How do I cut my acrylic sheets?

Hi Katie, when you tried using the jig saw for cutting the sheets, did you use a metal cutting blade? I found this video which maybe you haven't seen yet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RoAbDcFMrg

Hello. Having the proper blade —- its interchangeable—for the jigsaw might be something to look at. We have a quite an assortment for our jig saw. We did cut fiberglass skis at one time with the circular saw and had no problems.

It’s a link for your review and consideration to see if this might be helpful.

https://youtu.be/I27INWIhh5s

I tend to find my frames at thrift stores and consignment shops for very economical repurpose uses.

I cut acrylic sheets two ways. Especially thin sheets. Thin sheets can break or crack easily. First I mark my cut. Then I lay a metal ruler, I have a yard stick, along the lines. I use a utility knife with the blade facing backwards. Then I score along the cut line several times. Place the sheet on a table top with the score line overhanging the table edge by about 1/4". Place your hand on the sheet with one hand and grab the overhanging part with the other hand. Briskly snap the overhanging part down and it should break along the score line. If I do a lot of cuts I will use a jig saw. I sandwitch the sheet between two pieces of plywood, mark my cut line and cut the sandwich. it doesn't matter on the jig saw blade, I generally use a wood blade. Without the wood sandwich the blade can grab or jam and break the acrylic sheet.

A jigsaw seems to be the preferred method, but here's a link with a few more ideas:

https://www.cutmyplastic.co.uk/blog/5-ways-cut-acrylic-perspex/

Hi Katie, we always use a jigsaw to cut our acrylic sheets, but the trick is to use a metal cutting blade. The others don't work.

Check for a special blade to use on your jigsaw. My husband has quite a few specialty blades for different material. You want a fine tooth blade for plastic.

Hi Katie

Here is some info for you'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RoAbDcFMrg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZWlJn0sBaQ

Heat and friction from the jigsaw blade will easily melt acrylic, and you may find a messy, semi-fused line instead of the clean cut you were expecting.

A little heat, on the other hand will help cut the material more smoothly so it is a balancing act. The real goal is to use a decent blade, not a dull one and a blade that has a tooth count of 10 or higher.

You will also want to use a blade appropriate for acrylic. For cutting acrylic and plastic sheets efficiently, a bi-metal blade with sharp teeth and a medium tooth count (10 - 16) work well at moderate speeds.

Jigsaw blades with finer teeth, on the other hand, need to be used with the jigsaw at slower speeds, as these will quickly heat up in just moments.

Carbide edged blades will give you the finest cuts, in theory, but they also generate heat the fastest and usually aren't the best choice.

In general, jigsaw blades designed for PVC and plastic is the way to go when using a jigsaw to cut acrylic sheets but metal blades can work pretty well too, something in the (14 - 21 tooth range).

Do you know anyone with a band saw? You'd only be holding the acrylic and not the tool. Otherwise your best bet might be to work within the sizes the acrylic already comes in to avoid cutting or have a local glass company assist you.

https://youtu.be/8RoAbDcFMrg this may help. You can also look for a special blade for you jigsaw.

Hi Katie, hope this helps you out,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZWlJn0sBaQ