How I cut down ACM Panels

The most cost effective way to buy ACM is in full 4x8 sheets. The problem is they are big, bulky and suppliers want a ton of money to cut them down for you. This is my process of how I cut the ACM down to more manageable sizes to cut on my CNC. I use a few different everyday tools, if you don't have them I provided a link to you can get them.
General Tools 482 Swivel Head Deburring Tool with Metal Handle: amzn.to/3uYsxdJ
Swanson Tool CG100 Cutting Guide 100-Inch: amzn.to/3v1jDfv
IRWIN QUICK-GRIP One-Handed Mini Bar Clamp 2 Pack, 12": amzn.to/3NRAOZM
IRWIN Industrial 2084100 5 Pack Bi-Metal BLUE BLADE Utility Blades: amzn.to/3NPialc
THE BIG BLUE SAFETY RULER: www.image1impact.com/blog/The...

[@smalltownink]

This video has saved me so much time! I am such an idiot. I was cutting these on a table saw and making a mess in my shop. Geez!

[@TheSignGuy]

I used to do the same thing until I saw that trick. Glad it helped and cut down the mess! LOL

[@ismaelhaiderco]

Very Practical idea, Thanks.

[@allenlowdermilk2604]

See there I learned something! I was making two passes with the utility knife, when I didn't need to! Cool Beans.

[@thecjezell]

That deburring tool is exactly what I need. Thanks!

[@TheSignGuy]

Happy to help!

[@puffinjuice]

Just use the edge of a steel rule. Hold it at 45° and drag it along the edge.

[@ismaelhaiderco]

Perfict practical Cut thanks.

[@TheSignGuy]

glad it helped

[@FilmFactry]

Great info, Thank you!

[@TheSignGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rigojr2860]

Great video

[@TheSignGuy]

Thank you!

[@danbailey96]

I use a track saw and 80 tooth carbide blade ….it does great smooth cuts.

[@TheSignGuy]

Agree but it gets messy and I don't have that much space. I have enough "chips" to pick up with the CNC... 🤣

[@inspyre.design]

Which saw? If it has a vacuum port, does it leave much debris behind?

[@TheSignGuy]

I've used a regular 7 1/2" circular saw. The vacuum port should pick up most of it but it still makes a mess. I prefer to score and snap over the saw.

[@carloscastanyeda]

Hello, can you make series on plotter vs vinyl problems. For example when the blade pulls some of the vinyl up while cutting, etc etc.

[@TheSignGuy]

I'll see what I can come up with. There is so much to fine tune and I can go over the basics of the vinyl vs plotter issues.

[@carloscastanyeda]

@@TheSignGuy or just some resources you have used to overcome problems

[@swiftwraith]

why couldnt I have seen this about 6 hours ago. Just ordered a 2440mm x 1220mm (8 x 4) sheet and paid extra to get it cut into 4. WIll try this next time I order

[@TheSignGuy]

We all gotta learn sometimes... Just use it for next sheet you order 👍👍

[@xeroxb2155]

Thanks for the helpful video! Do you have any advice on cutting 90 degrees off ACM panels? Is it possible score and snap off a corner?

[@TheSignGuy]

I'm not sure I'm following you, if you want to bend the ACM into a 90 and V groove works best. For corners, I use a corner rounder.

[@danielcrowe7432]

What is the longest cut you would make with this method? Have you ever done a score & snap on the 96" side?

[@TheSignGuy]

Across the 48" is the widest I've used this method, If it was any longer I would use a table or skill saw to cut it.

[@scottpeal60]

I am using ACM for the top of a mobile model train n-scale 3x8 foot table. What thickness are you cutting? Do you think the thickness you cut in the video will work for me with 2020 extruded aluminum braces on all four sides and across the middle? Thanks for the advice.

[@TheSignGuy]

I use 3mm (1/8" ) ACM most of the tie and in that video. Over the span of 8ft I would use 3 braces in the center (2,4,6ft) and all 4 sides. The 3mm is pretty flimsy, ACM will bend so the more support you can give it the better.

[@domsim9516]

How would you go about rounding the corners?

[@TheSignGuy]

I have a AccuCutter(.com) and use the Cornermate CM40A Table with a 3/4" rounder. A little pricey but works great, had it for 7 years and never an issue. I generally cut 1/8" ACM with ease but works fro coro and up to.040 aluminum too.

[@blueghost4121]

Where do you purchase ACM sheets?

[@TheSignGuy]

In the past bought it from whoever had what I needed when I needed it. Now I like to use the Piedmont Plastic Sign Grade ACM, I think it's the best out there from a quality and price standpoint.

[@scottherman2326]

What is ACM new to this

[@TheSignGuy]

ACM stands for Aluminum Composite Material, it is probability one of the top 3 sign making substrates in the industry. ACM just about replaced normal aluminum panels (.030,.040,.060,.080) for making signs because it has so many uses and easy to cut, bend and route. There are a lot of different choices out there, I like to stay with a .015 or .020 aluminum skins in a 3mm total thickness. ACM is a general name but if you look up DiBond they pretty much "invented" the ACM about 20+ years ago but it's twice the cost.

[@sierraecho884]

Use a scoring knife instead, it´s safer and easier

[@TheSignGuy]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@scottrichardson1659]

If you treat this like drywall and cut one side fold and cut the other side it's way easier than trying to snap it. I'm actually not sure why you're doing that

[@TheSignGuy]

the snap in my opinion leaves a cleaner edge. The pressure from the knife blade tends to curl or flair the edges.

[@LGM4]

well i just spent a week wasting my time with a saw

[@TheSignGuy]

A saw has it's place but for me this works the best with 0 cleanup.