While it is possible to cut plexiglass with a table saw, it can be a bit challenging as plexiglass is a brittle material that can crack or break easily. If you do not have experience cutting plexiglass or access to other specialized tools, it may be best to avoid using a table saw.
If you do choose to use a table saw, it is important to follow the proper safety measures and techniques to minimize the risk of cracking or breaking the plexiglass. This includes using a fine-toothed, cross-cut blade, securing the plexiglass to the saw table, using a zero-clearance insert, and carefully guiding the plexiglass through the blade.
Steps to cut plexiglass with a table saw
Step.1 Choose the right table saw blade for cutting plexiglass
The thickness of a plexiglass sheet will determine the type of saw blade you should use. Using a blade that is too small or too large can result in a poor cut or cause damage to the blade and the material. Additionally, the tooth count and the material of the blade should also be considered for optimal results.
| Sheet Thickness | Blade Diameter (Inches) | Blade Tooth Count | Blade Clearance (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16″ to 1/8″ | 10 to 14 | 80-100 | 1/8″ |
| 1/8″ to 1/2″ | 10 to 14 | 80-100 | 1/4″ |
- For a plexiglass sheet with a thickness of 1/16″ to 1/8″, a blade with a diameter of 10 to 14 inches and a tooth count of 80-100 is recommended. For a blade clearance, 1/8″ is recommended.
- For a plexiglass sheet with a thickness of 1/8″ to 1/2″, a blade with a diameter of 10 to 14 inches and a tooth count of 80-100 is recommended. For a blade clearance, 1/4″ is recommended.
Step 2: Prepare the plexiglass sheet
Before cutting the plexiglass, clean the surface and edges of the sheet to remove any dust or debris. This will ensure a smooth, clean cut and reduce the risk of cracking.
Step 3: Set up the table saw
Install the blade onto the saw, making sure to tighten it securely. Adjust the blade height and angle so that the blade clearance is in line with the recommendations for your specific blade size.
Step 4: Make the first cut
Turn on the saw and use a push stick to carefully feed the plexiglass sheet into the blade. Start the cut slowly and gradually increase the speed to full speed as the blade enters the material.
Step 5: Finish the cut
Continue cutting the plexiglass until the blade has passed completely through the material. Use a steady, consistent pace, and make sure to keep your hands away from the blade.
Step 6: Clean up
Turn off the saw and let the blade come to a complete stop before removing the plexiglass. Clean the blade and saw surface to remove any residue from the cut. If required, use sandgrit to clean the edges.
Tips to cut plexiglass with a table saw
- Choose the right blade: As mentioned earlier, the blade size, tooth count, and material should match the thickness of the plexiglass sheet being cut.
- Clean the surface: Clean the surface and edges of the plexiglass sheet to ensure a clean and smooth cut.
- Use a steady pace: Cut the plexiglass slowly and steadily to reduce the risk of cracking.
- Secure the material: Secure the plexiglass sheet to the saw table to prevent it from moving during the cutting process.
- Wear protective gear: Always wear eye protection and gloves when using a table saw to protect yourself from flying debris and sawdust.
- Avoid overloading the blade: Overloading the blade with too much material can cause it to break or overheat, leading to a poor cut or damage to the material.
- Allow the blade to cool down: After cutting, let the blade cool down before removing it from the saw.
- Use a push stick: Use a push stick to guide the plexiglass sheet into the blade, keeping your hands away from the blade at all times.
- Keep the saw and blade clean: Clean the saw and blade after each use to remove any residue from the cut and keep the saw in good working condition.
- Follow safety guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when using a table saw, and never operate the saw without proper training and experience.
What is the best tool to cut plexiglass with?
The best tool to cut plexiglass depends on the size and thickness of the material, as well as the desired end result. Some of the most commonly used tools for cutting plexiglass include:
- Table saw: A table saw with a carbide-tipped blade is one of the best tools for cutting large sheets of plexiglass.
- Jigsaw: A jigsaw is a versatile tool that can be used for cutting smaller pieces of plexiglass, but it may not be as accurate as a table saw.
- Circular saw: A circular saw with a fine-toothed blade can be used to make straight cuts in plexiglass, but it is not recommended for curves or intricate cuts.
- Router: A router can be used to make intricate cuts and shapes in plexiglass, but it requires more skill and experience to use effectively.
- Scoring blade: A scoring blade is a specialized tool that can be used to score the surface of plexiglass before snapping it along the scored line
