cutting lexan with ???

RedRocker · Oct 28, 2005

Did the sheet say lexan on it? Plexiglass will chip and crack like crazy, but I've never run into Lexan that wasn't shearable or bendable. Lexan is a trade name for polycarbonite and Plexiglass is an acrylic plastic. I have to machine the stuff all the time at work and you can tell pretty quick which is which.

Freds · Oct 29, 2005

I don't recall what it said on the paper protection. I know I ordered lexan. That's why I suggested there must be different grades, just like in metal. When I used to order stainless or aluminum from one supplier I had to specify bendable and weldable or they would sell me a grade that apparently wasn't. Someone could be in for a surprise if they found a piece of that stuff and thought they could work it like *normal* metal.
Either way you can't go wrong with a saw.

stevenf · Oct 29, 2005

Well we got over halfway done today before the sun took a break. And the answer is the Lexan I have cuts beautifully with a plywood/plastics dewalt circular saw blade. It does start to melt the edge while your going along in straight lines for 49" but after cutting I just took out my pocket knife and ran it along both edges and it cleans it right up perfectly. Thanks everybody I cant believe I paid somebody to install it in my storefront years ago because I was told you had to have special equipment to cut it.
Steve

Jagmandave · Oct 30, 2005

I was going to suggest a plywood blade too, glad you got it done......

Freds · Oct 30, 2005

So let's see a picture of this deer blind with sliding lexan windows... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

stevenf · Oct 31, 2005

Freds, I was remiss, I know how everybody loves photos I'll steal my honey's camera tonight and post some tommorrow. It turned out great. We ran out of the aluminum channel so one window is still left unfinished I'm hoping to get it done Tuesday, but with the time change I don't know if I'll make it until the weekend its pretty dark at 6:00pm now.
Steve

Ray2210 · Oct 31, 2005

Something to consider is that actual lexan is polycarbonate. The same stuff safety glasses and bullet proof glass is made of. It is not prone to chipping and cracking. If it's lexan it should be good to cut with standard wood working tools. Probably best to use a higher tooth count triple chip carbide blade in the table saw though. If it's acrylic (plexiglass) then it's another story. I too used to work for an ambulance manufacturer and both plexi and lexan were common materials to fabricate with.