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Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
Is there anyone here who can suggest how to cut a clear acrylic rod without chipping or cracking it? Is it possible with normal shop/rotary tools? I assume if it is possible that wrapping the section intended for cutting with tape to help protect it would be required, but what else?
Any information/input would be greatly appreciated. |
MentalistCreationLab Inner circle 1528 Posts |
Hi Dr. you may want something like this
http://www.toolstoday.com/c-382-non-melt......des.aspx There are better blade companies that make this type of blade. |
makeupguy Inner circle 1411 Posts |
I use a PVC Pipe cutter to cut my Acrylic Rod.. the first time I tried it .. I was AMAZED at how clean the cut was.. as it sort of just CRACKS it in the correct place..
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Dr_J_Ayala Inner circle In search of Vlad Dracul and his 2169 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-11 18:51, makeupguy wrote: I wondered if a pipe cutter would work. I will have to see if mine does the job. Thanks for the suggestions thus far! |
sleightly Elite user New Hampshire 500 Posts |
Try using a fine tooth finish blade and putting it on backwards.
Not kidding, backwards so the back of the teeth are striking the acrylic (basically melts through the acrylic). Works remarkably well and leaves a smooth finished edge. Sometimes you will build up flashing on the top surface, but it should snap off cleanly... Smelly, possibly toxic and I might make multiple passes through thick material (more than half inch), but this is very effective. |
makeupguy Inner circle 1411 Posts |
A pipe cutter and a PVC Pipe cutter are not the same thing... and probably aren't interchangable.
You can get a reasonable PVC Cutter from Harbor Freight for pretty cheaply...and it works GREAT. |
billappleton Inner circle Los Gatos, California 1154 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-12-11 21:05, sleightly wrote: I haven't tried that one, but a high quality plastic blade on a chop saw works for me. And yes, you are essentially melting the plastic. Finishing can be done with sanding and then polishing and then a little blowtorch action for a clear end. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
Cutting acrylic changes depending on weather you cut with the grain or against. That matters depending on weather it's cast or extruded. Speeds and feeds are different depending on what make-up the material is i.e.. Plexi G and Polycarbonite each slide through a saw at different rates. You can use a table saw, a jig saw or other devices. Done correctly you are not burning or melting the material, done correctly you will see the flakes or swarf (while swarf is commonly attributed to metal, all the plastic workers I know use it as well) flying off the blade and when you're done you can use it all as fake snow.
You'll need different drill bits, if you're drilling holes too because they have a more severe geometry that won't chip the material. You're best source of information is from google and YouTube, Dr_J_Ayala. There are plenty of videos that show you all aspects of working with acrylic. The second best is from the plastic supplier. Click here to view attached image.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
HighClass New user 87 Posts |
Perfect timing on this forum. Just bought a sheet of acrylic to make some side tables.
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