Acrylic is a from of plastic that is used for a lot of home improvement projects. If you ever need to cut acrylic into a certain length or shape, you want to use the proper equipment. This article will answer the question of whether you can cut acrylic with a table saw, as well as tips on how to do it.
Can You Cut Acrylic With a Table Saw?
Yes, you can use a table saw to cut acrylic. However, you need to make sure that you have the right blade and speed.
If you don’t have a strong enough blade or speed, it can cause chips in the acrylic. Below you will learn how to get the smoothest cut when using a table saw to cut acrylic.
Blade
First of all, you need to choose the right kind of blade for cutting the acrylic. Many standard blades that come with a table saw are not strong enough to cut through acrylic.
Also, you should not use a dull blade that has already been used multiple times.
I recommend that you use a blade that is 10 inches in diameter. It is also best if your blade has around 80 teeth. You also want to make sure your table saw has enough power. I suggest you have a table saw that is able to generate at least 3,400 RPM.
There are various blades specifically designed for cutting acrylic. I have found that blades with carbide tips work the best for cutting acrylic. Diamond blades also work well. They are both very hard and can easily handle the job.
Many table saws come with a blade that is designated for cutting plastic. If you have this blade, you should use it to cut the acrylic.
Speed
You also need to be mindful of the speed at which you are cutting. Acrylic is a very soft material, so you want to make sure that you are cutting at a slow and steady pace. This will ensure that you get a clean cut that doesn’t chip or cut the acrylic.
If you slide the acrylic through the saw too quickly, it will cause the acrylic to chip. Below is an example of a piece of acrylic that was cut too fast on a table saw.
Heat
In addition, you need to be careful to avoid overheating the material. Acrylic can become very hot during the cutting process, so it is important to use a saw that has good cooling capabilities.
If the saw does not have a built-in cooling system, you can also use a fan to help keep the temperature down.
You should know that when acrylic is cut, it can cause flakes to sit near the blade. After each cut, you should make sure to remove any of the flakes from the table to help ensure the next cut is clean.
Safety
When cutting acrylic with a table saw, there are a couple safety precautions you should be aware of. For starters, you should wear goggles to protect your eyes. If possible, I suggest you wear a face shield. It is very common for acrylic to release small chips into the air when it is cut.
I also suggest that you wear gloves to help protect your hands. This will help protect your hands form the blade, as well as the sharp edges of the acrylic.
Best type of saw to cut acrylic
Finally, you should also consider the type of saw you are using. You will want a saw with a high RPM and a thinner blade, which will make it easier to cut the material without causing any damage. As mentioned above, table saws are a great option.
Aside from a table saw, you can also use a hybrid table saw. Additionally, you can use a miter saw..
Whatever saw you use, make sure that you have the proper blade. If you go with a table saw, I suggest you check out Harvey table saws.
Conclusion
Acrylic, also commonly referred to as plexiglass, is becoming very popular in the decor and design space. It is frequently used in place of glass.
As noted above, it is possible to cut acrylic with a table saw, but it is important to take the necessary steps to make sure you get a clean cut and keep yourself save.
Make sure to use the right blade, cut at a slow and steady pace, and use a saw specifically designed for cutting acrylic.
Following these steps will ensure that you get the best results when cutting acrylic with a table saw.
