How To Straighten Thick Plastic Sheet

If you want a straight cut in a thin acrylic or polycarbonate plastic sheet up to inch thick reach for a simple utility knife then follow these steps.

How to straighten thick plastic sheet.

For thicker sheets it will take longer and for thinner sheets it will take less time. We demonstrate an easy way to cut and bend plastics to re use and recycle this incredible material into your projects you will need 1 heat source heat. The combo of heating the entire plastic plus using weight really does a great job. The only major variable that can affect the forming process is the thickness of the plastic sheet.

Lay your acrylic sheet on a flat work surface and mark the line to be cut. I use parchment paper to keep any debris from the cookie sheets from getting on my plastics. We suggest something at least 1 8 inch thick and wide enough for your clamps. You will also need spacers the same thickness or slightly thinner than the plastic you need to clamp to keep your stripwood jig even with the top of the plastic you will be bending.

This article uses a sheet about 1 4 thick so all times are about 10 to 15 minutes per step. The edge of the blade should hit the line exactly. Scrap wood you need a straight edged piece of wood for your jig. Then arrange the straight edge so it s just slightly on the line and clamp it to the work surface.

Cutting thin sheets of plastic.