Are you looking for an easy way to cut plexiglass? If so, you may be wondering if it’s possible to use a circular saw to do the job. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to cut plexiglass with circular saw, as well as some tips to help make the process easier. So, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, keep reading for advice on how to get the job done right.
We’ll start by covering a few basic tips to help make the job go smoothly. Then, we’ll talk about the technique you should use for cutting plexiglass with a circular saw. Finally, we’ll discuss some materials that will help you get the job done right. For the best results, we recommend high-speed steel blades and a diamond blade for your saw.
How To Cut Plexiglass With Circular Saw?
If you want to avoid chipped edges, don’t use a standard blade. Instead, opt for one with diamond blades.
Ok, so before we jump into the steps involved in cutting plexiglass with a circular saw, it’s important that you understand one thing about the material. Namely, unlike glass, you should NEVER cut plexiglass with a diamond blade. In fact, if you try to do so, the plexiglass will shatter and cause shards of glass to fly through the air. Many people assume that this is due to its thickness; however, it really has nothing to do with it. Even the thinnest sheets of plexiglass will shatter when cut with a diamond blade, so please keep that in mind before you attempt it.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start with some tips to help make your job easier:
Cut in sections
It can be somewhat difficult to line up a perfect cut with a circular saw, which is why it’s best to cut the plexiglass in separate sections. This way, you won’t have any seams or cracks if your cuts aren’t perfectly straight.
Use slow speed
While there are many who recommend using a high-speed blade for cutting plexiglass, we believe that this can cause overheating and increase your chances of cracking or shattering the material. If possible, use blades with a higher tooth count instead.
Steps To Cut Plexiglass With Circular Saw
If you’re not sure how to cut plexiglass with a circular saw, here are some steps you can follow:
-
Cut through one side of the sheet
Assuming that you’re using multiple sheets, make your first cut through one of the sides of plexiglass. This will allow you to fold it down, making it easier to cut when compared with larger sheets.
-
Cut along the line
Once you have your first section cut, use this as a template for your future pieces. Line up the blade with your previous cut and follow this line with your saw in order to get an even edge on both sides. Continue cutting until you have separated all of the sections of plexiglass in question.
-
Clean up edges
Finally, once all of the cuts are made, take some sandpaper and smooth out any rough or uneven spots around your cuts so that there aren’t any sharp edges hanging out where they could cause injury or damage to other parts of your project.
-
Drilling pilot holes:
If you do not have a drill or circular saw, then this is an easy way to cut plexiglass using just a hole-saw and razor knife. Just use the hole-saw as if it was a drill and score your lines. When you drill, make sure the hole is perpendicular to the line you drew.
Tools:
- A cutting blade for your saw: we recommend high-speed steel blades and a diamond blade for your saw.
- A square: this is optional but can help line up your cuts
- Water: either water or silicone lubricant is fine
The process
First, use a square to measure and mark where you need to cut.
Next, place your sheet on the saw’s work surface. Turn on the saw and use steady pressure when making each pass for a smooth result. In order to get the smoothest possible cuts, hold your plexiglass in one hand while cutting slowly.
You can also use a water or silicone lubricant as well. With this, you should cut around 1/8″ an hour. You can go faster, but the blade will overheat and may crack your material.
Tips
If possible, use blades with a higher tooth count instead. It is also best to clamp your plexiglass down to the work surface. This will prevent it from wobbling while you are cutting.
Final Thoughts
You can cut plexiglass with a circular saw, but you need to make sure the blade is high quality. We recommend using an abrasive cutting disc or diamond-tipped blade for best results. Make sure your work surface is clear and flat while you’re cutting, that way if there are any minor mistakes they won’t be too noticeable. When done correctly, this project should take less than 10 minutes from start to finish! Remember these tips when it’s time to get started on your next DIY home improvement project!
