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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: Crash Landing on July 10, 2010, 10:55:38 pm

Title: working with plexiglass
Post by: Crash Landing on July 10, 2010, 10:55:38 pm

Hi folks,

I have started experimenting with plexiglass. Does anyone have a technique for polishing the edge cuts? I currently use a propane torch to "melt" to a polished finish but this is only good on the outside edges. Any ideas how to polish the interior cuts?

tia

crash

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: GrayBeard on July 11, 2010, 10:26:19 am

Sorry...can't help with the edges.
I know it can be touchy stuff to work with from past experiences.
Please post your 'methods'...saw speed, blades, backings, etc.

~~~GB~~~

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Crash Landing on July 11, 2010, 06:07:51 pm

Graybeard,

I use Polar #5 blades slow to med speed. I leave the paper covering on the plastic then wrap both sides in packing tape then adhere the pattern to that..by going slow I avoid the cuts melting back together. I have only been at this a few times. I like the results to a degree but would really like to have smooth glass like edges.
This is experimental attempting a variation on the shadow box idea.

Crash

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: northie66 on July 11, 2010, 06:21:41 pm

I'm curious about this post as I have a sheet of plexiglass that calls my name from time to time.

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: chips on July 11, 2010, 07:22:32 pm

 Crash,

  Not what your looking for but here's a video that Steve put out on cutting Acrylic that might be of some interest to others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YmUm-wa1xI

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: northie66 on July 11, 2010, 08:51:17 pm

Wow!  Makes me want acrylic and a blow torch!

I'm not going that route though... I'm going to show some restraint.  Mainly because I ain't even allowed to have candles in the house since that one incident.  ;o)

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Crash Landing on July 11, 2010, 09:46:30 pm

Janet,

Not to worry. Use the propane torch outside. That way when the flame goes out you won't pass out from breathing the gas.
But I am curious. Was the fire department involved or was it the people in the white coats during your candle incident?

crash

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Crash Landing on July 11, 2010, 09:59:43 pm

Chips,

Thanks for the link. Yes it was pretty much how I do it now. Although Steve is way better at his cuts than I am and he doesn't melt nearly as much as I do.

Crash

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: chief on July 11, 2010, 10:51:16 pm

I put packing tape over the factory paper and then use a little WD-40 as you scroll.  If the edges are fairly straight wet sand with 400 and then 800 and then the torch will polish it easily.  I have also just held it ove rthe stove because I didnt have a torch.  Why buy a tool you really dont need.

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: northie66 on July 15, 2010, 06:08:52 pm

Crash - I left a bunch of votive candles lit on a shelf and went to bed.  Hubby said by the grace of God he woke up thirsty and went to the kitchen.  He said the ledge was hot to the touch.

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Paw Paw Ray on July 17, 2010, 07:55:32 am

This is a portrait that I did a while back.  I sanded the glass before cutting to give it a smoked look.


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Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Dawie on July 17, 2010, 08:56:17 am

That looks awesome. I have never really worked with plexiglass but have considered it. Thanks for sharing.
David

Title: Re: working with plexiglass
Post by: Crash Landing on July 17, 2010, 11:03:52 am

Paw Paw Ray,
That is fantastic. I really like the sanded aspect. Gives it a surreal look. Very nice indeed.

Crash