Cutting Plexi glass

[Ian Richardson]

Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong section. Looking for some advice
We are cutting 3/16" Plexi glass. Ordered a 1/4" O flute single wing bit from my supplier. Just wondering about feed rate, rpm etc.
Would like to here from anyone with some experience with cutting plexi
Thanks
And yes I have contacted my supplier for information
Thanks guys

[Stuart Douglas]

Not trying to be obtuse, but there are two general types of Plexi, cast and extruded I think. They both machine a bit different, but if your edge finish isn't critical, then it won't likely matter for you.

I use these settings for a 3/8" O flute mirror finish Onsrud bit (62-733). 100IPM feed, 100IPM plunge, 12000rpm spindle speed. I have yet to set up the roughing pass in the new control nesting update, but plan on using it on the next cut in this material. I'll use the roughing pass to leavea skin, and then the finish pass will cut all the way through and about 0.005" of the leftover roughing pass. This ~should~ give a perfect edge. As always, YMMV and if ou have the waste, make some test cuts to dial in the settings for your spindle and table.

[Ian Richardson]

Thanks for that Stuart, plan on doing a bit of testing first. Didn't want to snap a bit with wrong speeds
cheers....from a distance. Stay safe

[Jeremy Schiffer]

What happens more often than snapping bits is the stuff melting as it cuts and re-sticking to the edge. Nearly impossible to clean up after that happens. So to be safe, we usually do multiple passes at maybe 1/8" max cutting depth. Do this in a climb direction down to the skin pass, then do your skin pass in the conventional direction, that way bit flex works in your favor so that the final pass leaves a smooth edge. Good luck...