Does anyone know of a manufacturer who can cut 1/2" thick plexiglass sliding hatch cover for a companion way? We have templated ours and are looking to replace it but have found them very expensive in our local city.
companion way overhead hatch
- Thread starter cokomo
- Start date
I have used santa monica plastics in southern california for a lot of boat related plexi projects, but if your not local, you would have to probably mail template to them or email it if you have it digital form. I have done both but since i live in the area its easy to just drive to them. workmanship is very good.
I have not had good experience with Tap plastics. They use blunt saws and the project ends up with chipped edges.
Try this https://www.professionalplastics.com/
I highly recommend them. They do the job properly.
Let us know how it went.
Try this https://www.professionalplastics.com/
I highly recommend them. They do the job properly.
Let us know how it went.
4-5 years ago, when I replaced all of my fixed ports and hatch lenses, I got the raw blanks from Tap Plastic and the total cost for enough to make the four portlights, two door lenses and front trapezoid hatch cost less than $150. I then cut the rough blanks with my wood working tools to the correct sizes. I did not need polished edges so the "as cut" condition was fine with me. Both Acrylic and Polycarbonate are easy to polish so if you what a bright edge, you just need to sand starting at 150 up to 1500 and then polish with a buffer.
I used a skill saw, jig saw and router to make mine.
I used a skill saw, jig saw and router to make mine.
And if I had said "a handheld circular saw" someone would have asked "do you mean a skill saw?"
Just because I am a contrarian prankster by nature. I have an adjustable end wrench made by Channel Lock Co and water pump pliers made by the Crescent Tool Co. It is great fun when working with someone. "Can you hand me the Crescent wrench? No that is the Channellock, I need that water pump plier."
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,092
Note that Hayden used “skill saw” not “Skill saw”. Conjecture on my part is that the saw possess some form of skills. Perhaps even skills from a former plastics expert. Further occult research would be needed.
The wood workers here know that a “Skill saw” references a specific brand of circular saw known to sever body appendages if used poorly.
The wood workers here know that a “Skill saw” references a specific brand of circular saw known to sever body appendages if used poorly.
Plexiglass flame polishes very well , a light and deft kiss of a small torch will polish the rough cut edges almost effortlessly, practice on scrap first!
A YouTube search will show technique
A YouTube search will show technique
Also for jig saws - I used a special blade for plastics in my jig saw when cutting my lenses - makes a huge different. I almost never use a table saw in boatbuilding... Too many curves...You can (and should if you DIY) get a table saw blade specifically for plastic. Works great.
dj
Not to be too picky (and I know you quoted another poster), but it is a SKIL saw….made by SKIL.
My favorite is a worm drive like this one. Allows me to use it right-handed and easily see the blade.
Mine is about 40 years old, and still running like a charm.
Greg
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There is a special saw blade with a negative hook angle on the teeth that makes cutting acrylic easy. Please polish the edge with a propane torch only as a last resort, the propane blows impurities into the plastic edge causing crazing down the road. The proper heat comes from oxy-hydrogen which is clean and what the fab shops will use.
Finally, if you can get AR (abrasion resistant) acrylic it will last much longer looking good.
Finally, if you can get AR (abrasion resistant) acrylic it will last much longer looking good.
Oddly enough, Skil is a local Chicago company so you'd think I would've heard a circular saw referred to as that.
I've heard of people reversing the blades on circular saws to get a cleaner cut. I have not tried this myself. Has anyone else tried this?
I've heard of people reversing the blades on circular saws to get a cleaner cut. I have not tried this myself. Has anyone else tried this?
I have reversed the blade to cut vinyl siding and other material other than wood….but haven’t tried it on plexiglass.
I tried cutting some pieces with a jig saw….it seemed like the plastic melted. Not a pretty cut at all.
Greg
I tried cutting some pieces with a jig saw….it seemed like the plastic melted. Not a pretty cut at all.
Greg
You were using the wrong jig saw blade. With the correct blade, that makes a very clean cut.
dj
And too hard to get out of the lazzarette.