Tutorial - Cutting Perspex Sheets To Size

Perspex sheets are supplied by the manufacturers in different sizes and thicknesses, making them perfect for use in both home improvement and commercial projects.  Perspex sheets are fabricated for maximum durability with multi-wall chambers, making them not only hard-wearing, but also lightweight and easy to handle.  However, every project is different, and this means that you may need to cut your perspex sheets down to the right size for your needs. 

With this in mind, here's a helpful tutorial to help you to re-size your perspex sheets perfectly for every project you attempt.

What you'll need

You'll need some DIY knowledge and a few basic tools before you can get started.  Everything you need can be sourced from good DIY or hardware store.

  • a jigsaw or other fine-toothed hand saw
  • clamps
  • a tape measure
  • a straight edge
  • a pencil
  • safety gloves and eye protection
  • filter tape
  • cushioning

How to do it

  1. You'll need to measure out the dimensions of the piece of perspex sheet that you need for your project.  Use the straight edge and tape measure to do this, and mark the lines to be cut with your pencil.  
  2. Before you can begin cutting, you'll need to clamp the marked-out perspex sheet onto a flat, stable surface.  Perspex can be cracked if placed under extreme pressure so it's important that you protect the sheet from the impact of the clamp by using some form of cushioning, and folded fleece or old dusters are fine for this job.  
  3. Now you can cut the perspex sheeting along the lines you marked out earlier.  Perspex doesn't splinter or crack and is very easy to cut.  All you need to do is allow your blade to do the work, using firm, smooth motions.  
  4. When you have finished cutting the sheeting, remove the clamps and give it a firm tap to get rid of any clinging debris.  
  5. Finally, peel away the protective film and apply the breather that has been supplied with the sheeting.

Perspex sheeting is a durable, lightweight material that is relatively easy to cut and shape to the requirements of every individual project that you undertake.  Follow the guidelines above for a perfect result every time.  Alternatively, if you have very large perspex sheets to re-size, you could provide your supplier with the appropriate measurements and ask them to cut the sheets for you prior to collection, though remember that custom sheeting could be more expensive.

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