With more free time on their hand’s thanks to the global pandemic, men and women have started trying new activities. One thing certain individuals are experimenting with is acrylic, also known as Plexiglas. For instance, some people take clear acrylic sheets and make items from them. These sheets compare with glass in optical clarity, and they are very strong. They also try their hand with coloured acrylic to make something unique. Is this something the average person could do? Actually, a person only needs standard workshop tools to engage in this activity. The following serve as a few of the ways one can cut acrylic to the desired size with ease.
Lasers
Anyone fortunate enough to have a laser system, such as the ones offered by Boss Laser, will find they can cut complex shapes using acrylic and get great definition when doing so. In fact, laser cutting remains the preferred choice of experienced artisans when they work with acrylic. Connect the laser cutter to a computer and it functions much like a printer, transferring the selected design or image to the acrylic. This method works for any design but allows those that are creative, intricate, and complex to shine. Disregard the customer complaints regarding this company, as they maintain an A+ BBB rating, and no company can please everyone.
Scoring Knife
Individuals, when they first experiment with acrylic or Plexiglas, often use a scoring knife to cut the desired shapes. However, only use this technique on sheets with a thickness of 1/4-inch or less. This process involves marking the sheet where the cuts are to be made and using the knife to create a narrow grove in this sheet. Next, place the sheet over a hard edge, ensuring the grooved side faces up. Clamp the sheet to make certain it doesn’t move and bend the overhang of the sheet quickly and evenly. As it bends, the groove in the sheet deepens and allows the crack to spread along the groove. The acrylic separates into two pieces when an artisan uses this method, and the edges of the pieces remain relatively straight and clean.
Hand Saws
If you are brand new to this hobby, head out to the garage or shed and grab a hand saw. Certain acrylic artisans choose this tool when they need to cut their Plexiglas to size, and most households have a tool of this type. This gives the person the opportunity to create with acrylic and see if this is a hobby they enjoy and wish to explore further. However, only work with a saw with uniform teeth for the best results. Furthermore, concentrate on the task, as this offers the best results. Electrical saws require less concentration by the artisan.
Jigsaws
If the handsaw isn’t working or one with uniform teeth isn’t available, turn to a jigsaw to make the cuts. This device uses a straight blade moving up and down rapidly to make the desired cuts. Individuals who plan to create nonlinear shapes using acrylic find this tool works perfectly. A person gets precise results using the tool, but it will take some trial and error on their part to find the right setting and positioning of the machine for the desired cuts.
Band Saws
Band saws also become of great help when it is time to create intricate curves and shapes. Men and women using this tool need to choose their blade carefully and just the feed rate of the saw to prevent melting and chipping of the acrylic. Use the band saw on acrylic sheets that measure a minimum of 0.472 inches in thickness for the best results. This device produces clear, clean edges while retaining the material sharpness.
If you have been wanting to try your hand at crafting with acrylic, now serves as the perfect time to engage in this activity. Pick up a sheet or two of Plexiglas and begin experimenting with the different cutting methods described above. Soon, you’ll want to explore this hobby more and expand on your tool kit as well as your skill level.
