Great way to cut acrylic

[ph33nyx]

So I was trying to make a cover for my HOB overflow this past weekend. I had some left over 1/4" acrylic that I thought would be perfect.
I ended up using my tile saw. The edges were fantastic!

[Totenkampf]

what kind of blade did you have installed?

[ph33nyx]

I used a diamond tip blade. The same type I use to cut porcelain or ceramic.

what kind of blade did you have installed?

[johnnymisty]

I usual just use my skill saw regular ole blade at that with no chips or damage

[Totenkampf]

yeah that would work well, i tired a fine toothed blade once out of necessity and it clogged easily. a good quality bandsaw with a rip fence can do a good job too but the cut wont be as nice. i will have to try the tile saw next time

[ph33nyx]

I had previously used my skil saw, or a jigsaw, but i think it was the combination of the diamond tip blade with the water that really did the trick.

[johnnymisty]

Ya the tile saw sounds like it would work great may have to try that the next time I have to cut acrylic again

[fish daddy]

It is the water in the tile saw that helps. Thanks for this tip.

If you go "snail slow" with a table saw, it'll stay cool enough to not make plastic dust balls. I've built my fuge and dividers for 10g tank/sump this way.

[fshfrk]

So I was trying to make a cover for my HOB overflow this past weekend. I had some left over 1/4" acrylic that I thought would be perfect.
I ended up using my tile saw. The edges were fantastic!

Thanks. I will try it on some smaller pieces.

[Lydia]

I use my tile saw for acrylic. Go slow to reduce heat and melting. I also apply masking tape. That plus water seems to reduce chipping. I also use tile saw to make slits in pottery for caves. I tap it out then use dremmel to do a nice finish.

[KhmerStyle]

I use a water jet to cut acrylic

[crazy42bmx]

A skill saw works good if you dont have the tile saw. Trick is to have a plywood blade TURNED OPPOSITE way. Prevents the acrylic from chipping and gives a smooth finish. Iv used this way to cut may tops for my tank and various other projects.