Can't cut straight in polycarbonate acrylic...

[SignNutz]

Hey all, I'm trying to cut some small squares ( 12" ) out of some surplus white sign face acrylic I have, and I'm using my scrolling jigsaw. The part that killing me is I can't get it to cut a straight line! I've even used a guide rail from my portable panel saw system,and the stupid blade keeps bending out of the saws guide rollers. Plus, the acrylic is melting in various places in the cut, not the whole cut, just weird areas. Furthermore, the blade seems to skip, and sometimes just stops. I'm using a 20 TPI wood blade, and have tried running on 1 speed, and up to 4 speed. Any suggestions? Is slower better? Do I need a metal style blade, with like 36 TPI? This is really driving me nuts.

Thanks all.

[Pro Image]

You need a higher tooth count to cut with...................

[gvgraphics]

Higher tooth count and a steady movement. Staying in one spot or cutting to slow will cause melting.

[bob]

Wrong tool no matter what the tooth count. This is why they make table saws.

[Craig Sjoquist]

cutting squares .... why.... are you not using your portable panel saw with a proper blade...... or you can also scor with utility knife cutting deep and break like glass, but tough to get it right and edges after

it is the soldier that protects our freedom

[Pat Whatley]

Forget the saws altogether. Go to your friendly local hardware store and buy a plexiglas cutter. It's only $2 and you won't have that problem again.

[imaSIGNr]

scroll/sabre saws don't like to follow guides....In my experience, the more tooth count you have, the higher probability of getting hot and melting the substrate. Slow speed and coarse tooth ( sharp ) .
I'd do it on a table saw, but place a piece of plywood ( scrap mdo ) in place under the substrate to keep plexy from chipping out. ... You'll still need to smooth the edges of acrylic after.
A plexy cutter for $2 as said will work pretty good for thin stuff.

[chopper]

one word "Table saw"
woops I guess thats two words//chopper

[johnnysigns]

Forget the saws altogether. Go to your friendly local hardware store and buy a plexiglas cutter. It's only $2 and you won't have that problem again.

ive had success with this also

[JimJenson]

I know, its just words, but...

Polycarbonate = Lexan
Acrylic = Plexiglass

Huge difference,

[SignNutz]

Imasignr, thanks for the advice. I put the acrylic down on a piece of MDO, and using a blade with fewer teeth, and going slower, had much better luck.

Thanks!