Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

[jakub_rc]

Hello there.

I am currently building a WTC for my 1:144 trumpeter Seawolf. I'm making all the parts myself. It's going to be a static diving model.
I have one question to You guys. What do You use for cutting plexi/polycarbonate pipes? I would like to have a clear cut.



Regards
Jakub

[Guest]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I cut mine with a fine blade bandsaw, then turn the ends up on the lathe.

If you haven't got these tools, you can use a mitre saw to get a square cut, then finish the ends with wet and dry abrasive paper.

Andy

[jakub_rc]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I tried a bandsaw but it melts the pipe this way, and well, I don't a have a lathe anyway...

I was thinking about buying a mitre saw. Did You mean an electric or a manual one?

Jakub

[JWLaRue]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I use a bandsaw with a speed controller on it. Works great.

The only thing needed after the initial cut is to polish the end(s) on the large sanding disk.

-Jeff

[Rogue Sub]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I use a hand powered mitre saw made by stanley..Does great when doing moldings in the house or cutting poly and the price aint bad.

http://www.opentip.com/Tools-Auto-Indus ... 55600.html

[subicman]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I use Kevin's miter saw, or a jig and a hacksaw. I use my shopsmith 12" sander attachment to square up the ends

Tim

[Guest]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

If you're melting the pipe then the cutting speed is too high.

Some bandsaws have far too high a cutting speed, and will be unsuitable without modification. Speed control can work, but not very well on induction motors.

You can also try brushing some water on the tube as you cut. A little soap in the water helps cut down friction too.

I use a hand mitre saw if the bandsaw is unsuitable.

[jakub_rc]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

Hey, thanks for all the advice guys!

I'll try to find a cheaper, slow cutting bandsaw then. If not, I'll get that hand powered mitre saw.

Regards,
Jakub

[pirate]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

For the Poly, a power miter saw works great—just proceed slowly. But for Acrylic, the power saw may shatter it, so use a hand miter saw.

[u-33]

Re: Cutting the polycarbonate/plexi pipes.

I've just cut a section of acrylic tube...I mark the cut line with a wrap of masking tape, then cut round the edge slowly with a small hacksaw with a brand new blade fitted. Keep going round and round, every now and again I add a drop of warm water with washing up liquid mixed in it, and you should end up with a nice clean cut.

Just a cheap pound store hacksaw.


I then go over the cut edge with a long file to give me a level edge all round, then finish off by attaching a fresh sheet of coarse wet 'n dry paper to a sheet of glass and rub the cut edge down smooth. To complete the job, I rub the edge down once more with fine wet 'n dry paper, then rinse the finished tube under the tap to clean out the dust. Dry with a tissue...job done.