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Cutting Plexi-Glass on table saw

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:25 am
by lightnin
Ok.... To cut Plexi-Glass on table saw I'll need a zero clearance insert and what blade?

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:56 am
by beeg
I think I'd try a plywood blade.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:10 am
by lightnin
Yea, My guess was a plywood or vinyl siding blade.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 12:54 pm
by Ed in Tampa
I have always been successful cutting plexi on my SS using a plywood blade. depending on the thickness I have at times had to turn the blade backwards. I would try a few test cuts before I launched into cutting out my project.

Some of the polystyrenes that are thin tend to crack if you use too much feed force or shift the material even the slightest while cutting it.

Backwards

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:38 pm
by wrmnfzy
Have had success with backwards plywood blade.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:54 pm
by bffulgham
lightnin wrote:Ok.... To cut Plexi-Glass on table saw I'll need a zero clearance insert and what blade?
I've had good luck using a very sharp, high tooth count blade. Slow the speed down to help prevent melting, slow and steady feed rate. Also raise the blade well above the table USE YOUR UPPER SAW GUARD....keeps minimal tooth contact time, thus less heat.

Like Ed said....ya wiggle, ya break.

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 3:23 pm
by lightnin
Thank you all sounds like excellent tips

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:09 pm
by garys
I bought a special blade at Menards for cutting plexiglas. It works well, and no special zero clearance insert was needed.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardw ... -10082.htm

Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 7:01 pm
by backhertz
I've only had problems cutting Plexiglas with saws due to melting. I found a tool that does the trick:
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Devil-1170-Pl ... B000BZZ1D0

Here is another link:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5885536_cut-ple ... utter.html

I just usually use a straight edge and make a few passes to score the Plexiglass & never had a problem as it snaps clean almost like glass. I've never cut very thick Plexiglas.