Advice on cutting plexiglass

[Ser James Acinonyx of Compactis]

So after I watched this video by "Designs By IFR", I figured I'd try to do it myself. And I just so happen to have some plexiglass lying about from a previous (failed) project. Now, I've heard many different schools of thought about cutting plexiglass. The most common practices seem to be jigsaw and score-and-snap. If any of you have a preferred way of cutting plexi, feel free to share.

Personally I would rather use a jigsaw since I have less than ideal experience with the other method, but at the same time I cannot warrant I can get a straight cut due to shaky hands.

[dany_boy]

Jigsaw for faster and rough cuts, score'n'snap for more precise cuts but requires more time and care. I only use snap method for visible pieces where the edge finish is important

[W-L]

2 hours ago, Ser James Acinonyx of Compactis said:

So after I watched this video by "Designs By IFR", I figured I'd try to do it myself. And I just so happen to have some plexiglass lying about from a previous (failed) project. Now, I've heard many different schools of thought about cutting plexiglass. The most common practices seem to be jigsaw and score-and-snap. If any of you have a preferred way of cutting plexi, feel free to share.

Personally I would rather use a jigsaw since I have less than ideal experience with the other method, but at the same time I cannot warrant I can get a straight cut due to shaky hands.

My favorite is with a table saw as it makes nice straight and clean cuts, you can use a jig saw and smoothen out the cut with a sanding block for gluing or assembly. 

 

[Ser James Acinonyx of Compactis]

23 minutes ago, W-L said:

My favorite is with a table saw as it makes nice straight and clean cuts, you can use a jig saw and smoothen out the cut with a sanding block for gluing or assembly. 

 

I would use a table saw for the reason you stated. However the ones I have access to belong to a carpenter's firm, and I have too much respect for the owners to risk harming their blades. And I'm too much of a cheapskate to buy a tablesaw that I would rarely use.

[MeDownYou]

1 hour ago, W-L said:

My favorite is with a table saw as it makes nice straight and clean cuts, you can use a jig saw and smoothen out the cut with a sanding block for gluing or assembly. 

 

^ that's what I usually, consistent pressure is a huge help.

[You_are_a_cunt]

I score'n'snap since it provides cleaner edges that need less finishing and is way less messier than a jig or hand saw.

Just be sure to apply uniform pressure on the side that you're snapping from (I place the score right on the edge of a table and use my elbow to apply pressure to the part that is on the table).

Remember to keep the protective film on the plexi so you can avoid unwanted scratches