All I want to do is cut a circle...

[niko5]

What is the best tool or combination of tools to cut a circle in acrylic?

Thanks

[kgross]

Depends. A hole saw works very well, or you can use a template with a router or draw out the circle and use a jig saw to cut it out and then sand it down to shape....

Kim

[cwa46]

A laser does the job quickly and cleanly.

[thallone]

Indulge us with how big and what for, and you might get better answers. if you're installing bulkheads you'll use different tools and methods than if you're making flanges for a skimmer.

[serpentine5]

Also, how thick is the acrylic you are wanting to cut?

[scubadude]

If all you want to do is cut a circle in either wood/acrylic and you need the diameter anywhere from 1"-6" then a generic circle cutter would work fine. they are about 20bux

http://www.penntoolco.com/images/catalog/4601.gif

you can buy them here if need be

http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/4601.cfm

Rocky

[niko5]

I will be cutting a hole about 4 to 6" for a flange in 3/16 acrylic. I think what rocky posted there would work great..

[elbori]

Try this linklink (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=44499)

Is cheaper than the above.

Alberto

[MrSandman]

a Rotozip also works great on acrylic.

[dekim28]

we used a power drill and circular bit from home depot worked like a charm(the bit is used for cutting glass/plexiglass ask someone they will know what its called)

[niko5]

elbori
thank you for the link to harbor freight... I think... now I ordered that with SEVERAL other things... I just couldent pass up haha.

MrSandman
I could never get my rotozop to cut acrylic very good it always got cought up in the bit.

[partagas]

Originally posted by niko5
I will be cutting a hole about 4 to 6" for a flange in 3/16 acrylic. I think what rocky posted there would work great..

If you are going to cut a hole that big. Your best bet is to go to a plumbing supply house. The have a drill bit that you would use on a drill. They have them that size and they are made for plastic and Fiberglass ( Bathtubs and Showers). I can't think of the name, but they know what you will be asking for.

[agiacosa]

If you have a router...

There are router templates that allow you to make any size circle you want. Create your circle in MDF or other piece of wood. Attach this template to acrylic. Then use a router in a router table to rout out the hole.

The result is a very smooth hole.

[areefer]

I think they are call core bit and they cost alot of $$$. My .002 idea.

[niko5]

agiacosa
Since you did bring up the router. What kind of bit would i use just to cut/trim acrylic. I did buy one the other day because someone mentioned useing a table saw and cut your pieces to big then trim down with a router.

Thanks

[MrSandman]

Nick,

Odd, i use my rotozip to cut acrylic all the time. Make sure you are using the bit designed to cut laminates, plastics. Slow and steady is the key.

[agiacosa]

Nick,

upcut spiral trim bit if you will use the router in a table. I think the Finisher bits are the best. I don't recall who makes them right now.