what is the best way to cut plastic sheets?
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I cut poly carbonate and acrylic on a table saw, that what you mean?
More info would help.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Broad question. Depends on the type of plastic, how thick, how clean an edge you want, and how much of a hurry you're in.
Generally, for materials up to about 1/4" thick, the simplest approach is to score deeply (anywhere from about 3 to 20 passes with the tool) with a special hooked knife and then break.
Sawing plastic with a fine-pitche blade can work, but you need a sharp blade and low speed or you'll have trouble with the plastic getting hot and melting (depending to a degree on the type of plastic, of course).
Using an abrasive saw generally won't work (absent special cooling/lubrication), due to overheating/melting.
For very thin materials (eg, vinyl siding), especially when a fine edge isn't needed, a relatively coarse saw blade can work by effectively chipping/tearing a path through the plastic.
He's got bigger problems if he's sleeping on plastic sheets.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"If you want something you've never had, do something you've never done"
Yeah, the only reason for my serious reply was that I couldn't think of a suitable wise crack.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Bandsaw is safer than tablesaw for cutting plastic. Like the others, I assume you are asking about stuff thick enough to saw safely. If not, score and snap as per Dan.
Bill
I like to cut acrylic (is that what plexiglass is?) with a router, straight edge, and almost any straight bit. Wear eye protection!