Cut plastic sheets


Plastic panels are not only an important building material for the craftsman, but also for the experienced do-it-yourselfer. Of course, the cutting and sawing of these products also belongs to the processing of plastic sheets. Below you will find valuable information on how to professionally cut, saw and mill plastic sheets.

Plastic plates and the application possibilities

Plastic sheets have always been an important work and building material for home improvement. The application possibilities are almost unlimited:

  • Plastic panels as wall and facade cladding
  • Plastic panels for the roof
  • Double-wall sheets for greenhouse and conservatories
  • Plastic plates on the balcony
  • Media and TV walls
  • furniture
  • other hobbies

The processing of plastic plates

Due to the enormous variety of ways in which you can use plastic sheets, it is inevitable that you have to work on them as well. This includes bending and forming plastic sheets, as well as sawing, cutting and milling.

The cutting and sawing of various plastic plates

Depending on the properties of the existing plastic sheets, cutting is relatively easy to sophisticated. In particular, the cutting of web plates is somewhat more difficult, since in principle two plates must be cut at the same time, which also have a greater distance from each other (through the webs). Therefore, we have also provided an extra guide just for you to get there if you follow the link.

Tools

The cutting and sawing simple plastic plates, however, is less expensive. Even with a hand saw or jigsaw, good results can be achieved. Basically, the following saws are best suited for cutting and sawing plastic sheets:

  • Circular Saws (Table Saw, Submerged Saw, Circular Saw)
  • jigsaws
  • Handsaws (iron saw and possibly foxtail - depending on the toothing)

Cutting with the knife and milling

In addition, you can cut thin plastic up to a thickness of 4 to 5 mm, but also with a craft knife. Often it is sufficient if you only cut the plastic. Then you can break the plate at the cutting edge. For milling and engraving own routers or a Dremel.

Cut plastic plates with the jigsaw

The jigsaw achieves good saw edges, the softer and more elastic a plastic plate is. With increasing hardness and porosity, however, the risk increases that the cutting edge frayed or even breaks out in the worst case. It is important for the jigsaw that you set the stroke to the maximum speed, but completely switch off the pendulum stroke.

Time-consuming cutting with the jigsaw

A disadvantage of cutting plastic plates with the jigsaw is the associated expenditure of time. Sawing with the jigsaw is therefore worthwhile only if you have less plastic plates to work on.

The circular saws for cutting and sawing

Circular saws are the best way to cut or saw plastic sheets. Adjust the saw to the highest speed. The cut edges are clean and straightforward, fraying is almost completely avoided. In addition, the cutting of the plastic plates quickly from the hand, which is why the circular saw is especially recommended for larger amounts of plastic plates to be cut.

Requirements for the saw blade

Regardless of the type of saw you will ultimately use, the saw blade must be able to saw or cut plastic. For this you need a fine-toothed saw blade, in which the individual teeth should not be exposed laterally. Preferably you should use special plastic saw blades, but multi-material saw blades are just as suitable.

Tips & Tricks

After sawing and cutting, the plastic sheets are often cleaned. Especially with translucent plastic plates you must clean with care. For example, if you use a sponge or cloth to wipe the chips, they can cause the slightest scratches. At the latest, when they hold the translucent plastic plate against the light, these scratches are visible. Therefore, we recommend you as a further reading the guide to cleaning web plates. It is also suitable for other plastic plates with its tips.
Cut plastic sheets

FAQ - 💬

❓ What is the easiest way to cut plastic sheets?

👉 1:255:19How to cut Plastic SheetStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a scribe line up apply a sharp downward pressure to the edge of the overhanging sheet. ThisMoreWith a scribe line up apply a sharp downward pressure to the edge of the overhanging sheet. This will cause the sheet to break right along the scribed.

❓ What is the best tool for cutting plastic?

👉 Best Tool For Cutting Thick Plastic

  • A fine-toothed saw works best for precision plastic cutting. ...
  • A jigsaw is ideal for cutting thicker pieces of plastic like piping. ...
  • A table saw excels in cutting through bigger plastic pipes or thick plastic blocks.

❓ Can you cut plastic sheeting?

👉 Cutting Thick Sheets of Plastic To make straight cuts on thicker sheets of acrylic and polycarbonate plastic (greater than ⅛ inch thick), you'll need to use a table saw or circular saw. Use blades designed specifically to cut plastic, which are often packaged as “No Melt” blades.

❓ How do you cut thin plastic sheets without cracking them?

👉 Tips to Avoid Cracking or Breaking Plexiglass as You Cut

  1. Keep the plastic film on. As mentioned above, plexiglass usually comes with a thin layer of plastic film intended to prevent scratches as the material travels from manufacturer to retailer to your workshop. ...
  2. Score deep. ...
  3. Use the right blade. ...
  4. Keep the blade cool.
30 Apr 2021

❓ How do you cut hard thin plastic?

👉 0:021:32How to cut hard plastic best trick

❓ Can you cut hard plastic with scissors?

👉 If your plastic is weak or thin, like a water bottle, you can use scissors or a small knife. Larger items, like plastic sheets or acrylic flooring, can often be cut by scribing and breaking them. Thick plastic materials may require power tools.

❓ How do you cut plastic by hand?

👉 0:523:49How to easily cut plastic sheets by hand

❓ Can an Exacto knife cut plastic?

👉 X-Acto #5 Heavy Duty Plastic Knife is for precise, heavy-pressure cutting of heavyweight materials-wood, board, paper, plastic and metal.

❓ What tool can cut hard plastic?

👉 To cut thick plastic, you'll need a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw, or table saw, since plastic can be tough to cut through. Start by clamping it to a workbench or holding it firmly so it doesn't move. Then, use a fine-toothed saw to make the cut. Use the full length of the blade and move the saw in quick, smooth motions.

❓ Can you cut plastic with scissors?

👉 If you're cutting thin plastic, like a soda bottle or soft sheet, you can use scissors. Make sure that you're firmly holding your plastic in your non-dominant hand and cut carefully, using a flat surface to brace your plastic. Never cut directly next the hand you're holding the plastic material in.

❓ Can a Dremel tool cut plastic?

👉 Dremel is a good tool for cutting many materials, and plastic is one of them. A Dremel will cut through most plastic materials quickly and is great for doing detailed cuts.

❓ How do you cut thin sheets of hard plastic?

👉 Answer: You can use a utility knife or a hobby knife to easily cut through thin sheets of hard plastic. To cut the plastic, simply lay it down on a clean, flat surface and draw a line where you want the cut to be. Then, using your knife, score the line from start to finish. Do this a few times until a nice groove forms along the line.

❓ How to cut acrylic or polycarbonate sheets?

👉 If you want a straight cut in a thin acrylic or polycarbonate plastic sheet (up to ⅛ inch thick), reach for a simple utility knife, then follow these steps. Secure the sheet to a large work surface with a clamp.

❓ What can you do with plastic sheets?

👉 Uses for Plastic Sheeting People have a huge range of uses for acrylic. Many household projects and home improvements can be finished off with coloured or clear acrylic sheets. Some people just want a sheet of plastic to replace a shed or greenhouse window, as it is cheaper and safer to use high-impact, shatterproof acrylic than real glass.

❓ Can you cut plastic or wood sheet products?

👉 Whatever plastic or wood sheet product you want, we have the in-house capabilities to cut it to any size or shape you like. Whether you’re after beautiful polycarbonate sheets or gorgeous splashbacks, we are able to accommodate your exact requirements. We are also fully able to work and manufacture unique products for MDF, plywood or OSB.


Video Board: How to cut Plastic Sheet