Lexan Cheap and Cut for Free at OSH

[RoninEditor]

Hey all... I'm not sure where everyone's from but in California we have a mid-size hardware store (like ACE) called OSH...

http://osh.know-where.com/osh/

It's a little backwards but I always go there when I can't find what I'm looking for at Lowe's or Home Depot, so today I was rounding up some materials for my control panel and, for the heck of it, I was checking their Lexan prices.  They're REALLY good!!  I found a piece that was cut in an 'odd' shape but was exactly what I was looking for 14.5x36 (my CP is gonna be 14x30).  I was shocked to find out that they have a whole area just for cutting Plexi and Lexan... and for FREE, haha.  So the lady cut the square shape for me, down to 14x30, then she even did my front angles and it was spot on.

And the price for only $7 and change.  Amazing.  I'm so stoked and just wanted to give everyone else a heads up to just check them out first and see what kind of deals you can find.  My biggest concern, honestly, with this whole cabinet was cutting that Lexan without chipping it... now that big hurdle is over with.

[DrumAnBass]

Yah they also do glass cutting; which the lowes and home depot near me won't do either...

[noobofthecentury]

how do u perfectly cut a lexan or plexi on your own?
so u use a knife to make a line, then bend it so it split into two?

or..is there other better method?

I also trying to figure out how to make button holes on them easily

[Tahnok]

how do u perfectly cut a lexan or plexi on your own?
so u use a knife to make a line, then bend it so it split into two?

or..is there other better method?

I also trying to figure out how to make button holes on them easily

A router goes through lexan and plexi like it's not even there. It's the perfect solution for that kind of stuff given a pattern cutting bit.

[BobtheAddict]

Defiantly use a router if your going to cut plexi. It like cutting butter with a hot knife.

[shardian]

I've never had luck with the score/snap method on plexi.

I buy up scrap pieces for cheap at Lowes whenever I see them. Then I bring them back to get them cut when I've a use for it. I got three pieces cut to size for marquee's a few weeks ago - all at no charge.

[ChadTower]

I replaced a couple of my basement windows with plexi and used the score/cut method.  I didn't care if the edges were perfect, though, so long as they extended past the inside of the frame. 

[shardian]

I replaced a couple of my basement windows with plexi and used the score/cut method.  I didn't care if the edges were perfect, though, so long as they extended past the inside of the frame. 

Boy I bet that is super energy efficient.

[ChadTower]

It's better than sweeping up glass from soccer balls every couple of weeks.  I'm going to replace the windows soon anyway - they are ancient and the pane material is not their biggest issue.  They're all shrinkwrapped off on the inside now.

[ghettodish]

Hey all.

Forget score-n-snap if you don't have the knack for it...Lexan can be cut with a jigsaw.

Lay your CP on the Lexan, trace it with a Sharpie, then over-cut by an 1/8 inch. It's ready for the router in no time!

I use a Bosch jigsaw (with the cam set on high) and a t-shank 101 blade.

I haven't tried a jigsaw on plexiglass.

[Ginsu Victim]

I had a friend offer me some large amounts of free Lexan, but I had no clue how to cut it.
Thanks for the tip.

[Kaytrim]

The score and snap method leave a bur, sharp edge, on the lexan.  I have a little more complex method but it leaves the edges nice and smooth. 

1. Start off with the score and snap method.  Make sure you score deep for a nice clean and easy snap.  Make the piece slightly larger than what is needed, about 1/8" will be plenty. 

2. Next I take two pieces of straight wood and clamp one on each side of the lexan leaving the lexan above the wood slightly.  Clamp this contraption into a bench vice and run a hand plane over it trimming the lexan down to the wood. 

3. Final step is to take the lexan and lay it across the bench right at the edge.  Lightly run the hand plane across the lexan edge at 45 degrees once or twice. 

Do this to all four edges on both faces and you have a nice smooth edge that will not cut your hands.

TTFN
Kaytrim