Cutting Lexan???

Chris from MI · Post by **Chris from MI** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:46 am

Ok I know there are a few people on here who have worked with Lexan on before so here is my question. What is the easiest way to cut the stuff. I need to cut an oval out of a 4'X8' 1/2in thick piece and really don't want to screw it up. At damn near $500.00 it would really suck!! :help:

I was thinking a jig saw but what type of blade would be used?? If you guys have any tips or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:15 am

if i were you i would find a local cnc or water jet shop to cut it. and y the hell was it 500 bucks? you can get damn near the same stuff for 100

cargodz · Post by **cargodz** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:26 am

I use a dremel with a spiral cut bit (rotozip bit) made for cutting plastics... at higher speed it melts through it like butter, then just some light sanding on the edges.

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:33 am

i dont know where its at for 100 bucks, i have an account to buy it direct from a local supplier and it runs at least that, in fact if he got lexan instead of plex thats a good price...

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:35 am

i got my prices mixed up but even then for basically the same thing with no name brand (lexan is the name brand) i can get a 4'x4'x.25 piece for 106 i just checked it.

Chris from MI · Post by **Chris from MI** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:57 am

It is Lexan but I had to go with it because Plexi didn't have a high enough heat rating. The piece will be subjected to 80C for prolonged periods of time and cannot warp. Work is footing the bill for it but I shopped around and this was the best price I could find.

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:48 am

gotcha. like i said if thats the case take it to a place that will water jet it. its the best way of cutting it period and they may charge you 40 bucks.

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:15 am

yea it gets real pricy when you get .5 or thicker....plus he got a 4x8 sheet of it.......my local guy will water jet it for me

Ryan from Ohio · Post by **Ryan from Ohio** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:55 am

I dont like Plexi or anything in the acrilic type.

I preffer the Polycarbonates, such as Lexan, TUFAC and others that are similar.

Polycarbonates are stronger and not as brittle as plexi.

Robert Wollenberg · Post by **Robert Wollenberg** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 8:37 am

Just thinking about it, I'd probably cut out the piece you want in 1/2 or 1/4 mdf first to get the shape exactly how you want it, then use that as a template with a router or rotozip or whatever to get the exact shape. This way you should make your mistakes on the cheap wood rather then your $500 piece of plastic. lol.