’re wearing goggles, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Some say that to drill a hole in plastic without a drill requires melting the plastic. Sandwiching the plexiglass is a good idea, as it will help guide the bit and prevent scratching. There are different types of saws that can be used to cut Plexiglass.However, only a few standout, including a table saw. 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. With your plexi on top of the backer, Drill holes in two oposite corners of the marked hole you want to make. So if you are wondering how to cut plexiglass without cracking or breaking, it is possible if you use the right methods. Spiral Bit: Standard spiral drill bits will not work well on acrylic. Plexiglass is a clear, plastic, lightweight alternative to glass. Prepare Your Work Surface I'd really like to find a way to cut clean, precise, small rectangular holes. ". With your plexi on top of the backer, Drill holes in two oposite corners of the marked hole you want to make. However, you need to ensure that you have the necessary equipment. You can also start cutting in the middle of a piece of material without coming in from the edge. Make sure that the hole you will cut is not near the edge of the plexiglass piece. This will prevent damage while cutting and allow you to draw a template on the acrylic or plastic. The thinnest plexiglass is too flexible - too vulnerable to melting or chipping - for anything other than a handheld rotary tool. Next, add the buffing attachment to the drill and apply the polishing compound to the plexiglass. 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. You can substitute plexiglass for plastic and cutting it by hand can be quite a delicate matter. Visit our plastic information center or call one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives today. From store displays to general fabrication, our Clear Acrylic Sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability. Step 2. First you need to drill a small diameter pilot hole to get started. Measure the ruler against the cutting line and then draw the knife repeatedly down its edge, gradually increasing the pressure with each pass. Learning how to cut thin plexiglass depends on using the right tools and techniques. Cutting Thin Sheets of Plastic If you want a straight cut in a thin acrylic or polycarbonate plastic sheet (up to ⅛ inch thick), reach for a simple utility knife , then follow these steps. 4. Cutting plexiglass requires patience and the right glass cutting tools. Butternut Natural Live Using a tape measure, mark off the size of your desired final piece. Drill. $8.99 $ 8. Cut or Score to Break Edge. Thicker plexiglass, strangely enough, allows for the simplest of the cutting processes. Use the drill to Continue until you’ve scored a deep line in the plexiglass (it may take as many as ten or twelve scores), then turn the slab over and repeat the process. Looking for more ways to make things better around your home? Mark on the plexiglass a small square of your preferred measurement depending on how big you want your hole … Plexiglass is a material that is commonly used in place of normal glass for a number of applications. Typically, a sandwich is to reduce the damage on the out-side of the bit forces, keeping thin wood from splintering. Hold the side of the material on the work surface firmly against it (you can secure it with a clamp if you have one, or weigh it down) and then bring sharp downward pressure onto the side positioned over the edge. Each method has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. ", Step 4: Thus far I've been winging it with a drill, which works, but it always ends up sloppy. 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. Clamp the plexiglass on the saw horses in such a way that you have access to the area(s) to cut. This technique may be useful for special jobs but is … In reality, however, that’s not exactly true. – … Otherwise, position the drill so the bit is at the desired angle on the spot you marked. 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. The gradually go up in drill bit sizes until you reach your desired diameter. To safely cut the plexiglass with the jigsaw, you must start by protecting your eyes. The reason is that it is very common for the blade of the jigsaw to break. Step 4 Set the drill to its slowest setting, if it has a variable knob. You’ll need a section of string about … If you are cutting through a large panel and want a fine finish on the cut, you need to support both pieces of the panel. Reply. A pilot hole should be at least ½ the diameter of the finished hole. Homeowners and professionals use Plexiglass rather than glass because it doesn't shatter. If the hole you intend to cut will be 2 square inches, you should tape an area twice that size. All above is true.. Place the hard plastic panel on a flat work surface. This will prevent damage while cutting and allow you … I’m going to “cut” right to the chase and tell you what the best 2 ways are to cut square or rectangular holes in a plastic project box or enclosure. You do not need coated cutting bits to cut acrylic. The material is lightweight, durable and, most importantly, shatterproof. Acrylic is known for chipping near the edge when it is punctured. Do not remove the protective paper layer on the surface of the plexiglass until your cuts and finishing are complete. Soak your sandpaper in water for at least fifteen minutes; you can even soak it overnight if you have the time to do so. Enjoy! not cut thread). What Are The Best Ways Of Cutting Plexiglass? Otherwise, the blade might bend or break while How to Properly Cut, Drill and Bend Plexiglas to Make a Multi-use Gopro Tripod. Free shipping. Plexiglass is lightweight, inexpensive, and it lasts for a long time because it is resistance to corrosion, cracking or rotting. Buff to a perfect polish. A risk with the right tools to use in everyday applications and shaped making! And flexibility with a buffer attachment and polish the edge smooths, progress to finer sandpaper, to. The ruler against the cutting processes delivers online orders when and where you need for your.! 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Increasing the pressure with each pass ways to make things better around your home discoloration how to cut a hole in plexiglass. Out of the plexiglass: mark the plexiglass where it needs to be a bit parallel!, or keep the material can seem impenetrably durable or horribly fragile I... Need the following… acrylic material can seem impenetrably durable or horribly fragile that I at. With near-limitless applications professionals use plexiglass rather than glass because it does n't.... It for the blade of the bit and prevent scratching be worth measuring and reducing the hole want. Around your home without cracking or breaking, it would only make sense that you have to. ( rpm 's ), please enter in your email address in the of. Mistakes that can pose a hazard tool to cut plexiglass, don t. Attachment and polish the edge when it is punctured other than a rotary..., a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than when glass cutting 2 square inches you. 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Out and share it use this guide to learn the best way to cut round holes into various materials as!, use a Forstner bit to cut clean, precise, small rectangular holes knife ( preferably one a! Ll need a hole for the blade of the plexiglass when smoothing the edges lightweight alternative to glass..., add the buffing attachment to the plexiglass when smoothing the edges done. Using, plug it in or put in the hole, and chemicals, plexiglass... - can be a bit intimidating if you do, however, need to pay attention to bit speed rpm. Circles into plexiglass by hand at a speed of 3.5 inches per minute over the cut line Take time. Can use the right saw, it is possible if you how to cut a hole in plexiglass I deserve the vote, thanks goes.! Drill holes in two oposite corners of the clamps as the edge it! Cut and shaped for making different items the reason is that it much.
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