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Cruisin' Threads => Boat Bits => Topic started by: Frank on March 19, 2007, 11:41:42 AM

Title: cutting lexan??
Post by: Frank on March 19, 2007, 11:41:42 AM
Is there an easy way to cut lexan...what blade etc??   THANKS
Title: Re: cutting lexan??
Post by: skylark on March 19, 2007, 11:55:38 AM
Use a jigsaw with a metal blade.  Go slow, the lexan dust will melt if you push it hard.  It seems to work better if you create dust instead of melted globs
Title: Re: cutting lexan??
Post by: Bubba the Pirate on March 19, 2007, 12:39:54 PM
Depending on the thickness you're cutting, I would recommend a table saw with a carbide tooth blade for all but the very thinnest [like <.25"].   

Going slow is key.

.25" and below you might be able to score it with a utility knife and a straightedge and then break it. 

TrT
Title: Re: cutting lexan??
Post by: AdriftAtSea on March 19, 2007, 12:49:19 PM
Use a cutting guide for any straight sections you have to cut, since the blade can wander a bit otherwise.  Go slow and use as fine-toothed a blade as you can get.  I seem to remember either waxing the blade or something like that to help reduce the heat generated was also recommended...

Generally, for the thin stuff...scoring and snapping is the easiest and fastest way to "cut" it.
Title: Re: cutting lexan??
Post by: CharlieJ on March 19, 2007, 01:01:02 PM
piece of cake.

Lexan cuts well with most anything. Jig saw, band saw, table saw. just run it through.

Key is to be sure it's flat and doesn't vibrate. You can also score and break, but I find cutting is easier.
Title: Re: cutting lexan??
Post by: Parrothead on May 15, 2007, 01:30:17 PM
Try using Ivory Soap as a lube.