Acrylic sheet can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be cut using a circular saw, but if you want the cuts to be straight, use a jigsaw.
Cutting acrylic sheets on a circular saw requires special skills and power tools because it’s soft, beautiful material. If you don’t have these skills, hire a professional.
In this article, we will show how to cut an acrylic sheet with a circular saw by removing all the parts that are attached to the sheet before cutting.
In case there is any glue residue left after removal from the sheet, then sanding may help remove them.
Otherwise, you can also try acetone or rubbing alcohol as solvent to clean up any remaining adhesive residue.
Here are the steps involved in cutting acrylic sheet using a circular power saw.
Step 1: First, push your circular saw into the center of the sheet so that its finest blade is almost touching the straight edge of the sheet. The tip of the powerful blade shouldn’t go beyond the smooth edge of the sheet.
Step 2: Now move the saw slowly towards one side while keeping the sharp blade steady in place.
Make sure that you keep pressure at least halfway between where the metal cutting blade touches the sheet and the edge of the sheet itself.
Adjust the angle of the blade according to the thickness of the sheet being cut. This step helps prevent dings or nicks around the sides of the sheet when the circular blade hits the corners of the sheet.
Step 3: Once the blade depth reaches the corner closest to the opposite end, stop moving the saw and pull it out without letting the proper blade type touch anything else.
Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 in reverse order with the other two corners. Remove the correct blade and let the dust fall off. After drying, the results look like this:
1. Cuts made on the back level surface of the acrylic sheet crack more often than those made on the front stable surface because of uneven heat distribution during casting process.
2. To avoid cracking, make sure that the cut is perpendicular to both flat surface of the sheet. And remember to hold down firmly on the handle of the circular saw.
3. The easiest way to cut a sheet of acrylic is to cut a piece. Drill a hole for the special acrylic blade, make a table to keep the common sheet, and use a circular saw to cut the inch sheet.
4. To cut an acrylic sheet without cracking, cut the sheet widths with a circular saw, cutting like the acrylic, slowly and carefully.
5. The pencil tip is the best tip for cutting right angles. If you are cutting straight lines, use the line guide.
6. Use a piece of wood or plastic to cut the sheet with the circular saw. To avoid cracking, turn the saw off before cutting the thinner sheet.
After cutting the acrylic sheet, you need to smooth and polish the sharp edge. There are several ways to do this.
Here are some tips:
A power sander works well if you want to get rid of scratches quickly. You can sand down the edges of your acrylic sheets to make them smooth.
Alternatively, hand-held orbital polishers work perfectly too. You just need to follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Another effective method is rubbing alcohol, which removes dirt and fingerprints easily.
The thing that is used to improve the smoother edges is alcohol pads. They are used to help remove scratches and dullness on the clean surface of the acrylic.
An easy way to remove adhesives from the edge to chip off the sheets is using acetone, but be careful not to burn yourself.
Wear safety glasses and gloves. Also, cover everything surrounding the area you will work on because fumes may cause irritation.
This product can also help minimize sharpness of the edges. But again, only apply as directed by the manufacturers’ instruction manual.
Cutting acrylic sheet using a circular saw can be dangerous. Make sure you have the skills necessary to carry out these tasks properly.
Always remember to practice first prior to carrying out complex projects. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, then hire someone who does. It’s better than risking your life.
It’s important to know how to operate the perfect tool needed to perform your job. Follow all OSHA regulations and other company guidelines regarding safe practices.
Below are safety tips you can follow:
A solid circular saw blade works best for cutting acrylic sheet because it has a smaller gullet than a coping saw, which means it has less friction and won’t bog down when cutting acrylic.
There are three different circular saws you can choose from. The top picks included below.
1. Makita WS70C12SST
This is an affordable model made by Makita. The powerful tool features two speeds. The motor has been designed for light duty applications.
The head adjusts up to 12 inches wide and 30 inches deep. A maximum depth setting allows users to cut through versatile material without having to adjust settings every time.
2. Milwaukee M18BH30X3
Another great tool of choice from Milwaukee. This unit offers three different sizes ranging between 20" and 36". These blades come from various angles, including straight 90°, 45° and 60°.
Each blade comes with extra-long handles, making them easier to maneuver around tight corners.
3. Bosch CS23A2P4SS
This unit boasts a powerful 23 Amp motor. That makes this unit ideal for amazing material. And its 4 position blade height change provides excellent versatility throughout the entire project.
There are four speed options available. Users can choose either high or low.
4. Stanley SDC10G0CWK1
You’ll find that this required tool is very well built. Its 10 amps power assures the user that they will get the most out of their investment.
The variable speed control gives more flexibility during operation. The steel body ensures durability and longevity.
5. DeWalt DW920CSM24
Having a 24 amp motor means you will get great performance even if you’re dealing with large plexiglass sheet. The adjustable handle also helps make things easy. This is another great pick.
6. DeWalt DWC908PS16S
This unit has 16 gauge teeth which ensure accuracy. The aluminum alloy construction ensures reliability and strength.
Both the carbide tip and the flat end provide efficient results. Plus, there is no need to sharpen these blades because they last longer compared to other models.
7. Hitachi HDD15E20L21
This unit comes equipped with 15 amps of power. It also features 3 positions for adjusting the angle of the blade.
This makes it possible to achieve perfect cuts. An automatic switch off feature prevents overheating.
8. Black and Decker SDV60R11T7
In terms of size, this unit measures 17 x 11 x 6 inches. However, its weight only reaches 8 lbs. In addition, it features a 7 inch capacity.
This machine is best suited for medium-sized projects. For example, you could use this cutter in small windows.
9. Ridgid RDS40D14Z8
Similar to the previous item, the Ridgid unit weighs less than 14 pounds. But unlike the others we have listed here, it does not offer any adjustments. Instead, it just stays put once set.
Using a circular saw is a quick and easy way to cut a piece of acrylic sheet. The circular saw is a versatile tool that’s good for cutting wood, plastic, and acrylic.
When cutting wood, there are several angles from which you can cut it. The first angle is 90 degrees. They called this a straight cut.
It is the easiest way to cut wood because it allows for the least amount of sawdust. However, sometimes you want to cut a piece of wood at an angle other than 90 degrees.
In these cases, you can use a circular saw to cut it. This type of saw has a blade that rotates around a center point.
Using a circular saw to cut wood at an angle is much easier than using a conventional miter saw. It is also much safer since the blade guard does not move back and forth across the wood boards.
In this article, I will show you the steps on how you cut a perfect angle with a circular saw.
The first step in setting up your circular saw before starting any project is making sure your fence or guides are correctly positioned.
You need them aligned so they line up perfectly parallel with each other and perpendicular to the edge of the workpiece.
If one guide lines up crooked, then everything else will be off too. When doing multiple cuts, make sure all the pieces are lined up properly.
If you don’t have enough space between the boards, you may have problems getting them close together hitting nothing while trying to align things.
In those situations, you’ll probably just end up wasting time by re-cutting things over again.
Different blades have varying shapes and sizes and can be used depending on what kind of work you intend to perform.
Use a circular saw equipped with a mitre gauge to cut wood at a perfect angle.
You will need:
1. Circular saw
2. Mitre gauge (you can buy one online or at a hardware store for cheap - it’s a measuring tool that slides on the bar of the saw)
3. Pencil or chalk line
4. Wood (for practice)
5. Stud (for practice)
6. Safety glasses, ear protection and dust mask (even if you’re using a mitre gauge, you’ll want to use these)
When making perfect angle cuts, you need to focus more on accuracy rather than speed. That’s why most people opt for using power tools like circular saws instead of hand-held ones such as jigsaws.
Once you’ve chosen the right size blade for your circular saw, start out by marking the cutting area with a pencil or chalk line.
This way, you won’t accidentally cut through something vital once you get started.
The best thing about this method is that there isn’t really a limit on how big a board you can cut. You can even go beyond 90 degrees.
Steps to cuts in wood at a perfect angle using a circular saw:
Note: Before you use the circular saw, be sure to read the owner’s manual.
Step 1: To cut a perfect 45-degree angle, mark both ends of the board and draw diagonal lines from corner to opposite corners.
Then follow the same steps again, but only half of the distance because you already know the exact length of the sides. You can choose either side since they measure the same amount.
Step 2: Next, take your circular saw and set the blade depth and height according to the thickness of the material you plan to cut. For example, if you were going to cut 1/8" thick pine, select the 0.25 inch option.
Insert the guide bar into the slot provided and tighten it down until you feel comfortable that everything fits well. Make sure not to over tighten the bolts, otherwise it could break off easily.
With the guide bar firmly attached to the saw, stable position the handle so that it contacts the board.
Step 3: Then adjust so that the teeth of the blade lie along the edge of the board. Move the handle back slightly.
If you notice that some parts of the blade don’t touch the surface properly, raise up the guard plate. It doesn’t hurt to do this since it provides extra safety measures.
Step 4: Now simply push the trigger button on top of the circular saw and let loose. As long as you maintain excellent control over where the blade goes, then you shouldn’t encounter too many problems.
For larger boards, you might have to lower the blade all together.
Also, pay attention to what part of the wheel touches first and last before pushing the trigger. This will help prevent the blade from jumping around later during usage.
Circular saws are used extensively in industrial and home construction. A circular saw is the right tool for the job when you need to cut through lumber, stone, concrete, metal, and much more.
Here are some advantages of owning a circular saw:
The circular saw is a difficult power tool to operate so,
1. Always wear proper safety gear like gloves and goggles while operating a circular saw to protect your hands and eyes from flying debris and blade crashes.
2. Keep your free hand away from the saw blade.
3. Keep your line of sight of the saw blade.
4. Set your circular saw to the speed for the material you are cutting.
5. Always wear hearing protectors. The noise level of your circular saw can be harmful to your hearing.
6. Don’t wear loose clothing.
7. Wear sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles.
8. Keep your work area well-lit.
If you are looking for a solution to cutting wood at an angle with a circular saw, there are several ways to do it.
From the clamp guide, to the hold-down clamp guide, to the laser guide, there is a solution for every budget.
The best solution for you will depend on your project, your space, and your budget, but I hope this post has helped you better understand the options.
Usually, it is advisable to have a workbench or table of some sort when using this tool. However, if you do not own one then you can still use the circular saw by placing a track underneath it or using sawhorses.
There are two main ways to effectively use a circular saw when you do not have a bench or table.
The most common problem with not having a table designed for this is that you often do not have a fixed guide to help you cut straight. For this reason not only will we discuss how to use a saw under these conditions but also how to do it well.
Though these methods are not as effective as having the desired equipment, we have broken it down into steps to keep it as safe and simple as possible.
Many saw tracks fix to the table or workbench however some can be purchased that are portable and fix directly to the wood you are cutting.
After selecting the correct version and size of the saw track, fasten it to your wood or to wooden supports above your wood. Measure out what you need to cut, and mark it accordingly.
Fit your saw track with an edge guide and place it along the measured markings you made. Then adjust the depth of the blade so that when it cuts, it goes through the material you want to cut but does not go any further.
In case of any mishaps, it is a good idea to make sure that you have scrap wood underneath or foam boards. This way, if the blade does go further than you calculate it is not too much of an expensive mistake.
Begin cutting and stop to readjust as needed.
Another way to use a circular saw without a table is to build or purchase sawhorses. These are supports with triangular angled bases to help you stabilize your wood on top.
For smaller pieces that you need to cut, you may only require one sawhorse. However, for larger projects, you may need two of them to create a scaffold that you can lay your wood across.
After determining the length of your wood, place your sawhorses apart so the wood can be placed firmly on top and you can cut between them.
Measure and mark where you are going to cut and place a clamped edge guide along your marked lines. Then you can begin cutting your wood.
What Should You Not Do With A Circular Saw?
For best results without a table, there are a few things you should avoid doing. Some of these are for safety reasons and others are so that you can avoid cutting mistakes.
If you do not have a table it is very common and relatively easy to cut freehand. However, if you are not experienced in doing so and need to make precise cuts, it is not recommended.
As one of the most common tools in a workshop, a circular saw is favored for its versatility. This includes the ability to use the saw freehand without a guide or clamps.
Though a guide and clamp would ensure a much better chance at a straight cut, many find that it is a lot of work to set up when you could just cut the wood right away.
New users of the circular saw may find this challenging at first but freehanding a circular saw is reasonably safe and extremely quick. The more you do it the better you will get and the straighter and more reliable your cuts will get.
However, since you are relying more on your own ability than the guides you set up, it may not be for everyone.
Freehand cuts may be best used for rough cuts where accuracy is not entirely essential. It is also a good way to get it to the rough size before you secure it and make the final cut.
Though this method is much quicker and rougher, you would still need to measure your wood and draw a line which you will do your best to follow.
Though a table or workbench can be preferable for its ease of use on large projects, many people simply do not have one to use. Therefore it is good to take note that there are other ways to use a circular saw productively.
Once you get used to the methods mentioned in this article and have used them a few times, they will come naturally to you and you will be able to use a circular saw wherever you go.
You will also find that almost all types of cuts can be made without the use of a bench or table. This will make you much more effective in your projects and much more adaptable to different situations.
Make sure you review our list of things you should not do, try out the different methods, and find what works best for you.
