How to cut plexiglas?

[snoozy]

I need to make a display rack/case all or part of which will be made of plexiglas. Can I just use a table saw? What kind of glue does one use with it?

[arbutus]

The table saw will work fine. If you drill it back it with wood to prevent cracking.

Superbonder brand acrylic glue works well but watch out for edge runs and smears if you are gluing a visible edge.

The edges that you cut with the table saw will be rough - you can sand them smooth then polish with gel gloss and they will be as shiny as the face if you need a real finished look.

[TechGuy]

Originally Posted by snoozy

I need to make a display rack/case all or part of which will be made of plexiglas. Can I just use a table saw?

I've used a jig saw to cut Plexi, although you have to be carefull not to cut too fast, since the blade friction will heat up it to the point it starts to melt. If you put saw on a slow speed with a wood cutting blade (sprayed with lubercant) you can get a nice cut.

Originally Posted by arbutus

If you drill it back it with wood to prevent cracking

FWIW: there are special drill bits designed for drilling Plexi and other plastics. Search for "Plexi Point Drill Bits"

[SRSLADE]

Snoozy. The hardware store will have a cutter.The cutter is nothing more than a very sharp scratcher that scores the plexi then you snap it just like glass.Score it a couple times. snap over the edge of a table or put a board under it along the score line.If you try to cut it with a saw blade use a vaneer blade and this will give you a perfect cut.

[CraftyDiva]

You can glue it together with silicon caulking like they use to make fish tanks.

[jukebox]

If you decide to use a table saw buy a "triple chip" blade. The edges can be polished crystal clear with a "hydrogen" flame and pieces put together with acrylic adhesive "methylene chloride".

Wish you were closer I would help you to do it.

[clovis]

I have used the 'scratcher knife' in the past with great results.
clove

[snoozy]

Thank you folks for all this input! Does it matter how thick the plexiglas is that you cut with the cutter/scratcher?

[Big Dave]

I have always used a jig saw. I put duct tape on the place where I cut. It keeps it from splitting and or cracking. Got that tip off a tv home improvment show and it has worked well for me.