Rotary Saw

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Doug Gemmell

Doug Gemmell

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 17, 2002
Posts
2,705
Loc
Everett, WA
I'm ready to buy a rotary saw, mainly to cut odd shapes in acrylic. Two questions:
Is this the best tool to cut curves, etc. in large sheets of acrylic?
Any brand recommendations?
 
I think he wants a SawzAll. :) Those bad boys kick butt for cutting plexi. The edges are a little jagged however!

I used a jig saw for cutting curves in plexi, I have to warn you that the blade heated the plexi then the plexi cooled after the blade passed through and rejoined the cut! I would be afraid that the skinny blade of a good scroll saw would close up after cutting.

Good luck on this thread, I'll be checking in to see what those that know recommend!
 
What?

Rick, what's a roto zip tool? May be the same thing, don't know.

The thing I'm refering to is kind of like a hand-held jigsaw that will cut many different materials, including ceramic tile. I think they've only been on the market for a few years, mass market anyway. Most versions I've seen are $50/100.
 
I have one of the roto zips and they do a great rough out job. They are not going to cut a perfect pattern pc. unless you have some sort of template jigged up, as you are cutting freehand. Also you would want to make sure it is variable speed, as too fast an rpm is going to melt the plastic back together.

I used mine in the constuction business for cutting out sink holes in counter tops and for outlets ect. in drywall (which is where it really shines)

If you want to cut accurate shapes you might look at some saws from www.delphiglass.com such as #737202 , #73800xl or #5723 some of these saws cut and polish at the same time. They are made to cut glass, but should work on plexi and they are not that expensive, from about $200- 400, if you qualify for their wholesale account. www.delphiglass.com/wholesale
 
Super Saw

Thanks J Paul....I'll check those out. They'll cut glass too? Cool....think of the possibilities!
 
You may also want to scan this site, which contains some generally useful information about cutting acrylic.
 
Cutting and about anything else you would want to do to acrylic

Good information on that link CA Framer, and more than just cutting. I learned something today so now I can go home. Thanks!
 
Rotozip

Mike, the Rotozip might be the one...thanks.
 
Rotozip is like a Dremel on steroids. Dremels are great for fine work, but they just don't have the torque to do big jobs. I've thought about getting a Rotozip. Is there a router-base type attachment available for enlarging rabbets etc. ?
I noticed that Rob Markoff is teaching a power tool class at WCAF. I may try to get into that.
:cool: Rick
Gotta love tools.
 
I love my Rotozip. The only problem I'v had so far is the spring that snaps the "router base" on sprung across the room in one of the quick dissassemblies one day. I'm not sure where it went but now the router base fits sort of loose. Still works just not as securely held in place...

Dremel on steroids is correct, only drawback is a the tool is a bit (no pun intended) heavier.
 
Probably,
If not, I have some old fishing reel parts that will do the trick. So far not enough of a bother to worry about, and it doesn't really hasn't affected operations at all to this point.
 
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