Author Topic: Polycarbonate Cutting  (Read 303 times)

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Offline millsy

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Polycarbonate Cutting
« on: January 26, 2014, 10:09:32 PM »
Need to make a new PF plastic out of 3mm polycarbonate.
Any suggestions on the best tool to cut & shape it (besides a laser cutter)
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Offline pinnies4me

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #1 on: January 26, 2014, 10:18:23 PM »

A jigsaw works. Ive done a few this way. Once e rough cut, varying grit from course to fine, then novus 2 to finish.
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Offline swinks

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #2 on: January 26, 2014, 10:39:59 PM »
actually laser is not recommended as it releases toxic cancerous gases, if doing at home - use a jigsaw, dremmel, cleanup with a file / sandpaper and if you are going to flame the edge make sure to do it outside with a fume mask on as well - fumes can be nasty stuff. But also be aware flaming and cutting with a laser can slightly yellow the edge and you will still have to sand and polish.
« Last Edit: January 26, 2014, 10:42:31 PM by swinks »
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Offline millsy

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2014, 10:45:54 PM »
Have a dremmel - Might try it with a tile cutter attachment.
Will report back how it went.
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Marty Machine

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2014, 11:32:43 PM »
......and use a HOBBY jigsaw from a model/craft shop, much finer cut and less prone to snapping your plastic.  :-)

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Offline pinball god

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2014, 11:46:38 PM »
I use a scroll saw from bunnings. Forget the cost but not over the top.
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Offline Retropin

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2014, 01:35:57 AM »
Yep.. polycarb does crack like acrylic.. you can hit it with a jigsaw/ band saw no problems

Offline Mr Pinbologist

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2014, 09:23:09 AM »
I use a scroll saw from bunnings. Forget the cost but not over the top.

Same.. i use a scroll saw as well. Pretty sure it was a Bunnings one, GMC brand, wasn't real expensive but it works well.

Offline Retropin

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2014, 10:30:24 AM »
Yep.. polycarb does crack like acrylic.. you can hit it with a jigsaw/ band saw no problems

That's meant to read ' Doesn't"

Offline GAP

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Re: Polycarbonate Cutting
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2014, 11:34:15 AM »
+2 on the scroll saw - then wet & dry followed by Novus 2 if you really want the edges smooooth.