Scrolling acrylic

[Jronn65]

So Looking thru some lighted projects, there are some out there that was scrolled with acrylic and I thought I’d try it.  Before I do, I thought i’d ask and see if there’s any special I need to know?  How does acrylic scroll?  If anyone has some projects that they have done in acrylic, please post and share.

[jollyred]

I haven't done any acrylic lately, but what I remember is to use a blade with a high tooth count.  Also, saw at a slower speed, or the plastic will melt and fuse back together as you saw.  Also, using a protective cover (like masking tape or packing tape) will help keep the melting down.  The cover will also help to keep the surface from scratching while sawing.  Other than that, it will cut just fine.  If you want a shiny edge, it can be "polished" by using a propane torch very carefully.  Your best option is to get some and practice till you work out how it does for you.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I like to put it on a 1/8" piece of baltic birch and scroll as normal. I do this when cutting on my table saw also. 

[flarud]

I sandwich it between 2 pieces of 1/8'' birch plywood, wrap it all up in blue painters tape.  

[Bill WIlson]

Preventing the material from melting back together, behind the blade, is probably the single biggest challenge when cutting acrylic.  As previously mentioned, the proper blade, speed & feed rate will help minimize this.  Most acrylics come with a protective paper covering on both sides, at least commercially they do.  I work at a manufacturing plant and our machine shop makes a number of parts out of various types of acrylic.  I scored some nice sized, scrap pieces of Makrolon polycarbonate, (also commonly branded as Lexan) which looks a lot like acrylic, but is a little different.  It cuts very nicely and doesn't have nearly the tendency to fuse back together.  I don't know how expensive it is or how readily available it is for hobbiest use, but maybe worth taking a look to see.