Plastic cutting blades?

[new2woodwrk]

I recently obtained a bunch of plastic serving trays I thought would be cool to cut into projects.

From what I've read, there are specific blades for cutting plastic, correct?

Can anyone recommend a blade mfg/style?

I really like the Pegas blades I've purchased better than the FD and I see they have a blade to use on plastic.

What about using a plastic blade with wood - I read that I should "sandwich" the plastic between 2 pieces of wood before cutting.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

[WayneMahler]

I have cut Plexiglas on the scroll saw. I used a skipped tooth blade and slowed the speed down so it didn't get hot and melt back together. I only did this once or twice so someone with more experience may be able to give you more advice. 

[fredfret]

You do not need a special blade for plastic. I cut plexiglass and lexan frequently for templates using a FD polar #3. NOTE some plastics will melt back together and simply do not work because the heat generated by the blade. Maks sure that you cover the plastic on both sides with tape if it is missing the peeloff cover from the mfr.The sandwich idea should work as long as the blades don't get to hot. Try a small cut in a section that you don't need. The "corian" blades are nothing more than the Polar blades.

Fredfret

[MrsN]

I have cut plastic a few different times and always used my regular blades. If the plastic is thin, sandwiching it between wood will give stability and make cutting easier. 

One thing to remember when cutting plastics is that if the saw speed and feed rate are not right you can get the cut to melt back together. I have found that using clear tape helps a bit with that, but not entirely.  I look forward to seeing what you create. 

[stoney]

All good advice given.   I have found speed is one of the biggest factors in cutting plastics.   With their low melting point the speed or lack there of is a huge factor.   Like as it has all ready been said provide some lubrication to the blade and slow the speed down along with feed rate until you find the right balance.   When possible practice on scrap or in a waste area.

[amazingkevin]

7 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

I recently obtained a bunch of plastic serving trays I thought would be cool to cut into projects.

From what I've read, there are specific blades for cutting plastic, correct?

Can anyone recommend a blade mfg/style?

I really like the Pegas blades I've purchased better than the FD and I see they have a blade to use on plastic.

What about using a plastic blade with wood - I read that I should "sandwich" the plastic between 2 pieces of wood before cutting.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Trial an error works for me!

[crupiea]

I have cut pvc before. Its funny. You cut through it and the heat of the blade will seal it right back up so once you are through, its still together.  Confused the heck out of me first time I did it.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Everyone above nailed the answer. I do the same. But will say all plastics are not the same. I have cut plexiglass with just about any blade and no problem. I cut acrylic pen blanks and it melts back. now there are many different types of acrylic too so need to experiment with blade and speed and feed. Have fun.