Cutting Lexan...question

[johnny010]

How hard is it to cut Lexan? Can Home Depot/Lowes cut it in just about any way I want?

In this case I need the letter 'N' cut. It would be about 18" high and 12" wide.

Thanks,

JM

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

It depends how thick it is. If its down around 1/16" then they make scissors and blades that can easily cut it. Start working your way up towards 3/8" or above and a band/table/cross cut saw with a finer blade or a router with a flush bit works well.

To finish the edges of the Lexan I will use a step down method of sanding.
Start with 200 grit then 400 and finish with 2000 grit or even some liquid polish on a dremel tool. Will take some time and elbo work but, will be worth it if your planning to edge light, etc...

For a more complex cut like lettering, I doubt home depot is going to want to do it. They usually offer only basic cuts. You might do best to go to a specialty plastic place and have them cut it for you again depending on the thickness of the material and your requirements.

 

[johnny010]

Thank you!

 

[OneRedNSX]

Home depot and lowes woln't cut it like that for you... at best lowes will cut it to size in a rectangle / square. they couldn't cut you any letters or anything... (i worked at lowes for almost 6 years)...

you are going to have to go somewhere that has a router or something like that (jig saw maybe??)

 

[Briank]

Find a shop that does water jet cutting.

 

[johnny010]

Find a shop that does water jet cutting.

Uh, thanks:biggrin:

Where do I begin, not familiar with this profession.

JM

 

[Briank]

http://local.yahoo.com/results?fr=dd-local-more&stx=water+jet+cutting&csz=Houston,+TX

 

[SugrueNSX]

Sign makers do a lot of this type of work.
Find a bigish one and they will have a laser that will do a good job for you.
Like John said they might want to do it on a band saw or a router.
Go there on a Saturday morning and the guy might do it for $20.

Regards,

Patrick

 

[RacerX-21]

JM,

Usually sheets of Lexan have a protective film that protects the finish during shipping or machining; with a little care it will be easy to do yourself (Provided it’s not too thick). If your going to cut it yourself with a jig saw, make sure it’s actually Lexan and not acrylic. Acrylic is less expensive but will easily chip and crack. Home Depot will have thinner blades that make it easier to turn sharper corners. Another way to polish the edges like the professionals do it is to use a flame (Like a propane torch). Practice with scrap piece before working on the finished sign. What are you making?

 

[01blacks4]

OH MY GOD you guys make it hard with everything

if you want an N cut out, make the shape outta 1/2 mdf (its a wood product), attach it to the plexi/lexan with 2 sides tape and cut it with a flush trim router bit. any wood shop or good stereo shop could di it in about an hour...prolly $50-$60 bucks