Follow the lines that you have marked on the sheet of Lexan slowly and steadily to avoid wobbles and unclear cuts. Using other tools might work but the risk of breaking the Lexan it’s high. Warmer paints evaporate faster once they land on the surface. If you will be cutting the plexiglass freehand, do not use any cutting guides. Thanks to the nature of the plastic, it is quite easy to cut Lexan with various types of tools. - YouTube The technique of cutting Lexan is a lot similar to cutting cement board. In general, sharp tooling with fine cutting teeth should be used to minimize vibration and clatter Sheets should be properly supported along the trim line before cutting. Step 1: Lay the sheet of Lexan on a clean working surface. 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. We cut aircraft windows with them for training. One of our popular products is LEXAN Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer that is currently produced by SABIC. 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. 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. Also check if the sheet of Lexan can stay firmly and stably on the working station. The choice of which tool to uses depends on the thickness of a piece of Lexan, the patters you want to cut and the purpose of the project. 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. Do you need one? Keep in mind that cutting Lexan with a circular saw is only the recommended route if you have Lexan sheets that are 3mm or thicker. Mark its length and secure in a padded vise for protection. 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. For thicker Lexan, you can use a hand shears. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the cut. Plexiglas (acrylic) behaves like Purplev describes. Remember—do not cut deep because you only need to create a simple cut line, nothing more. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. One of our popular products is LEXAN Polycarbonate, a thermoplastic polymer that is currently produced by SABIC. As you can see, it is quite easy for you to handle and cut a piece of Lexan. Learn more at A&C Plastics. A stable working surface will ensure you have consistent cuts and avoid having edgy cuts as much as possible. Either of one these should be fitted with a blade designed to cut metal, and its teeth should be spaced anywhere from 2 mm to 4 mm apart. If you need to cut Lexan on a curve, use a jigsaw or band saw. Pancake Compressor Cart – DIY or buy? Lexan is a form of Plexiglas that is often used for windows in place of glass. Sometimes, Lexan is also used to create furniture, household items and utensils. 01-17-2018, 6:04 PM #7. Learn how to cut plexiglass so the process becomes safer and cleaner. Thin sheets can be scored and snapped with a utility knife or scoring tool. If you learn how to cut it now, you will see that this will be really useful for your next projects in the future. On top of that, the material is cheap and less fragile than others. Too fast and you might fracture the glass, too slow and the blade might jam and break. You can use a straightedge to guide the knife. Thicker sheets will need to be cut with either a circular saw for straight lines or a jigsaw to cut shapes out of the sheet. Note: You can add extra drops of light machine oil on the blades as well as spears of your hand spears. Shown below, this tool is one of the best ways to cut it. You don’t ever want to cut Lexan with the saw at lower speeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You should go for the blade with fine and even teeth. If you want to cut curves in the Lexan, use a jig saw or band saw. Now it’s time to get down to trimming the larger panels off the body first. The adage “measure twice, cut once” definitely holds true here. Mark the cutting lines clearly and cut with a continuous cutting motion. You can cut Lexan with this tool using the similar steps that you would take when you cut with a circular saw. Step 2: Use the ruler and pencil to mark the points or lines that you are going to cut. You can use C-clamps in case the sheet of Lexan is thicker to keep the sheet in place. How to Cut LEXAN. However, it can scratch and dent quite easily. Heat up your paint first. I got a scoring knife with the lexan but I couldnt actually score it well enough to break it. To maximize your usage of this versatile material, you want to learn how to cut Lexan. To keep the saw from veering left or right on straight cuts, use a clamp-on guide. Lexan is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. It’s also best to operate your saw at its low or medium speed. Lexan is a form of Plexiglas that is often used for windows in place of glass. Place the cardboard pattern onto the windshield. It's a real nightmare to machine. Grab the Lexan with one hand on each side of the cut line and snap it in two. But it’s very expensive for most of us DIYers. Remember to clamp down your sheet securely when you cut with a jig saw. Center this over the cut line of your windshield. 1. Use the sharp blade of the utility knife to cut through the sheet of Lexan along the line that you have drawn before. What is Allium and How to Take Care of It? How to cut a polycarbonate Lexan sheet. The most difficult thing here maybe is about how to choose the right tool for the project. 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. Method 1 of 3: Scoring and Snapping Thin Plexiglass. Step 2: You don’t have to apply too much force. 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. Score your cut line on the material with a knife. Set the piece of Lexan on a flat table and mark the desired bend location with the black marker. Make sure that the blade that you use is the sharpest. 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. How to Cut Lexan? In case of a sheet of Lexan which is more than 0.5 inches, you should use a table saw to cut the Lexan. Lexan is also known as Polycarbonate. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Once you've scored the initial line, go over it a few times with the blade until a groove forms. How to cut Lexan: Lexan Corrugated sheet can be cut with a variety of common hand-held and table-mounted equipment. Lay your Lexan sheet flat on your workbench. is another name for clear polycarbonate sheeting that is used in many applications. Dremel recommends that you start at a 45-degree angle when cutting into a piece of material. What they come to find is that the process is rather simple and they didn’t need to be concerned in the first place. The best way to cut it is by using a laser cutter. If you need to cut Lexan on a curve, use a jigsaw or band saw. Score the Lexan four to six times until the blade begins to get into the center. Which Side to … This tool is also suitable for cutting other unique and original pattern. These steps are applicable for all of the tools that you are going to use to cut Lexan. Additionally, Diyhouze.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. You can get a very clean edge on acrylic by lasercutting it. Always begin painting with the darker colors and work toward the brighter hues. Softness of Lexan: First of all, the best tool to handle of soft and fragile sheet of Lexan is a utility knife. You’ll achieve very good results if you use a tool such as a circular saw or table saw as well. That’s why we created this step-by-step guide on how to cut Lexan. Thickness of Lexan: In case a sheet of Lexan is thin and fragile, you should use a utility knife. Grab the Lexan with one hand on each side of the cut line and snap it in two. If this is the case, why not provide the highest quality polymers and plastics? Place the painted Lexan in an area that is warm. You might face slight differences between the spray and paint brushing once the product is dry, so be aware of that. Lexan - plastic so easy to work with. Lexan is a strong, reliable alternative to glass. In this case, right in the middle between fast and slow is perfect. Plexiglass can be tricky to cut on a table saw. Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. Tip: Instead of drawing the cut line on the sheet of Lexan with a pencil, you should use duct tape to cover the line that you intend to cut. If you push it through too slowly, the blade could overheat and melt your plastic material. 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. Thicker sheets will need to be cut with either a circular saw for straight lines or a jigsaw to cut shapes out of the sheet. Band Saw Vs. Scroll Saw: What Should You Buy? The right tool will ensure that you can cut a piece of Lexan in a short time, resulting in clean and smooth cuts. 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. You can also use duct tape and place it on the sheet as an outline for your intended cut. How to Cut Lexan? In this case, right in the middle between fast and slow is perfect. Take your plastic and lay it out on a table or saw station. How To Cut Lexan Polycarbonate. You should always protect the Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use the right circular saw blade. Lay your polycarbonate sheet over the edge of a flat surface. Here are instructions for your. Instead, just let the saw cut the Lexan itself. Most importantly you need to think about the right tool for the project. Be aware that this area will be matte now, but that shouldn’t matter much if you are painting it. If you found something of value here please give a little something back by becoming a contributor! Steps . 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. Shown below, this tool is one of the best ways to cut it. When cutting into Lexan with a jigsaw, you first should clamp the Lexan tightly to a work table. Plexiglas and Lexan are different materials: acrylic and polycarbonate, respectively. Searching for LEXAN products? This will help you to cut through a piece of Lexan quicker, having much smoother cuts as a result. Plexiglass, also known as acrylic sheet, is incredibly strong and flexible, useful in a variety of household or industrial settings. You should always protect the Lexan with a cloth, clamp it in place, and use the right circular saw blade. 1. Apply a fine layer of paint to seal your masking tape. 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. For smoother cuts, instead of making two spears close completely, you should stop when they are just about to close. LEXAN GLASS, RACE CAR / TRUCK , HOW TO CUT IT !!! Straight cuts can be performed by using a circular saw. Learn how to cut plexiglass by hand at A&C Plastics. When the sheet makes contact with the blade, follow a slow and steady space. To cut acrylic sheets, start by marking the line you want to cut using a ruler and a permanent marker. Acrylic is easy to work with but it’s also easy to mess up if you rush the process. Whatever your purpose for using this versatile material, you now know how to cut Lexan effectively. Method 1 of 3: Scoring and Snapping Thin Plexiglass. 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. It worked fast and smoothly. 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. Pattern: For curved cuts on a piece of Lexan, you can use a jigsaw. Easy online ordering for the ones who get it done along with 24/7 customer service, free technical support & more. Dave Lehnert. Any surface can work as long as the surface is flat, stable, and has an edge. 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. Today, we will be featuring a step by step guide on how to cut Lexan. When you finish cutting, you can use medium grit to sand and make the edges of the cut pieces to become cleaner and smoother. For any piece of Lexan which is more than 0.125 inches, you can use a circular saw. Lexan does not crack or splinter when you cut it. Plexiglass can be tricky to cut on a table saw. How to Cut LEXAN. Move it in a slow and steady speed. While this could be an article all by itself, here are a few quick tips to help you out. Sand down the edges with medium-grade sandpaper for a smooth and even edge. Bending Lexan Step 1 Peel off the plastic from both sides of the Lexan. Lay your Lexan sheet flat on your workbench. You can cut tubes or pipes with a handsaw made for the job. Proceed to cut the line without forcing the saw. First of all, you need to decide which tool that you would need in order to cut Lexan. 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. 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. Pieces of Lexan with different thickness and softness will require different cutting tools. Therein lies the finesse of cutting plexiglass, especially curved cuts with a jigsaw. Adjust the saw speed so the blade is moving at approximately 12,000 strokes per minute. Provided that you want to cut only the middle of a sheet of Lexan, you can use table saw. A variety of cutting tools can be used depending on the polycarbonate’s thickness, hardness and purpose. Lexan can be cut with almost any saw, but problems arise if the wrong blade is used because of heat build-up and Lexan's low melting point. Cutting plexiglass requires patience. At Polymershapes, we stand behind what our motto reflects. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Step 3 Turn the tool on to 6 or 8 and begin the cut. Dave Lehnert. You can cut lexan on a table saw and even up the cut on a jointer. Except, instead of wood fibers or particles, or even fiberglass mesh, you will be cutting through a lightweight plastic. Working naturally lowers your risk of having large chunks gouged … Lexan is also known as Polycarbonate. Place the off-cut over the edge. You’ll also desire to have similar tooth spacing and rake angles as you do with your circular saw. Grainger's got your back. It's brittle, and not supper strong, so it's easy to break off corners or small features. Acrylic and Lexan, a branded name for polycarbonate sheeting, are both durable and flexible materials, often compared to one another because both are transparent and both stand as two of the most frequently utilized types of see-through plastics.Acrylic and polycarbonate both weigh half as much as glass and yet both plastics are much more shatter resistant. Still, it is also very convenient and will be a great substitute. Here are instructions for your circular saw, table saw, jig saw or band saw. For other tools, you don’t have to press the blade too hard into the sheet of Lexan. So I looked at the blade I used for fiber cement siding. Score and snap was not working for me. Today, we will show you how to cut Lexan with our step by step guide. 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. Plus the cut will not be very accurate. 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. Continue to make your cut until you reach the end of the sheet. Lexan does not crack or splinter when you cut it. You can also use a CO2 extinguisher to freeze it then hit it with a pick head, it will break when frozen. Make sure you use a straightedge to effectively guide your knife. You will need to cut it to size for specific projects at work or at home. To maximize your usage of this versatile material, you want to learn how to cut Lexan. If you choose to use a band saw to cut, make sure you secure it properly as well. Even though plexiglass is a synthetic, a clean cut can sometimes be more difficult to achieve than with glass. This reduces the risk of bleeding or running. Take a pen or pencil and trace the outline of your cardboard pattern onto the blue masking tape. In addition, based on your need to have straight cuts or curved cuts, you also need to choose the tool accordingly. Cutting Lexan with most any saw is possible. Complete all of the cutting before turning the jig saw off. A jigsaw might tend to crack acrylic, but will be fine for polycarbonate. For a sheet which is thicker than 0.125 inches, you should use a circular saw for the best result. You should only work in a well ventilated area and avoid breathing in the fumes that are coming out of the saw blade. Working naturally lowers your risk of having large chunks gouged from the Lexan material. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. Lexan is a common material used in many home or construction projects. 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. You’ll find it around the. Sanding also helps to remove the residual crumbs after the Lexan is cut. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Too much or too little pressure will lead to the cracking of the sheet of Lexan. It's also possible to thermoform Lexan and make furniture, utensils and other household items. One of the quickest and easiest ways to trim a body is scoring it with a hobby knife/razor blade. Switch the blade back around before you let anybody else use the skillsaw. When I cut mine, I used a cutter made specially for thick plexiglass such as Lexan. While it is a common material, many people struggle to learn how to cut Lexan. A few ways to cut different thickness sheets. Both materials cut well with a band saw or table saw using a high speed with small teeth. Thicker sheet material will have to be cut by means of a mechanical saw. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. Install a metal-cutting blade into the saw, with at least 10 teeth per inch of blade. What Are Other Things That You Need In Order To Cut Lexan? Home » Projects » How To Cut Lexan Polycarbonate. Learn how to cut plexiglass so the process becomes safer and cleaner. You can cut lexan on a table saw and even up the cut on a jointer. At Polymershapes, we stand behind what our motto reflects. Here on, mark the cut line of the sheet by scoring the plastic with the help of a knife. Diyhouze.com does not intend to provide veterinary a/advice. A steady and slow push towards the blade is what you want for your sheet’s edges to come out as smooth as possible. Cutting Lexan can be quite similar to cutting a cement board. Cutting plexiglass requires patience. Thin sheets can be scored and snapped with a utility knife or scoring tool. Peel off the plastic on each side and remove the masking tape. Lexan cuts really nice, just make sure you keep the cutter moving, if you sit in one place too long you will still melt. Here are 3 things that you need to consider when you choose the right tool- the softness of a piece of Lexan, its thickness and the pattern which you want to cut the piece of Lexan into. Please Contribute . Last but not least, it can be easily bought from many stores with a very affordable price. This piece of paper is there to protect the piece of Lexan and you should leave it there to have clean and smooth cuts. Step 1: First of all, you have to mount the table saw on the working table. That is the reason why this material is very popular among DIY hobbyists. Steps To Take Before You Cut The Sheet Of Lexan With Different Tools: How To Cut Lexan Using A Pair Of Hand Spears: Follow And if it is tougher and stiffer, you can use other tools including hand shears or a circular saw. In case you don’t have a powered circular saw, you can also use a handsaw. Put the Lexan sheet flat on a surface or even a workbench in a way that the off-cut is overhanging the edge. One trick to help prevent splintering is to stick painter's tape over the cut line. You should use a pencil instead of permanent marker as you can erase the marks later on. This tool is able to reach for further areas without you having to cut through to it.​. If this is the case, why not provide the highest quality polymers and plastics? If you will be cutting the plexiglass freehand, do not use any cutting guides. Step 2: After that, you can push the sheet into the saw. Why is Heartwood Darker in Color than Sapwood. Now it’s time to get down to trimming the larger panels off the body first. Lexan is used for windshields on motorcycles, boats and cars. Leave the plastic/paper sheeting on the Lexan until after it's cut. How To Cut Lexan Using A Utility Knife: Use the sharp blade of the utility knife to cut through the sheet of Lexan along the line that you have drawn before. Ensure that the off-cut falls freely. 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. With either of these tools, you need to use a metal-cutting blade with a tooth spacing of two to four millimeters. 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. @https://twitter.com/michaelbaker018. Duct tape will prevent the Lexan from chipping when you cut it under high speed and pressure. When I cut mine, I used a cutter made specially for thick plexiglass such as Lexan. Use a blade with small teeth in order to achieve a smoother cut. You can cut with tin snips , smooth with a plane and sand round corners. Use the hand-held jig saw to cut curves in the plastic sheeting.