Plastiglas

[will8989]

Re: Plastiglas

Well here's a third opinion. I am cutting a dragon 12' circle windchime out of nairoc (or whatever that plastic corian is called) and am using Mike's #7 Reverse blade and having no problems at all. I have a variable speed and have slowed it down to around 600rpm and it works very well for me. I am about 3/4 finished and am only on my 2nd blade. Just take this one slow, slow, slow.

[BobD]

Re: Plastiglas

Mike,
You have a lot more experience than I do!!! No need to apologize! I'm still figuring out about the different scroll saw blades and their kerf. I was commenting more on how to fix the problem after it happens...your solution prevents it from even happening!!

Bob

[3_M]

Re: Plastiglas

Hei Dena,

Sorry Bob but I have to disagree with you about cutting plastic or acrylic. You should not use a blade with reverse teeth. The best one is the Polar # 3 or 5. The teeth are off-set a little, which helps to keep the kerf clean. Use 2' clear package tape over the pattern, it eliminates that the sides melt back together and you don't have to do any sanding. Sanding might even discolor the acrylic. I don't know what a fine crocus cloth is.
The speed can be from 1/2 t0 3/4.

Mike M

[BobD]

Re: Plastiglas

Dena,
Acrylic is tough because as your blade heats up (normal friction from cutting) the acrylic can actually melt back together. I don't know what speed you're cutting at, but I reccomend a slow speed.

Another option to de-bur the acrylic is to use some sort of fine rotary cutting tool (like a dremel tool) Use a very fine cutting burr (not a diamond or stone wheel) and a light touch. That way you have a cut rounded edge rather than a sanded one.

Hope this helps!

Bob Duncan
Editor, Scroll Saw Workshop

Hello,
I have not been scroll sawing for very long and trying different woods and plastics. I am making the 12 Days of Christmas in transparent acrylic plastic and the edges are coming out pretty sharp to the touch. I have been using a fine crocus cloth and it does pretty well, but was wondering what is best? I am using FD-SR #3 / 7 rev. teeth. Is there a better blade # to use? Thank for any suggestions.
Dena F