How to easily cut acrylic sheet

This video shows how to easily cut acrylic sheet such as Perspex, Lucite, Plexiglas, Optix, Oroglas, Acrylite, Sumipex, Cryolite etc. Most saws can be used to cut acrylic sheet but if you don’t have one of those a simple knife and straight edge can be used to scribe break the acrylic. In this video a jigsaw is used as well as a circular saw and a table saw to cut acrylic sheet as well as a scroll saw and even a coping saw.

[@tannerolsen92]

This video is 3 years old and still the best video on cutting acrylic on the internet. Great job.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thank you! 😊

[@KyleTaylorOrionCUSD223]

Agreed... he covers all the options and does it very well.

[@LionTree]

5 years old! 😉

[@autodidact7127]

Now six

[@cm-ek4ci]

Now seven 😊 not looking a day over a year old, older you tube seems to be more useful.

[@theprecisedeveloper4304]

Excellent video. No rubbish, no time wasting, no silly background music. Absolute gold mate. Helped me a lot.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@Finecine]

Never try to cut polycarbonate like this, it kicks back even can take teeth of the saw blade, also never cut polycarbonate with heat as it gives off toxic fumes.

[@onik.8716]

I will have to completely agree!!

[@shaikhamiruddin5848]

@@Finecine then how to cut polycarbonate?

[@lesschattermoresplatter5769]

If you’re interested in an easier way, draw your cut line on the protective paper then take a finger full of Vaseline and smear it down the line. The Vaseline being clear let’s you see where to cut and you can cut at a higher speed with a jigsaw without the acrylic melting and gumming up on the blade. It also gives you a really nice clean edge. You could cut it on a table saw this way also.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@ramonsicat9145]

O

[@kencorwin8341]

Dish soap works for this too, this also absorbs the heat as well but easily washes off from the acrylic and the saw or drill bit. (Remember to sharpen/grind off the the tip or bite edge of the drill bit if you’re drilling, though, to keep the bite edge from catching and wandering along the surface.)

[@A_Eichler]

Thank you!

[@snapshot8006]

I wonder if the jigsaw method would work for a round acrylic pipe say 4 inchs?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I have been making things from acrylic since I was at school, it is one of the easiest materials to work with and can easily be cut to shape, polished or bent. Acrylic is waterproof, can be used externally with no issues and is often guaranteed for 10 years! I hope everyone has a great Sunday ;-)

[@kathrynzap]

Ultimate Handyman how thin can the acrylic sheet be to cut with a jigsaw?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You should be able to cut 2mm thick acrylic providing the teeth on the blade are fine enough and you take your time with it.

[@p.a.dconstructionltd4139]

My guy ... saalute

[@Jestunes]

I used to be the lead table saw operator at Midwest Trophy shop in Oklahoma and I used most of the methods you used to cut acrylic. I do have one more tool to mention and it's the one tool I use the most for many different types of material, and that is a radial arm saw. Similar to the sliding mitre saw but more versatile. Great video for those who don't know how to cut acrylics or plexiglass. Thanks for sharing...

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@johncasey5594]

Just replaced the siding on my 12' x 8' back porch with 7 sheets of 8' x 4' x 1/4" clear acrylic. Got the metal jig saw blade thanks to this video's recommendation and it worked like a charm. Little issue with the blade overheating, but just required stopping for a few seconds and then starting again. I love my fish tank. LOL. Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@mikes6844]

As usual very informative and thorough vid. Thank you. I've just completed a job using 10 by 4 x 2mm thick acrylic sheets sheets used to line walls in areas used for food preparation, in fact its a cellar in a pub where the barrels are stored. Using large sheets presents a problem but I used nothing more than a hand saw (crosscut) at a shallow angle and sanded one of the edges for a decent finish. I have to stress that my cut ends were hidden by joining/corner strips, but as long as you don't force the saw through the material i.e. let it cut, the finish is very respectable. I used the same to resolve an issue in my lads salon, part the kitchen area goes under the pavement from the street above. Applying all sorts of paints and anti mould paints did nothing. Re-lining with fresh plasterboard battened away from the wall only delayed things. The plastic/acrylic sheeting has done a really good job as well as brightening a fairly dingey area. Keep em coming, I really enjoy your vids. Regards Mike

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Mike, I have never done any large projects like that using acrylic although I know a friend that cut two acrylic panels for his shower area, but I think that was about 8mm thick. I normally only make small things from it ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@harrystevens3885]

I watched them all on cutting acrylic and your video is the best I then (after watching your video) managed to scribe cut a new A5 sheet into 4 equal pieces for a project, Thank you!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ianclark9649]

Love these vids - proper no nonsense Northerner who gets straight to the point and explains it all clearly

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you like the videos Thanks for the comment

[@f1948s]

Thank you for the information. Excellent explanation. I was able to do the job on a four foot sheet of acrylic with success only because I got the correct information from you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@smithheart360]

Thank you for the quality content and taking the time to document and share your knowledge!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@AlexCren1]

Thank you so much for this video! I boogered up a few cuts then went looking for an instructional video. It is still taking awhile to do because my blade keeps heating up, but no more wasted acrylic sheet!!!

[@ianmackenzie686]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. My pre-teen twin boys cracked the aged acrylic backboard of their backyard basketball hoop. Now I have the know-how to replace myself. Thanks for what you do!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@andreb877]

Great video! I have a small project to do involving acrylic and was a bit concerned about the best way to cut it. This video answered all my questions. Cheers!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment

[@pedrotome9119]

Thank you so much for this video. Good quality teaching as agood quality over all. If you, sir are not a teacher, so you should be. I have some small personal projects, tha are standing still because i did not know how to cut piece of this material, with precision and easy, right here at home... Now I already know! 1000 thanks!

[@NancyLynn]

Thank you for sharing this educational tutorial. Much appreciated (from Canada)!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Nancy Thanks for the comment 👍

[@janecameronartist]

Really helpful - thank you! I have a large piece of acrylic which I needed to cut down so that it would fit into a laser cutter and this has saved me loads of time.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@fieldsofomagh]

Those Evolution saws sure seem the business and De Walt speaks for itself.Informative video!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Tom, yes the Evolution saws are great- I'd be lost without them. I put off getting a table saw for years as I thought I did not have enough use for it, but since getting the Rage 5 it has had a lot of use! Thanks for the comment

[@robfielding100]

Really good informative video. I couldn’t believe it worked with the circular saw😳

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@gavares3]

Been watching videos all night about this, and yours is the best. Thank you so much for this.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you lie the video ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@johnjackson4105]

That table saw looks tasty! Thanks for the video and the effort that you go to 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, the Rage 5 is brilliant ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@trivender007]

Every second of this video is very helpful. I want someone I can keep this video forever.. :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@dizzyth28]

Thankyou for such an easily grasped video from a woman diyer. 😊

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@mathersdavid5113]

Outstanding video on this topic. Inspires confidence when about to cut that expensive, fragile-looking sheet!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@abska7563]

Superb masterclass. Thank you!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@oby-1607]

Excellent tips. My nephew had a rock take out the back window on our tractor. ( second time this window has broken ). So I will be using your principles to replace with acrylic. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@ronwhite7304]

Best video on cutting plexiglass! Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Addy-xk1tk]

hi,handyman,thank you for sharing this video!! i have got some knowledge about the saw tools and useful acrylic cutting skills

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@robbyrock-drummer]

Thanks for great video, it was exact the info i was looking for.. im going the jigsaw route for my project

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@caskwith]

Some great tips there. For certain cuts I find lubrication really helps, especially for drilling. Plain soapy water is all I use. Of course for things like a table saw or bandsaw this is not really a good idea but it works fine with a jigsaw or coping saw.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@donaldwhite7536]

Thank you for a very clear and thorough lesson in how to cut acrylic.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@muzzaball]

Excellent video and shows tremendous results - thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@pekjinoei1042]

Thanks for every information on how to cut arcrylic... I got so many lesson from it...

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@marktrev19]

Always quality and well thought out videos, cheers mate

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@kindsofpcsheetsandacrylics1435]

well done! I'm glad that we are in the same industry. Our company also has many kinds of acrylic sheets.

[@andyhastings4034]

I love how you muted the sound for the circular saw section, great attention to detail. Well done sir. 👍🏻

[@ultimatehandyman]

The circular saw was particularly loud! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@dtwistrewind7361]

Agreed my ears thank you.

[@AgentBrit]

Simply brilliant video. To the point and full of really helpful tips

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RickaramaTrama-lc1ys]

Great video and I learned a lot. Thanks for the show~!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@erichogan9769]

simple and to the point and different methods and tools to boot. excellent

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@slavneslavne]

Thank you, you treated the topic fully and very nicely.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@thearosehamiltonmcbeath8265]

Honestly. Thank you so much for this video!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're so welcome! Thanks for the comment

[@Runitup9992]

Lots of interesting stuff explained perfectly, very much appreciated the video content, commentary, and your personal advice from experience. Subscribed!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@johnchikel7252]

Excellent work. Thank you and stay blessed

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@JuiceBanger1]

Very informative video. good job as usual.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thank you ;-)

[@donaldscheer5206]

Great Video! I'm currently doing a Acrylic Project (Not Knowing The Cutting Methods) has held me up! I'm confident now to start!......Thanks!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@michaelosmon]

I just had to cut some 5mm Optix brand acrylic. Used a jigsaw with a fine tooth metal blade. I had some issues with it melting but just kept compressed air blowing on the cut as I cut and slowed down even more and it worked for me. Thanks for showing me how to cut it

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@AfricanEmpress01]

Thank you very much for this informative and detailed video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@machiningbasics1729]

Hah I'm still at school and my god we munch through this stuff!! I have way to many laser cut acrylic tool boxes ! I have just finished copying your tool box liners for my Stanley on site 19in tool box. I cut mine out with my cheapo bandsaw on low speed Have a great weekend!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Good stuff ;-) Thanks for the comment, I hope you have a great day!

[@chosenmimes2450]

amazing! thank you for making this video!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@PossumPityParty]

That was enjoyable and informative to watch. Thank you!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@frankem4837]

Thanks for your advice. Your video is helpful.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@surendersingal2192]

Thank you for showing precision cutting n your control.

[@ultimatehandyman]

No worries!

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

Saved me again pal, just what i needed. I've got one of those cheap chines 40w laser cutters, i get free acrylic from my mate's vacuum-forming business, so i get his cutoffs, trouble is that most of them are too big to fit into the cutter.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped ;-) Out of interest, what thickness acrylic can you cut with the laser? Thanks for the comment

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

I can do 5mm acrylic in 2 passes with the laserhead moving at 10mm per second. It's a good machine, i upgraded it with bits and bobs to improve it a bit. I use Sketchup to draw in plan view, export it to .EPS then import into the cutter software. @@ultimatehandyman

[@marciacollins2616]

Lots of great info. Thanx so much!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@pb9926]

great video as always.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@TheScoutingWolf]

Please keep up the good work! Loving the videos, each new one is a different skill, or another pearl of wisdom.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you like the videos ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@b00bielee7]

Subbed! Great information and very imformative! Best vid ive come across on this subject yet. 🤘

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment and the sub 👍

[@denisdooley1540]

I have to admit I was skeptical it would weld itself back together after pulverizing and knocking out material the width of the blade, but that was well welded back together. Thanks for the video. Time to go replace the panel in my tank.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@playerone82]

What a great informative video. Even muted the noise for us. Excellent, thumbs up from me.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you liked the video ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@JohnnyMarbles27]

Good video! For cutting cirles with a jigsaw in a 3mm sheet i just use double sided tape and stick it to a thin sheet of multiplex/plywood, it doesn't crack or chip as well.

[@sandricabello2608]

Thank you for the demo. Cheers

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@stoutlager6325]

Thanks for this. I have some experience cutting acrylic with an oscillating tool and, while it does work, it leaves a pretty rough/jagged edge. I already have a high tooth count blade on my circular saw so I think I'll give that a go next time.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@VTOmanifan]

Thanks, just the info I was looking for.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@Lindasurprise]

Yes thank you for this. Handy for everyone however small their workshop may be

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@JohnHughes2002]

You could do that Perspex welding itself back together thing as a magic trick!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely ;-)

[@rongambol9910]

Good video with great info. We’ve found that acrylic welds itself if you remove the masking before cutting. If you leave the masking on, no problems with re-welding when using a jigsaw. We cut thousands of meters of 4.5mm and 10mm acrylic per year and use a Festool Plunge saw with their guiderail. Beautiful cut, safe to use and we cut probably three to four times faster than shown.

[@fleethewrath]

Awesome, thanks so much!

[@tomgorham2117]

Thanks Chez, another interesting video as always 👍🏼 I haven't dealt with acrylic since my school days, I had no idea it could weld itself back together like that !

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Tom,Thanks for the comment

[@blueberrymuffinzzz]

very helpful, thank you sir!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@JBGecko13yt]

Very useful information, thankyou!

[@keithd5181]

Thanks a lot. Excellent guide.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're welcome!

[@Iwishitwas1985]

Thank you for the video it helped me out.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@JohnHughes2002]

Finally, I think that evolution rage table saw looks fantastic - I particularly like the sliding part which is probably ideal for crosscutting. I have a Titan table saw which I am not entirely satisfied with - the table is not flat, the blade does not go perfectly vertical and the mitre slots are annoying T-slots and too narrow - are they T-slots on your saw and how wide are they?

[@seph4674]

Thanks for tips about cutting speed!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@wkb9683]

156k subscribers. You deserve millions of subscribers. the time and dedication you must put in to everyone of your videos is massive. you are by far the best trade/public help and advice channel on KZbin. I am a subscriber and one of your biggest fans. Thank you for all your hard work with your channel.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Winston ;-)

[@cheryltarkington7839]

Thanks for the valuable info.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@lennytheleopard]

Really useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're welcome 👍

[@susantpal]

Very good presentation. Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@TreasureDivers]

Thanks for this great vid :-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@stuarttanner9953]

Thank you. Most helpful.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@vanlifenomad]

Spot on cheers, saved me a few quid

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@mrexiges1]

Really useful info. Thank you for clear info. Any suggestions for using a band saw on acrylic?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Try and use a blade with more TPI as you'll get a better cut, also don't have the blade set too fast. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@carlosvillamares4850]

Excelente vídeo 👍, me suscribo, felicidades, continúa aportando, gracias

[@ultimatehandyman]

Me alegro de que te haya gustado el video, gracias por suscribirte y gracias por el comentario 👍

[@ianjohnson4987]

Top notch video - thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@JohnHughes2002]

That steel bench comes in handy for clamping things to. I like your use of a piece of angle iron as a saw guide. How do you rate cordless circular saws?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, it is great. I made it a few years back mainly from scrap metal. I have only ever used my Dewalt 18v cordless circular saw, it's great- kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYG7l2xmfLqYnZY

[@barriecrowther4801]

Thank you very informative.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@alanmullock381]

Brilliant,very informative! 😆😆

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@Soupditto123]

Love it!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@FC360D]

Very useful video that you very much for making this :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you found the video useful Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@subhanulrizkisiregar8907]

Great video. Thank you

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@coachkesey]

Perfect, thanks for the info

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@andreajade3287]

Thank you so much for this video. I have learned a lot :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@TheBloodcleaner]

Great video !!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks!!

[@michebre]

very informational, thank so much.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@zachary_smith1]

dude this is the best video i have seen yet for cutting acrylic. i was so unsure what to use i bought everything you had on here except that last saw. i figured i can always use them one day anyways. but yea, great video!!!!!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@fnelowet]

Thanks so much! Fantastic!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're very welcome!

[@dittmerg]

Thank you. Very good video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@paulwheeler4551]

Great video What glue is best for sticking acrylic together and what blade do you use in the scroll saw is it flat or a spiral.blade ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Tensol cement works best on acrylic, as it melts the two components together. My scroll saw has a flat blade. Thanks for the comment

[@chrissscottt]

Nice work. Thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@MyBigThing2010]

Can we just take a second to appreciate the $9000 worth of plex that was used/wasted to produce this video. Sheesh....I wish I had that much 💰 to 🔥!

[@ultimatehandyman]

😂