If you're a do-it-yourself-er, you will probably need to use acrylic sheeting.The sheets are very easy to cut.The scoring method can be used if the sheet is relatively thin.You will need a saw to cut it.If you use an electric saw, wear ear plugs and put on safety glasses.
Step 1: The acrylic should be set on a flat surface.
To make it easier to work with, find a flat surface large enough to hold your plastic sheet.You can't use the floor as you need an edge to break the acrylic.
Step 2: Your line should be marked.
Decide where you want to cut the acrylic.To make a straight line, measure it out and use a ruler.You can either mark the line with a permanent marker or use the ruler as a guide.
Step 3: Score the line with a plastic blade.
Using your ruler as a guide, run a plastic scoring blade along the cutting line, trying to make one continuous line with gentle, even pressure.Pull the blade towards you.It's important to get a straight line on the first go-round.
Step 4: Use the scoring blade to deepen the cut.
You have to run the blade over the line several times.Make a line along the backside that follows the line on the other side once you flip it over.Score it many times.
Step 5: Break the sheet.
You can place the line at the edge of the table.It is easier to hold the sheet to the table with the use of clamps.Press down on the outer edge of the sheet to break it.You can use your body weight to push down if you wrap your hand around one edge.
Step 6: Use a blade that is meant for that material.
A blade with a high tooth count is needed for plastic.A blade that says it's made for plexiglass is a good sign.You will get a better cut with these blades.The cut will be more jagged if you use a regular blade.
Step 7: The cut needs to be marked.
Use a permanent marker to mark what you want to cut.You can cut a straight line with a circular saw.You can cut curves with a jigsaw.If necessary, use a straight edge.If you want to make a cleaner edge with a jigsaw, place masking tape over your cut line.
Step 8: For a straight cut, push the acrylic through the table saw.
Start at the edge of the mark.Keeping your fingers out of the way of a table saw is important.Don't go too slowly, as you can melt the plastic, and create a rougher edge.
Step 9: A curved line can be cut with a jigsaw.
You can cut through the glass with the jigsaw if you put it on 2 beams.You can keep an eye on the blade and line when you push the jigsaw from the outer edge.Cut from the other edge if you get stuck at an angle.
Step 10: Use a metal file to file down sharp burrs.
The saw or scoring method may have left large chunks on the edge.To smooth them out, use a metal file.
Step 11: The edge should be waterproof.
Water should be applied to the sanding block.Enough is enough to get the sandpaper wet.The edge has sand on it.Move to 600-grit sandpaper to refine the edge.Purchase waterproof sandpaper.
Step 12: Make sure the edge is clean.
Attach a buffing edge to your drill.Rub the buffer with a compound and buff it down until it is shiny.It is not necessary to refine the edge.You can stop if you don't have a buffing edge.