cutting plexi

A BELMONT · Post by **A BELMONT** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:32 pm

Hi to all,

Can anyone tell me what a push block is please ,
I have been advised to make one for the type of job i am doing at the moment but have no idea what it is, I need to cut thin strips of 3mm thick plexi sheet the size is 290mm x 22mm so far i have tried cutting the strips with various small saws but i can never get a straight edge, i would prefer to use a table saw as i need to cut quite a few strips and accurately.
does anybody know also how to clean plexi from glue drips and fingermarks etc,
Thank you
tony

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Tue Apr 10, 2007 5:49 pm

Hi Tony,

A push block/ push stick is used to push the material through the saw and will keep your fingers away from the blade. 22mm is small and so there is a danger that your fingers will be close to the blade, which is a bad idea!

Do you have a large chopsaw?

If so a large chopsaw with a laminate cutting blade on will cut these pieces with ease.

What type of glue are you using?

It's best not to get the glue on the plastic in the first place really!

You can remove fingermarks with fresh clean water with a little detergent and a chamois cloth.

A BELMONT · Post by **A BELMONT** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 9:36 am

Thanks for the quick response to my question regarding the push block, i have a push stick which doesnt stop the sections from shooting out , I think i will have to fashion or make something to stop the thin sections from shooting out when pushed through the table saw, the type of glue i am using is tensol 12 which once spilt or dropped onto the plexi will smear and stain straight away so i am thinking some sort of solvent cleaner might do the job, does anyone have any suggestions.

thank you
tony

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:01 am

Hi Tony,

Tensol 12 is a cement and works by melting the plexi. It also has a chemical catalist that hardens it, if you get this on the surfaces of the plexi I doubt you will be able to get anything to remove it.

What exactly are you making with the strips, if you don't mind me asking?

A BELMONT · Post by **A BELMONT** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:21 pm

thanks for the info on the tensol 12 ,the strips are used as inserts for a coin display case
thanks
tony

carhartt kid · Post by **carhartt kid** » Wed Apr 11, 2007 3:36 pm

I'd cut the sheet on a bandsaw with a good fence. Youll get a far cleaner cut as the saw passed through the kerf in one direction. Plus the blade is far less likely to heat up like a table saw.

Also, when I worked as an Architectural Modelmaker, we used to bond perspex with celulose thinners and then spray with an activator. Cant remember the exact chemicals used, as this was about 14 years ago now. But I'm sure if you called a model makers they'd be happy to give you some hints. They may even be able to help with the cutting of the strips?? Plus if you do a good job of your project, they sometimes tend to farm out jobs that aren't big enough for them, so you may even get some projects offered you way??
Good luck, and post up some photos when youre done too. I like seeing other folks work!

mrgillyburg · Post by **mrgillyburg** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:28 am

A fine toothed hand saw works fine, Avoid any powered tools because rotation of blades causes heat to build from friction that will melt edges and cause ragged cuts. A home store could cut it to fit measurements you bring in.