Help cutting acrylic panels

[dynaminator]

I have to cut the bottom corners on these acrylic panels so they fit in the cabinet ( at least that's how the old ones were). I've never cut these before so im wondering what's the best way?

 

[JBurton]

Big fan of skill saw here. FYI, it's likely polycarbonate, not acrylic, so less of a chance of it cracking or anything nasty.

 

[ProSignTN]

It does appear to be polycarbonate. We use sheet metal shears for a trim like this, especially on site.

 

[JBurton]

It does appear to be polycarbonate. We use sheet metal shears for a trim like this, especially on site.

You mean tinsnips? I'm all for it if you can do it, a shear is a very safe cut on lexan, but the only time I've manually cut lexan without cursing was with bolt cutters. Can't imagine trimming a whole 10' side with snips.

 

[Ron at Forest Litho]

If you use a saw make sure the blade has small teeth and is sharp. also spray it with water constantly. If it gets hot the plastic will melt and fuse into globs. Friction heat is the enemy.

 

[Gino]

I would venture to say, those faces are high impact acrylic. Anyway, if ya wanna play it safe and you only have 8 corners to snip off..... use a straight edge and a plastic blade knife. The kind that have like a little hook on the end and score it several times. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Keep on your truck a battery powered jig saw with fine tooth blade. If you're installing these type of faces often it's very common you need to trim out. A small battery powered jigsaw comes in handy when you slide the face in the cabinet and realize it's a little too big you can cut it up in the air without having to take the whole thing down




This saw is also good to have on truck

 

[McDonald Signs]

We trim polycarbonate pans or flat faces down all the time with jigsaw and fine tooth blade and chalk snap line to trim it straight no problem. You have to be a lot more careful with acrylic though.

 

[JBurton]

Whats with the lack of love for a skilsaw? Works particularly well with the black dewalt blades.