PDA

View Full Version : Tricks for finish cutting acrylic tube?

hyperfocal
11/13/2007, 02:53 PM
Anyone have any tips or tricks for finish-cutting large diameter acrylic tube? I've tried 'rolling' it on the table saw followed by multiple runs through the router table, but I still end up with small ridges on the finished end.
Donw
11/13/2007, 03:03 PM
Build a square box out of scrap plywood to hold the tube vertical. Use a slot cutter with bearing on your router table. Drop the tub over the bit and cut it. Perfect every time.

Don
hyperfocal
11/13/2007, 03:17 PM
Excellent, thanks Don.

Now, any tips on building a plywood box square and true? ;)
blfuller123
11/13/2007, 04:59 PM
I still roll it on the table saw but made this little jig to keep it straight when I roll it.


http://i7.*******.com/725pyfc.jpg
prance1520
11/14/2007, 02:28 PM
Donw,

You should post some pics if you have some/have some time to snap some. There are quite a few of us here who are much better at visual learning :P
Donw
11/14/2007, 02:40 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11182247#post11182247 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by prance1520
Donw,

You should post some pics if you have some/have some time to snap some. There are quite a few of us here who are much better at visual learning :P

I dont have any tube or a camera at the moment. I personally dont use that method any more I just stick it on my lathe. I can fit a 23" tube 8 ft long. :)

Don
pescadero
11/14/2007, 08:09 PM
have you got a bandsaw?
Donw
11/14/2007, 08:16 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11184700#post11184700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pescadero
have you got a bandsaw?

I do but the darn thing oly has a 20" resaw capacity. The bad part about it is it drifts just like every other bandsaw.:)

Don
truthdesigns
11/14/2007, 08:57 PM
Pretty Crafty blfuller123 I like that!!!!



http://i7.*******.com/725pyfc.jpg
fixmgood
11/15/2007, 12:03 PM
After cutting the tube you need to lap sand it.Tape a medium grit to a flat surface (glass works well) hold the tube vertically and move it in a figure 8,while rotating it. When it is perfectly flat use a fine grit and do it over again. You can use a marker to color the edge that you intend to lap to see the high spots.
hope this helps.