How to easily cut plastic sheets by hand

[@INTPnerd]

The most helpful, detailed, explanatory video of all time. Now I know all I really need to cut plastic sheets is "this tool".

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

For straight cuts that little tool is fantastic and cheap, they have more expensive ones that r heavy duty.

[@jacijune]

@@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors I think they meant that you never said what the tool is.

[@amandastinson38]

Yeah, probably one of the most helpful descriptions I've come across...

[@Billkwando]

She lost all her belly fat using THIS TOOL. Doctors hate it!

[@workingTchr]

It would have been nice to see an edge view after the groove was cut to get an idea of how deep the cut was relative to the material's thickness.

[@scarlettc1419]

I’m testing materials to build a “crystal” 9 tail fox harness for a costume, foam board has been the easiest solution so far but the costume in question looks best with a somewhat see through tail, so I was hoping plastic with holographic vinyl or cellophane would be an alternative but I’m not sure if this would add too much weight or just be too difficult to cut with since I would need to make 9 tails

[@peskator12]

Good video and explanation! Thank you this video helped me out !

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Ur welcome and thanks for watching

[@joyhancock8596]

This is helpful! I bought this tool but was unsure how to use it!

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!, it’s really easy to cut straight lines.

[@sandrabecker2721]

What is that tool called and where can you purchase? Thank you.

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

+sandra becker it’s a Acrylic Plastic Cutter they can go anywhere from 3.00-10.00 ... I purchased mine from LOWES ... you can also find them at any hardware store and I believe Walmart has one not sure if it’s in the store or just online ..

[@sandrabecker2721]

@@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors Thank You!

[@mrmeatman9948]

How thick was this panel of acrylic? Also, do you think this technique could work on stippled ABS plastic?

[@PhillipLandmeier]

I cut 1/8" ABS with a cutter like this. The plastic I use is stippled on the front side and shiny on the back. I make my groove on the shiny side and drill from the shiny side, since the stippled side is the "good" side. Works well. This video is the first time I've seen that blue handled tool. Mine has a black and red handle and looks heftier and more robust. But it's the same kind of tool. It does the job.

[@vincentmejia9592]

@@PhillipLandmeier you think it would also work on abs plastic 1/4” thick?

[@PhillipLandmeier]

@@vincentmejia9592 I'm sure it would work but it would be at least twice as much labor.. This method is very labor intensive.. it's okay for an occasional cut but I wouldn't want to do it every day.

[@cryora]

Can you cut ABS plastic with this? Can you use a regular knife to do this?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Yes U can cut thin ABS plastic, up to 1/8 the same way.

[@misc328]

Does a standard utility knife work for this? Or not even CLOSE and won’t produce even similar results

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

I would say no, the tool I used scrapes the plastic causing a grove they u eventually break along that line.

[@Mike20878]

What kind of clamps are you using?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Bessey one handed clamp, try this link. www.amazon.com/Bessey-DUO65-8-24-Inch-DuoKlamp-Spreader/dp/B0002H49OY?ref_=ast_sto_dp

[@paintingsbyinsiyapardiwala562]

Thank you 😊 worked great for really plastic sheet. Much appriciated👍🏻

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Ur welcome ... and thanks for watching the video ...

[@barnabyvonrudal1]

How do you stop cutting into the table? If you have a thinner piece of plastic

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

U never go all the way through. Yo want to score it enough to be able to snap it easily.

[@FierceIndian07]

Can that tool cut pvc?

[@Mike20878]

What is this tool called and where can I get it?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

I got mine at Lowes, looking on the site it’s only 4.98, the item number is 163055. There are heavier duty ones but for thin acrylic and polycarbonate sheets this does just fine. I have not tried to cut pvc panels.

[@elizabethramos6454]

Is this tool good for cutting acrylic shapes?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Just cutting straight lines, that can be snapped

[@MS113MS]

Good information. Thanks !

[@guera1395]

Hi quick question what would you recommend I use to cut terranium tank lid?

[@jordancimmino952]

What is the tool tho

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Jordon, here is a link to the tool. U can probably get it at any hardware store. www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/3140935

[@Mike20878]

Will this cut PVC panels?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

How do you cut PVC sheets at home? A good shop knife can cut thicknesses up to 3 mm. Up to 6 mm thick sheets can be scored and snapped on the score line. For speed and a very smooth edge, expanded PVC can be cut with a circular saw, table saw, band saw, or router. After cutting, edges can be smoothed with a file or a medium grit sand paper.

[@getupandgotransport6344]

Thanks for the upload on this video.

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

You're welcome

[@juhibaranwal5663]

Thanks a lot!😀

[@icu469]

What's the cutting tool called ?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Thanks for reaching out and watching the video. Here is a link to the knife and also one that has a nicer feel in the hand. www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/3140935 www.lowes.com/pd/Cutter-1-in-T-x-4-in-W-x-6-in-L-Silver-Plastic-Sheet/1001463532 Hope that helps.

[@SL-sk5rg]

You make it look so easy. Can you show how to cut curves?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

+S L that would have to be done with power equipment.. like a bandsaw, jigsaw or could be done with a coping saw I’ll try and do a video on this..

[@tjfitz-gerald3936]

To do curves, arcs or waves it just requires the appropriate shaped template (or very slow and meticulous freehand) because once you've scored the surface your tool will want to stay in that groove ... just be patient (it might take 20-30 passes instead of 5 or 6). To do an arc or a circle use a piece of string anchored to your tool and the center of the circle (even if the center of the circle is off the material to be cut, it still makes an arc) just remember that if it's covered in a protective film, you can draw on the film (pencil, pen, permanent marker, wax pencil or crayon).

[@stmchasr]

What kind of c clamps are those?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Bessey Clamps

[@SpilledBeans]

Hi! Do you think this will work with 1.5 mm thick abs plastic?

[@reinal7896]

My mirror has a huge plastic frame and I want it much thinner ... wish I knew how to take off some. I’d buy a new frame but it’s a large mirror so hard to find correct frame sizes

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Sorry this type of cutting won’t help u with that.

[@reinal7896]

Mark Dohring Yeah I will probably have to build a new frame lol

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

reina l there u go.. what type of material are u thinking to make it out of?

[@reinal7896]

Mark Dohring Doesn’t matter too much , I will paint it to sort of look like a metal . Doesn’t actually need to be metal tho. For what I need, I could just use wood

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

That will work .. have an awesome day and thanks for watching the video

[@theresamolz6832]

Thank you very much!

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

U r welcome .. thanks for watching

[@iamgoddard]

Is there a name for "this little tool"?

[@casualweebgamer1836]

I just got a battery display case and I wanted to try and turn it into a book shelf. The shelfs though are kind of small so I'd like to know if I could still use this method to remove a couple of the shelves. (It's alittle cramped to cut)

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

+sean t without seeing a picture of ur battery display it’s hard to answer that. If u want to send me a picture via messenger please feel free to do so that I may be able to give u a suggestion.

[@casualweebgamer1836]

@@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors I sadly don't have messenger (it's a long story with my Facebook account 😥). I found a picture of it on Google here: www.google.com/search?q=duracell+display&client=ms-android-motorola-rev2&prmd=sinv&sxsrf=ACYBGNRO9uY6Ws0Bk-mSOwbB10-DV9sh_w:1575898788391&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiOne-72KjmAhUILK0KHf-eBYgQ_AUoAnoECA4QAg#imgrc=XsXv5QmoJGWd7M it would be awesome if you could look at it, I'd understand if you can't

[@jlundag738]

Hi, can i use a cutter like for paper?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

No, not the way u use it for plastic... but if u pushed against a rulers edge it may cut paper, the blade is tapered on both sides.

[@jlundag738]

@@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors No i mean A cutter but its used mostly for paper

[@billfaust22]

Just what I wanted

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Awesome ... thanks for watching

[@donaldmchone6318]

Thank you

[@jeffw8057]

Any ideas for curved cuts...in terms of tools and/or techniques?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

+Jeff W great question... for me very easy because as many would say I have too many tools.. lol.. not sure what u have for tool options but I will give u a few. Curve cuts will require a power tool in my opinion, some would use a hot wire machine to cut but that really smells... If u have a jigsaw u can cut with that, blades u purchase will say for plastic, usually 13 teeth per inch is idea in my opinion. If u don’t have a jigsaw those u can buy from 25.00 on low end up to hundreds of dollars. What to watch for with this method, plastic needs to be clamped down well or it will bounce and keep moving or u could melt plastic, but it works well. Next is a scroll saw which runs 99.00 + dollars.. sits on a table and u feed the plastic thru the blade .. same thing use a blade designed for plastic ... u have a lot of control with this option and really don’t have to worry about bouncing to much because ur holding the plastic with both hands .. and same as above keep the plastic moving to prevent melting .. slower blade speed can help with this also. Band saw is another option but having to change that blade can be a pain to change for just cutting plastic.. to me the bandsaw is one freestanding saw that if not properly used can cause serious injuries.. this saw doesn’t make a lot of noise like a table saw so I think people get a little complacent using it and it’s basically the saw they use in a butcher shop to cut up meat.. and fingers go fast .. just want to keep u safe. Sorry this was so long but wanted to give u options.. if u have any other questions please let me know .. maybe I should do another video showing how to cut curves .. Have an awesome day! And thanks for watching the video.

[@jeffw8057]

@@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors Thanks for the info! To date I have had limited success attempting to cut plastic on a curve. Most attempts have resulted in mediocre or melted cut lines, or chips in the plastic. Generally, I have to purchase a lot extra material to allow for bad cuts. I have tried hand tool cutters (non electric), and portable electric cutters such as jig saws, multi-cutters, rotary cutters etc. again with limited success. Honestly...(for reason even unknown to me), I never considered using my standing scroll or band saws. And once you mentioned it...it makes total sense. I even have a distant memory of middle school shop class...where I seem to recall cutting plastic on a curve with a band saw. So, I am really excited to give that a go. I even have pending project that begs for this type of cut. So, once the weather warms a bit, I'm going to dig up my circle jig and give it a try with my band saw. Have you tried or had success with using a propane torch or other flame device to 'singe' or melt the edge of a cut to smoothness? I found recommendations of this technique on another video.

[@rogrog8974]

👍

[@denisewildfortune4058]

So the tool is called a plastic sheet cutting/scoring, knife/tool, or a similar name. Available at Home Depot.

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Denise u can't say available at Home Deport when I work at Lowe's .... LOL...Just kidding. U can find it at either.

[@ThePiprian]

I want to make bunch of accurate, straight and tiny cuts in a sheet of 2mm abs plastic. I'm trying to make small holes for things like USB plugs to snugly fit into. All of my attempts so far (using a knife like in this video, a dremel, and a file) have failed dramatically haha. Does anyone know of an easier way to get accurate small cuts?

[@wmd40]

Hot knives and laser cutters. Or a drill. You can't really cut to make holes with regular tools

[@Blue-rw9kj]

Appreciate it

[@renegademind1833]

Oh gawd.. I got 50 slices to make, but they all need to still be attached 1/12" from the edge..

[@vinnylovesretro]

Appreciate the great video, was helpful for me and exactly what I needed to know. You just have to laugh at the negative comments that appear to be coming from spoiled and poorly behaved children up past their bedtime :-)

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

I agree, I usually just tell them thank u for watching and have an awesome day. Maybe they are just always having a bad day. Thank u for watching the video and the kind words.

[@franktrusdell7116]

GOD loves y'all and have a Blessed day

[@swettyspaghtti]

lol the cut edge is wonky af

[@topgrain]

The crooked edge does the scoring of the material. For that blade to work, keep the took angled low, and keep it moving along the cut line. If you stop too much, the blade may hang or grab in the places you stopped and you will likely have to do some deburring at the end of the job.

[@Plantventions]

Exactly what I need!

[@rsmolens]

turn the f music off!

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Why?? Lol JK, one of the first videos I did, I have gotten much better in video editing, thanks for watching

[@emilypischner6454]

Omg ur using plastic! Ur killing turtles 🐢 bob ur killing turtles 🐢!!!!!

[@janakpatel4040]

VERY LONG

[@lhodeniz]

not easy

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Very easy, the tougher plastics just take more passes.

[@LukeyTim0]

The music made the video 5x worse

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Thanks for watching, sorry about the music.

[@terebrate]

Why ruin an otherwise good and useful video with goofy stupid music? I can't even bear to get thru it.

[@redalert2834]

The secret: "use a blue tool". What is it though, just a blade for scoring plastic??? Three minutes 48 seconds of not finding out then the guy admits he can't remember buying it. What if the plastic is corrugated??? Hey, if you don't have much expertise to share, but you think you know a lot anyway, why not make a KZbin video?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Well first off thanks for watching .. let’s see the tool has been in my shop for years ... someone had asked me to show how To cut plastic if u don’t have saws... so I think this video showed them exactly how to cut it without expensive tools and did u check the description for a link to the plastic cutter...I’m not cutting corrugated plastic as u can see in the video.. have an awesome day.

[@PhillipLandmeier]

I use these all the time. They work well. I wouldn't call it a blade exactly. It works like a tool on a lathe. It doesn't cut like a knife. And yes, all it does is score plastic. Drawing it repeatedly scores deeper and deeper, removing plastic with each pass. You can score all the way through if you want, but it's less work to stop short and crack it along the score line. You can also do this with a box cutter but it's somewhat dangerous and a lot more work because the box cutter doesn't remove plastic as it goes. It deforms the plastic to make the groove so it takes a lot of passes. This tool hogs out material to make a V-groove. If the plastic is corrugated it's probably not possible to use this. If the surface is rough but flat, you can probably do it. The first couple of passes might be challenging, but then the tool will follow the groove. However, most plastic with a rough or stippled surface is smooth and shiny on the back. This is mostly what I work with and I just cut on the shiny back side. These tools are inexpensive. I'd suggest getting one to have in your toolbox and try it out. I found it's more useful than I expected.

[@gerij777]

What is the tool called?

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

Geri is a link to the tool. You should be able to get them at most hardware stores. www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/3140935

[@skylerjones2958]

Hello what is the tool that you're using and where can I purchase one at

[@MarksWorld-GetOutdoors]

They have more heavy duty cutters but the one in the video I got at Lowes ... here is a link so u can see it. Thanks for watching and have an awesome day. www.lowes.com/pd/PLASKOLITE-1-Blade-Utility-Knife/3140935