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Cutting Lexan???
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:46 am
by Chris from MI
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
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:15 am
by Bwcad1
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
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:26 am
by cargodz
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.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:33 am
by smoker
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...
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:35 am
by Bwcad1
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.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:57 am
by Chris from MI
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.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:48 am
by Bwcad1
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.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:15 am
by smoker
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
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:55 am
by Ryan from Ohio
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.
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 8:37 am
by Robert Wollenberg
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.