Skilsaw used to cut acrylic?

coryjac0b · #1 01/28/2007, 02:41 PM

can i use a skilsaw to cut acrylic? if so what type of blade do i need to use?

rivdog · #2 01/28/2007, 02:56 PM

sure, u should probably use a straightedge of some sort. i know that HD sells a cheap "aluminum/plastics" blade that works well

rcgates · #3 01/28/2007, 02:59 PM

yes you can, get a blade that is rated for plastic. You will usually see that these blades have the teeth pointed up,

Also, when cutting, don't try to go too fast and support your acrylic well. I find it best to have on side of the panel I'm cutting to be clamped down and the other side to be supported.

polcat_4u · #4 01/28/2007, 06:37 PM

From my experience it will work but is not the preferred method. Because the blade travels up/down it can generate a lot of heat and actually melt the acrylic behind the blade as you go. A table saw would be much better. Also if the cut edge is going to be glued to another piece it needs to be right on the money for best/safest results. A router will give excellent results....

coryjac0b · #5 01/28/2007, 06:42 PM

not a jigsaw, i was meaning like a circular saw.

hooker18 · #6 01/28/2007, 07:47 PM

with wood if you get a crooked cut it will bind upthe saw, but with acrylic it will just melt if you get crooked. definatly use a straight edge.

polcat_4u · #7 01/28/2007, 07:48 PM

Yes, that will work fine. Sorry I misunderstood...

jtreath · #8 01/28/2007, 08:19 PM

As another tip that works amazingly well no matter what you are cutting (Plastic, Plywood etc..)

Lay a sheet of styrofoam insulation on the floor or table that you are using. Then put the material to be cut on top of that. Then cut.. the stryfoam will not harm or foul your blade at all.. but you get absolute support for the whole sheet. I have used the same sheet of styrofoam for 6 months now.. Cut probably 20 sheets of ply, oak and plastic and it is still good to go.

BeanAnimal · #9 01/28/2007, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by polcat_4u
From my experience it will work but is not the preferred method. Because the blade travels up/down it can generate a lot of heat and actually melt the acrylic behind the blade as you go. A table saw would be much better. Also if the cut edge is going to be glued to another piece it needs to be right on the money for best/safest results. A router will give excellent results....

Heh? A table saw IS a skillsaw mounted upside down. Both types of saws will expose the work to the blade in the same way.

BeanAnimal · #10 01/28/2007, 08:39 PM

Ohh sorry, I see you though he was talking about a jigsaw

Yeah jigsaws are about useless for this type of work. You are also correct, the amount of friction created can melt the plastic.