Plexiglass is used for various applications in different projects. Moreover, plexiglass is available with a fine layer of plastic film intended to avoid scratches as it is delivered from maker to wholesaler. Today we will learn to cut plexiglass with a utility knife. It is not as simple as it looks.
Why Cutting Plexiglass With A Utility Knife?
Cutting plexiglass with a knife is considered somewhat strange. People usually prefer to cut the plexiglass with a handsaw. However, people consider it the best for cutting the plexiglass.
But, nowadays, people also use a knife for cutting plexiglass. You can easily cut plastic sheets into thin pieces by using a knife. Moreover, it is better to cut thick sheets using a handsaw. Here’s a complete step-by-step process of how to cut acrylic sheets!
Process Of Cutting Plexiglass With A Utility Knife
The method of cutting plexiglass with a utility knife is explained below in detail for your ease and guidance.
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Take a thin sheet of plexiglass, mark the sheet, and break it in a simple way to cut. First, you need to put the sheet on the table to easily measure it and then cut it on a smooth and stable surface.
However, the cutting can go wrong on an uneven surface. You have to ensure that the surface where you are putting the plexiglass should be neat and clean because any unnecessary thing can destroy the plexiglass.
Step 2: Score the Line
On the flat sheet, draw a line from where you have to cut the sheet using the rule. Moreover, the line should be noticeable enough, and you have to be very careful in marking acrylic sheets that don’t make them dirty.
However, the marker should be removable to remove after cutting the sheet. You can easily remove the marker with the help of a duster or any wet cloth.
Step 3: Make an Indent
Before snapping the plexiglass sheet, check that it is stable and well-positioned on the table. You can use a scale to guide your knife as you proceed with cutting the plexiglass. However, It would be best to move the knife at least ten times over the mark for a deep cut. A scoring tool can also be used for placing the cuts if the blade is edged to cut it. Furthermore, the point to remember is that the deeper the cut, the easier it is to break it.
Step 4: Repeat the Snapping Process!
After cutting on one side, turn over the other side. It would help if you cut the same mark again. You have to repeat the above snapping process until there is a groove form in the plexiglass sheet. Moreover, You need to be careful while holding the sheet that it should not be bent or distorted.
After finalizing the cutting, please place it to make it easy for you to snap it off. You need to be careful that the complete portion you will cut off is executed over the edge of the surface.
Now, what are you going to do?
Step 5: Cut and Separate the Plexiglass sheet!
Now you need a spring and attach it to the part of the sheet that you will not cut. However, please don’t attach the spring so tightly that it puts a depression on it. Attach the clamp, so it is fixed to the plexiglass sheet, and the sheet you are cutting won’t move here and there.
Furthermore, you need to separate the cut piece of the plexiglass sheet. Press one part of the sheet tightly to separate the other part. If the piece doesn’t get separated, you need a knife to cut the piece entirely.
Tips To Avoid Breaking Plexiglass During Cutting
- Maintain the plastic film on
- Make a deep cut
- Cutting with a right blade
- The blade should be sharp
Clean Clear Plastic thoroughly before installation!
Before putting the newly cut plexiglass in the required location, make sure to clean it minutely. It’s way too important to increase its serviceability. There are numerous advanced and easy cleaning methods to clean acrylic glass at home, check out this in-depth guide on How to clean plexiglass.
Wrapping up!
Plexiglass is one of the most used materials highly demanded in the market. There are various tools for cutting the plexiglass. But using the knife is one of the recommended options. However, it is straightforward to cut the plexiglass using a knife.
The method of using a knife is described above in detail as to how you can easily cut your plexiglass with the help of the knife. If you are struggling with how to cut plexiglass at home, then this guide will help you a lot to finish your DIY project.
