A table saw is specifically used to cut materials like metal, wood, and plastic. If you want to cut a plexiglass with the help of a table saw. Here is a complete technique from which you can learn how to cut a plexiglass with a table saw. However, it is a hard task but can be performed by following some careful instructions. You should know whether your table saw is able to cut plexiglass or not. All the specifications of the product are mentioned in the manufacturer’s book. Read it carefully and check the capabilities of the table saw.
First, let me clarify about plexiglass.
What is plexiglass?
Plexiglass is a transparent sheet of plastic made from polymethyl methacrylate. It is very hard and used as an alternative to glass.
It is a lightweight and shatter-resistant plastic. It is commonly used on windows, lights, signs, screens, and in aquariums. Because of its sturdy and translucent, it is widely used for decoration purposes in homes, offices, and buildings.
There are some types of plexiglass and these are;
- Cast acrylic sheets
- Extruded acrylic
- Polycarbonate sheets
- Impact modified plexiglass
- Abrasion resistant plexiglass
- UV resistant plexiglass
How to cut a plexiglass with a table saw? step by step
To cut a plexiglass follow these steps carefully.
Gather the equipment
It is very important to gather all the required equipment at your workplace. This gathering process can make things easier for you. You will not bother about bringing something during the process of cutting. You can pay your entire attention to your work.
You need a permanent marker, sandpaper, measuring tape, safety goggles, a buffing pad, an electric drill, a table saw, and a plexiglass sheet that needs to be cut.
Change the blade
Replace the blade in the table saw according to your need. Normal blades are specific for wood cutting and other materials. For the cutting of plexiglass, there are some specially designed blades.
Choose a blade with more teeth. It will give a clean and proper cutting. Another feature of this blade is that it produces less noise and cuts sharply with its hard teeth. A blade of carbide with 60 to 80 teeth will be best for cutting plexiglass.
Measure the thickness of the plexiglass sheet
Check out the thickness of a plexiglass. If it is less than ¼ inches use a utility knife to cut it.
If the thickness of the sheet is more than ¼ inches. Use a table saw to cut it.
Mark the cutting area
Mark the area which you want to cut. Use a permanent marker for this purpose. The marks on the sheets will make it easy to cut the plexiglass in an appropriate size.
For example, if you want to cut the sheet for the window. You have to take measurements of the window. According to the width and height of the window mark some lines with the help of a ruler on the sheet. These marks will guide you to do the finest cuttings.
Cut slowly
If you cut speedily it may be possible your cuts become rough. To avoid roughness cut slowly. Put on safety glasses for your protection.it is very necessary to tighten the fence it is the surety of fine cutting.
Fast cutting always produces noise and heat. It can possibly happen that your sheet gets melted because of heating.
To prevent your table saw from heating. Pause the blade for some time. Do not use the saw without a break. It can slow down the blade and trip the motor.
Safety concerns
Here are some safety precautions which need to be kept in mind during the cutting process.
- Use gloves, glasses, and face-covering shields to avoid damage and scrapes.
- Choose a proper blade that is specially designed for the cutting of plexiglass.
- Use the blade carefully. Avoid direct contact of the blade with fingers and other parts of the body.
- Cut the plexiglass slowly if you rapidly cut it. You may get injured with the sharp teeth of blades.
- Dispose of the scrapes and small pieces of the plexiglass very carefully.
Conclusion
We have learned how to cut plexiglass with a table saw. It is an easy task but should be done very carefully. The right choice of the blade plays an integral part in the cutting procedure. It sharply cuts the sheet and avoids much power consumption. More power consumption can trips the motor. It can also heat up the table saw which results in the melting of the sheet.
Another important thing is that security precautions must be kept in mind. Disposal of scrapes and extra pieces of plexiglass should be done carefully.