triming Acrylic

[DHTech]

Hey Guys

Any recommendation on the best way to trim the edge of clear acrylic, I only want to take say .5mm to 1mm off the edge so it fits better. What do your think, sand or score, although there will be very little to snap.

Anybody done the same of there in BYOAC land......

[Hambo3]

Hey DH,
Beleive it or not i used an old block plane! Set fine, it took shavings off nicely and gives a lovely smooth finish.
Didnt seem to do the blade any harm and its easily resharpened. I used it to trim my control panel cover which was 2mm but im sure would work on thicker just the same. I would of course try it out on some scrap 1st..!

[keilmillerjr]

I've used a belt sander to shape lexan before. It leaves a nice smooth finish. It might be the easiest way to ensure an even line. If you only have a handheld one, stick it upside down in a vice and make a few easy passes, checking constantly.

[selfie]

Any electric sander will do the job but the best tool is a router with a flush trim bit. Planing will work on any thickness that is wide enough to support the plane. I have a woodworking bench plane that I use in my shop purely for acrylic. The plane will give a similar finish to the router.

[Afterburner]

Go with the router bit if you have one.

On my acrylic pieces I also take a butane torch and very lightly heat the edges.

This does does two things....it should make the edge turn clear again and get rid of any light scratches or haze.  And it also gets rid of any sharp edges that might be left.

You should be left with a neat, clean edge.  It doesn't take much heat.