Cutting acrylic

[bobothewizard]

How does everyone cut this? Every time I go and try to cut this it cracks. All im using is a razor blade to "score" the stuff then bend it in half to snap it but when i do snap it it breaks off in pieces and not one clean chunk. Also, how do you attach this stuff together? Im trying to put a few pieces in my sump but i would like to build what they call a bag tower to put your filter bag in and then stick the hose from the over flow in there. So basically it would be like a small box. Also one last thing, how would you cut "teeth" into the top of a piece like a overflow would use. Im thinking you guys are using some kind of tool like a dremel or something to cut this stuff. Thanks a bunch for the help and as always its greatly appreciated.

 

[jester]

router and a fence. table saw and a fence.

 

[bobothewizard]

whats a fence, besides the obvious house fence lol.

 

[jester]

A fence is a straight edge mounted to something so you can either run the ruother against it and get a clean cut, or run the acrylic against it on a table saw to get a clean cut.
A fixed straight edge that is used to guide something.

 

[bobothewizard]

I assume a special blade is used in the router?

 

[jester]

actually it's a bit. And no, nothing special. Just a straight cutting bit 1/4" works well.

 

[bobothewizard]

Ahh yeah i was thinking jigsaw for some reason.... Sweet thanks a bunch for the help, its greatly appreciated.

 

[simm]

Use a straight edge when scoring it and try to score as deeeeep as you can. Copping saw might work to.

 

[surfnturf]

I use a table saw with a fence and it does a real nice job, try to get a fine toothed carbide blade, like 80 tooth or more, you'll get a nice smooth finish. Jigsaws always crack acrylic, no matter how hard you try. Never tried a router, sounds like a good idea though. To put the stuff together, you need to get some weld-on acrylic glue, get the thick stuff.

 

[cap'n pete]

Here's a good website with working with acrylic tips.
Acrylic tips

 

[rsd]

Actually I use a jig saw for small peices and a table saw for anything over 3 feet. If using a jig saw use a medium tooth saw and DON"T push too hard. Never had one crack yet. Used acr. for my sump/baffles/overflow/and to make "window pane" doors for my tank stand... along with too many other projects to list.
Just be patient.