Anyone know how to cut perspex?

[thornton_chris]

I need to replace the window in my sons playhouse.

I can get perspex from the local shop but how do I cut it without it shattering?

Cheers

Chris

 

[cmother1]

A sharp fine toothed tenon saw will do the job, but you have to go gently and support the work-piece well. It's also very important to work in a warm atmosphere. If you try it outdoors on a cold day it will split like billy-o.

 

[ColJack]

metal blade in a jigsaw, or a fine tooth blade in a circular saw.. either work ok..

 

[Thermo]

angle grinder.

 

[noseall]

angle grinder.

Ditto.

 

[joe-90]

Where do you get perspex cutting blades for your angle grinder?

 

[Thermo]

you just need a cheapy blade, not a serrated diamond one. ive had the best results when ive cut it on something soft like a pile of sand or a lawn. works very well with the corrulux roofing which is a pig to cut otherwise.

 

[joe-90]

Yes but he's talking about that very thin brittle stuff that needs smooth edges. A small tooth saw at a low angle always works for me.

 

[lostinfens]

Personally I would mainly use a bolster and a very big hammer.

 

[Thermo]

Yes but he's talking about that very thin brittle stuff that needs smooth edges. A small tooth saw at a low angle always works for me.

i know what hes talking about joe, i use the stuff when i make childrens play houses and sheds and thats how i cut it very succesfully, neatly, quickly and accuratley. works for me!

 

[joe-90]

OK I'll try it next time. Do you use stone or metal cutting disks? Big or little grinder?

 

[Thermo]

normally use stone, but make sure its on a soft surface. as long as its got a solid edge and not a toothed one as per a diamond disc

 

[^woody^]

I tend to use metal disks as they are thinner (ie disks for metal not made of metal) but I suppose a diamond disk with a continuous edge should do.

And a mini-grinder is easier to handle.

Two things to watch out for ..... cutting in cold weather, and the edge of the sheet not being firmly held down. I've learnt the hard way LOL

 

[dpsservices]

jigsaw with fine tooth blade for me but will try the grinder idea

 

[cmother1]

Bear in mind that Corolux is made out of PVC - a much more pliable substance than Pespex (acrylic). I thought you were joking when you said angle-grinder. What next I thought? Chain saw....?