Cutting Acrylic

[Dave Sherwood]

I need to cut a 40mm home in the centre of a 600 X 600mm sheet of acrylic glass. I was thinking about a hole cutter of slow speed so as not to melt the Acrylic. Bit worried about cracking the sheet. Any Suggestions?.
Dave.

 

[Dave Sherwood]

Forgot to mention 5MM thick

 

[Cobbler]

Never cut a hole, but I've cut Perspex with a jigsaw. Had to grease the blade or else the cut welds itself up behind the blade, I should think it's the same with a holesaw.

 

[the snooper]

ive also cut perspex with a jigsaw, use a slow speed and the correct blade and no problem I would imagine a hole saw to be ok for the job, go as slow you can don't force it, let it cut and use some lube

 

[ronan]

i've used a holesaw on perspex, works well if you take your time.

 

[wookie]

Was doing this last week at work, plenty of speed and not much pressure. Have something sacrificial to cut into underneath and just be careful as you break through to avoid chipping the underside.

 

[drmico60]

Hole saw, slow speed, soapy water as lube/coolant.
Mike

 

[500e]

Well there you go slow fast take your pick take some of the set out of the teeth if you want to try standard hole saws ( I would advise against it) Scary cutting aircraft canopy's to put in snap vents Soapy water is good
USE These saws
https://www.mscdirect.co.uk/GSW-06008K/SEARCH:CATEGORY/product.html
If possible do it in a drill press cover screen in tape drill from both sides to help prevent chipping
Take it from one who has tried

 

[Keith 66]

If drilling smaller holes in acrylic, grind or stone the cutting edge of the drill so it has a slightly negative rake, then it wont dig in & break out on the other side.

 

[clift_d]

To elaborate on what has already been said. Put masking tape over the area of the hole on both sides of the sheet. It helps stop the edges of the hole chipping and also makes it easier to mark out the hole accurately. Make sure the acrylic is fully supported behind - a sacrificial piece of timber or similar is best. Drill a 6mm hole in the centre and then use a standard HSS holesaw with a pilot pin, taking your time with decent speed and not too much weight on the drill.

 

[Shox Dr]

I find clamping between two sheets of ply or timber, stops most problems.