planning 2" acrylic in the planner

[amazingkevin]

I'm finding more and more uses for my planner, I've had years new and used only recently. I need to cut 2" thick x 2" x30" long strips. The new table saw cut the stuff good, but there was no speed in pushing it thru. And it would not stay next to the fence ,so it's slightly ,but acceptably straight . I tried waving the torch over the plastic and it did a beautiful job making the cuts clear again .But there are gouges from straightening out the cuts. What i'd like to do is run it thru the planner if it's safe. I've not run across anyone saying they have planned plastic or Lexan or acrylic in one Help help!

[grampa]

Sorry Kevin I can't help never cut it either but what I would do is try a small piece first and see how it goes......paul

[Wilson's Woodworking]

We use ours for delrin (a white or black plastic) all the time. I don't recall ever using it for Lexan but I don't see any reason that it won’t work. Lexan is a very good machining plastic and cuts very cleanly so I would say give it a whirl with light cuts and see what happens.

[Phantom Scroller]

Kevin that would scare me to put it through my planer, what about the belt sander to flatten it out. Roly

[Wilson's Woodworking]

Kevin that would scare me to put it through my planer, what about the belt sander to flatten it out. Roly

It would have to be EXTREAMLY fine grit or it will cloud the lexan

[amazingkevin]

Ok i gotta do what i gotta do !Will keep you informed !

[MrsN]

I would keep the machine cleaned out while cutting. with plastic you have the chance that it will melt back in a glob and bind up on the machine parts. Use a dust collector, vacuum or air hose to keep the chips moving.

[amazingkevin]

Thanks MRSN that's very true and I'd never had thought of that problem without you.

[LarryEA]

Myself would be hesitant but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Also, I would trust Danny on this, Listen to MrsN

[Dan]

Hmmm, Lexan isn't wood so I wouldn't chance it. I know you will try it and that will be an educational experience to share. If we don't hear from you soon I'll call 911.

[Clayton717]

I'm with Dan on this one. I wouldn't chance it. If the blades catch it just right your are going to have plastic chunks flying everywhere.

[heppnerguy]

I haven't a clue here either, but knowing the amazing Kevin, he will try almost anything. Be sure you stand to the side of the in feed part of your table so that in case something does go wrong you won't be in the way of any fast moving pieces. and be sure and WEAR EYE PROTECTION. Hey, how about doing what you often suggest and Google it.? I would youtube it, too

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[amazingkevin]

How right you are Dick .My preacher friend preaches up a storm and doesn't talk dry air. But does  he listen to the words he says  NOOOOO.  That's so funny about him. I know several people that will overwhelm you with their interesting talk but they to have no confidence in they selves doing it I fall in that water my selve at times.Just today even.

[Wilson's Woodworking]

Reading thru I got to thinking. Make sure if you plane plastic that you have good sharp blades and yes MrsN is correct in keeping the plastic cleaned out of the cutting head. The plainer we use for plastic is a little 12" plainer that has never seen wood. It works great but you have to make sure the conditions are correct. NEVER cut plastic with a dull tool.

As long as you are carful and pay attention you shouldn't have any problems.

[MrsN]

I have planed plastic on my wood planer. I sort of forgot about it when I posted last time. 

I dont know what type of plastic I was planing, it was a project for my ex husband (thus the forgetting about it) the planner cut it really well, but the auto feed didn't always work because the plastic was really smooth once it was cut.

[amazingkevin]

I love this info ! Thanks

[Dan]

So Kevin, what was the outcome? Did it work? Inquiring minds want to know.

[amazingkevin]

Hi Dan, I really need to cut this, but my shower, sink and toilets have inflatable plugs in them as our drainfeild is full , clogged .The landlady pumped out the septic tank and two days later it's loaded up again so I have no shower. I cut some off of the thick plastic on my 10" table saw and man is it messy so with no shower i can't get clean . The plastic dust sticks to everything, no just brushing it off. The landlady gave me a window to put my work for sale in and they wanted clear plastic so that's as far as i got.There's 8 people washing clothes in the main house using the toilets and washing dishes so waters running running running.I put plugs in my side as i don't want to deal with an overflow on my side .I'm on the end of the line in the effeincey.It's lower than the house i guess a garage conversion.It will be two  months before the city is ready for her to connect to the sewer.As always nothings easy in my life. But it beats being in the car!

Edited August 21, 2014 by amazingkevin

[Wilson's Woodworking]

I brush off plastic chips with an air gun. If you have and air compressor try blowing off your pants and shirt. Yes I said pants not shorts, I wouldn't work with that stuff wearing shorts. It would get in places I wouldn't want it.      

[amazingkevin]

Your right Danny .My mom caught me getting ready to go outside and make dust ans said don't you go out there with your good clothes on ...So i took them all off,lol,kidding :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Wilson's Woodworking]

[Dan]

Just curious...does the dust/shavings from Plexiglass stick to you because of static? If so, has anyone tried wiping down their arms, legs, and face with a fabric softener sheet? I know a lot of folks use it on their face shield to cut down on dust particle accumulation. 

 

I use a shop vac to clean off after cutting Plexiglass.

[amazingkevin]

Interesting synopsis Dan,Your always thinking beyond the box!!!! I things i learn in SSV,WOW

[Wilson's Woodworking]

Just curious...does the dust/shavings from Plexiglass stick to you because of static? If so, has anyone tried wiping down their arms, legs, and face with a fabric softener sheet? I know a lot of folks use it on their face shield to cut down on dust particle accumulation. 

 

I use a shop vac to clean off after cutting Plexiglass.

That is what causes the cling of the plastic shavings to your clothes and body. I never would have thought to try something like that Dan. I will have to give it a shot next time I play with plastic.

[amazingkevin]

Excellent info!