Cutting Acrylic Advice

[sww93]

I have been a long time "lurker" to this site, but now it is time to seek some advice.  A good friend of mine has asked me to assist him in the construction of a sump tank for his salt water aquarium.  So my task is to cut 1/4" acrylic sheets to various sizes and I plan on using my TS75, guide rails and 2" Styrofoam to back up the cut.  What blade do you reccomend I use?  Any other advice?  Will I have a problem with heat melting the acrylic?  Having never worked with acrylics before is it possible to route 1/4" X 1/8" dadoes in this material to aid in the glue up process?  Thank you in advance for any assistance you can give me.

Scott

 

[Brice Burrell]

Scott, I've cut some 1/4" acrylic with a table saw, the TS75 should work well. I'd try the 493201 blade. I don't have the TS75, so others may know if another (cheaper)blade would work. Routing shouldn't be a problem, use a good bit, and keep the cutting area clean, the hot acrylic shavings can stick back down when they quickly cool. 

 

[Dan Lyke]

I've had no trouble routing 3/16" acrylic with the OF 1010 and a 3/4" bit, the dust collector does a really good job of making sure that the shavings get pulled clear of the bit so that they don't melt and burn (and gum up your bit).

I'd have the dust collector on high, the big problem is melted acrylic sawdust causing things to gum up, which then scorches and gums up your blade.

 

[brandon.nickel]

I just cut some acrylic for a child-proof door panel.  I used the TS55 with the MFT.  You'll need to space it up with something like a slab of MDF.  I slowed the saw down to 1 and used the standard 48 tooth ATB blade that comes with the saw.  I think the TC blade might be an even better choice, but after seeing the results of the first cut, I didn't bother trying switching blades.  It worked flawlessly.  If the plastic turns white or you smell burning, slow it down.  Should be no problem at all.

 

[sww93]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  Your tips & advice will be helpful.
Scott