What kind of jig saw blade to use to cut plexiglass or another cutting method

[johneic]

I need to cut some plexiglass, I do not know of a plexiglass cutting forum and am on here a lot so asking here.

In my past experience too fast a blade speed will melt the plexi so I plan to use my variable speed jig saw, would a fine or coarse tooth clade be better? I am thinking fine.

or should I score it like they do at the hardware store? I do not have a fancy machine like them but I guess I could use a metal straight edge and a razor knife and score it 10-20 times?

 

[jack707]

I just use a jigsaw with a metal blade I cut fast no melting just a lot of the dust stays on the edge nock off with a straight edge.

 

[Mendonsy]

I use a finish cut wood blade (very little tooth offset) and a slow speed.

 

[Rustyiron]

I just cut some last week with what ever blade was in the table saw. It was maybe a 24 tooth carbide blade 10" and fed it slow. With a jig saw, I'd put down some removable masking tape on the material if it does not still have the protective sheet, it will scratch & mar very easy with all the shaking & vibration from a jig saw.

 

[flyerdan]

Use a fine tooth blade for hard woods or metal, also putting a strip of 2" masking tape over the cut will let you draw a cut line, prevent edge chipping, and shoe scuffing from the saw.

 

[jack707]

I also use a grinder with a cut off wheel.

 

[atsah]

I use a fine metal blade in my circular saw installed in reverse, it also works well on metal roofing..

 

[not2old]

I also use a grinder with a cut off wheel.

I cut plexi-glass and other plastics such as styrene light lenses this way. If final size is very important, cut it oversize and trim later or use a router.

 

[Billrog]

Put a strip of masking tape where you wish to cut and you can use a table saw with a zero clearance insert or if a jig saw keep the speed slow enough to avoid melting.

 

[Looking4new]

I use my table saw with a blade for plywood on it and feed slowly.