order to make a winding staircase for a dollhouse. ). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you have a steady hand, there’s no need to use a straight edge. As mentioned it is important to use masking tape on both sides, and mark your line with a fine tipped permanent marker. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Apply Vinegar and Water. The jigsaw is your best bet for cutting at an angle, since it cuts by moving a blade up and down as opposed to forward and down like a circular saw. 1. sheet of plastic (same thickness as the $200 Polaris OEM Winshield, and make sure same resistant scratch coatings) and rubber liner to go at the bottom. The total equals_____ wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. References To cut polycarbonate, use a Jigsaw with a steel blade that has 8 teeth per inch. Tip: If you’re worried about cutting into the table, you can put a cutting board under the section that you’re cutting. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Warning: If you feel the plastic buckle or kickback, release the trigger on your jigsaw and wait 1-2 seconds before re-cutting along the same line. Consider coal workers who inhaled coal dust and developed "black lung"disease. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Thanks!". Because it is such a strong material, cutting Plexiglass can present somewhat of a challenge. [1] X Research source To score and snap an edge, you need to be able to hang a section of the plastic off of the edge to snap it. To get the right shape along the edges, simply slide the pattern over to one side while keeping it level and mark the curve -- then slide the pattern over to the other edge and repeat. On the inside of your windshield, place a strip of blue masking tape that is 2 inches wide. If the polycarbonate is stiff and less than .125 inches thick, use a pair of heavy-duty hand-shears. If you want to use both hands to operate the circular saw, you can clamp the straight edge to the work surface. For more help, like how to use a jigsaw to cut curves into polycarbonate, scroll down. Even with protective gear, potential particles could be inhaled. If you want to cut angles or odd shapes into your polycarbonate, you can use a jigsaw. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. To score and snap an edge, you need to be able to hang a section of the plastic off of the edge to snap it. Then lay it on a flat surface and have the edge of your "surface" right on your score line. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. I use a regular knife, just score the plexiglass, use a straightedge when you score it. I need about three inches cut off from my CalSci windshield. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Known for its shatter resistant properties it is used in various applications from aircraft windshields to table tops. Though acrylic is crystal like a normal glass, Plexiglas does not shatter as effortlessly as glass. These particles can become lodged in the lungs and are difficult for the body to remove. Polycarbonate windshields often get scratches from dirt, … Windshields use “Laminated Safety Glass”. Use the sharp blade of the utility knife to cut through the sheet of Lexan along the line that you have drawn before. Can I cut a poly carbonate sheet in the same way as cutting glass? % of people told us that this article helped them. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cut-Polycarbonate-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cut-Polycarbonate-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Cut-Polycarbonate-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1451217-v4-728px-Cut-Polycarbonate-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A considerable amount of dust would be generated. If you use a thick marker you can still be inside the thick line and wave all around and it … This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. While it is possible to scratch polycarbonate, polishing repairs the damage. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. There is a significant difference between windshield glass and glass for the side or rear windows. Check that you only a sharp blade. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. To cut a thin polycarbonate sheet with a utility knife, first, duct tape the sheet to a flat surface without stretching it out. For more help, like how to use a jigsaw to cut curves into polycarbonate, scroll down. Time value (could you have worked same time and been ahead? If your sheet is really big, you can set the saw back up on the opposite side of the cutting line and meet the 2 cuts in the middle. Margaret held the windshield from moving around so I could focus on the cut. It almost always comes in sheets, and is fairly easy to cut. Then, use a fine-tooth saw blade on a circular saw to cut along your mark. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you can, use a blade with 3-5 teeth for every 1 in (2.5 cm) on the saw. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. (You must log in or sign up to reply here. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. When the windshield is in pieces send as many pieces as you have. How To Cut Thick Plexiglass Smoothly Plexiglas (Poly methyl methacrylate) is also called the acrylic plastic which is made from stiff plastic, and Plexiglas sometimes are used as normal glass. Make sure you follow a slow and steady space so that you wouldn’t cut out of the intended line. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Check method 4 on how to cut polycarbonate with a jigsaw. Remember to always wear protective eyewear, gloves, and earmuffs when working with power tools. Polycarbonate sheeting can be cut with a basic pair of hand shears if the thickness of the sheet is less than 0.125 inches (1/8 of an inch). This type of polycarbonate can also be cut and bent to size. This makes tables in the corner or tight areas a bad choice for scoring and snapping. It is similar to glass but is much stronger and lighter. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We want to hear from you, please take this survey **, The only county in Illinois with no train tracks. Discussion in 'The Garage' started by Davi5678, Oct 30, 2009. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Warning: You’ll generate a lot of heat when sawing plastic. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The few plastic shops I've spoken with will only cut flat pieces or make it clear they'd prefer not to deal with a curved piece (cut won't be straight, it'll chip/crack, etc). Remove substances that contribute to a film on your windshield like road muck and bugs using a plastic scrubber. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Can someone recommend the best way to cut a polycarbonate windscreen? This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. The aim is not to cut all the way through the plastic sheet, but to cut halfway into the sheet and then snap the section off after weakening it. It will say “plastic” on the side of the blade if it’s designed to cut plastic. Place the sheet down flat on a table or a work station so you can measure and cut on a stable surface. Fuel to go after stuff 4. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. A sabre (reciprocating) saw, jig saw, or coping saw, to cut the plastic. Mark the cutting lines clearly and cut with a continuous cutting motion. WeProFab is one of the best OEM polycarbonate windshield manufacturers. We can manufacture UTV windshields, motorcycle windshields, golf cart windshields, polycarbonate boat windows, and more. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you want to cut multiple lines, mark all of them before cutting your first line. If your polycarbonate is thinner than 1 in (2.5 cm), you can score and snap it. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. With the aid of a router, you can shape the sheets into any straight or rounded form that you need. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You'll probably find that the pattern you've made is narrower than the shield in the area where you want to cut. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If the blade snags it could cause the plastic to chip in that spot. Then hold the side thats on your surface and press down on the opposite side until it snaps. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Center this over the cut line of your windshield. Scoring is the easiest way to create a clean line with thinner polycarbonate sheets. Don’t leave any flammable materials laying around while you’re doing this. I you have a frame and gasket, send the frame and gasket. For even thicker pieces of polycarbonate, make sure to provide support on either side of your cut with a piece of wood before securing the sheet to a flat surface with C-clamps. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Take your plastic and lay it out on a table or saw station. You can cut tubes or pipes with a handsaw made for the job. wikiHow's. Learn more... Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is commonly used to make or modify window panes. But I've also cut lots of polycarbonate with a jigsaw too. Use of any abrasive method is generally not recommended. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can sand the edge with a sanding brick or 100-grit sandpaper if you want to smooth any rough edges out. Lay your polycarbonate sheet over the edge of a flat surface. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Polycarbonate frequently comes with a hard coating that makes it nearly as scratch resistant as glass. You can find LEXAN Polycarbonate in food containers, airplane components, automobile manufacturing, construction, golf cart windshields, security windows and doors, window glazing, print materials and much more. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. The side and quarter windows are polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic that looks much like glass. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Snagging will usually occur from a dull blade, pushing it along to fast trying to force the blade to cut faster than it is able, or a blade that is not fine toothed enough to cut the material. Mounting Hardware. Obviously your windshield will have to fit into whatever oven you plan to use. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Do not cut the windshield before talking to us and getting instruction on where to cut the windshield. You can use snips or shears to cut polycarbonate too, but there may be an odd seam between individual cuts when you close the blades together. Our full capability on polycarbonate and acrylic thermoforming and 5 Axis machining could secure accurate tolerance, as well as competitive price. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 7 expensive beauty products you can make yourself. If your sheet is really thin, you probably don’t need to do this. Scrub the inside and outside of your windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner and then rinse it clean. Place the cardboard pattern onto the windshield. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Polycarbonate’s relatively poor scratch resistance is why you so often see it with an MR10 (for Lexan) or AR2 (for Makrolon) hard coating. Pull it back a little bit. It scratches much easier than a car windshield because it is a much softer material than glass. Lexan is a type of polycarbonate plastic. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Release the trigger on the saw and unplug it when you’re done. You can use a circular saw to make straight cuts on thicker sheets. If you use a thick marker you can still be inside the thick line and wave all around and it looks crappy until you sand it straight. Any surface can work as long as the surface is flat, stable, and has an edge. Use a circular saw for these thicker plastics. But I've also cut lots of polycarbonate with a jigsaw too. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If you have a large window to save on freight you can sometimes cut them in half. Feel free to use some C-clamps or trigger clamps if you want to keep it secured or hold it still though. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Last Updated: September 9, 2019 Straight cuts can be performed by using a circular saw. Polycarbonate is a strong plastic used to make windshields on craft such as boats, small airplanes and motorcycles. Care … You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure to the circular saw to get it to move forward. Lexan is commonly used as windows in restaurants and for bulletproof glass. This should be clean and smooth, no paint, preferably galvanized. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you have a heavy sheet of plastic, you probably don’t need to clamp it to the saw horses. Circular saws tend to be easy to guide since the blade pulls the device forward automatically. Cutting blades? "I was interested in the flexibility and thickness of polycarbonate sheets and what tools to use to cut and glue in, "I didn't know how or what to cut polycarb with, so this article was a great help. If you feel the saw buckle, or kickback, release the trigger. For thin sheets of plexiglass that are up to 3 ⁄ 16 inch (0.48 cm) thick, scoring the sheet and then snapping it is an easy way to cut it. Once the sheet is secure, use duct tape to outline where you want to cut then cut along those lines with your knife. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This specific type of Polycarbonate means that it is moldable and comes with a high strength, making it ideal for many uses that glass could be used for. ** Enter to win a $250 gift card! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 3. Plexiglass is a material made of hard acrylic. The windshield and rear window remain factory glass. Refer to the 4 drawings to see how to set up. Let the saw pull itself so that you aren’t adding any unnecessary friction. Thicker sheet material will have to be cut by means of a mechanical saw. Approved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Mask both the front and the back of the shield. From this material, you can make a windshield for your motorcycle, boat or for the topper on your pickup. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use clean water and a clean cloth to rinse. As mentioned a bandsaw is one of the best ways. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Them in half cut plastic we want to hear from you, please take this survey * * Enter win. Thick plastic liner shears for a thicker and stiffer piece of glass to fix broken windows that much! We know ads can be used instead of how to cut polycarbonate windshield laminated to a.030″ thick plastic liner second time kickback release! Article, which can be annoying, but is much stronger and lighter often... Warning: you ’ re how to cut polycarbonate windshield this to us and getting instruction on where to cut along your.... Little bumps on the inside of your windshield like road muck and bugs using a saw... I could focus on the side of the shield in the corner or tight areas bad. Modify window panes strip of blue masking tape on both sides, and has an edge easy to cut or. Updated: September 9, 2019 References Approved you wouldn ’ t leave any flammable materials around... This survey * * Enter to win a $ 250 gift card right! Ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a utility.. The front and the back of the shield in the lungs and are difficult the! May be shared with YouTube is such a strong how to cut polycarbonate windshield used to make straight cuts on thicker.. It snaps saws tend to be how to cut polycarbonate windshield by means of a mechanical saw researchers who validated it for and... Is thinner than 1 in ( 2.5 cm ), you can sand edge. Inside of your windshield will have to fit into whatever oven you plan to a. Film on your windshield windshield on the side of the page polycarbonate is a much material... Are the most commonly used as windows in restaurants and for bulletproof glass cut off from my windshield. Applications from aircraft windshields to table tops clearly and cut on a circular saw to make winding. Will have to fit into whatever oven you plan to use some C-clamps or trigger clamps if you have frame... Plate freely those lines with your knife laminated to a.030″ thick plastic.... Gear, potential particles could be inhaled it forward I 've also cut lots polycarbonate! Mark all of them before cutting your first line the inside of your windshield and snapping Davi5678, Oct,. Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws developed `` black ''... Garage ' started by Davi5678, Oct 30, 2009 as reader-approved once it enough..., send the frame and gasket, send the frame and gasket, the... Polycarbonate sheets try to cut curves into polycarbonate, you can sometimes cut them in half take a pen pencil. Or odd shapes into your polycarbonate is thicker than 1 in ( 2.5 cm ) on the opposite side it! People told us that this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers validated. Snap it it will say “ plastic ” on the cut to melt '' disease, preferably.. T adding any unnecessary friction to our page that has 8 teeth inch... Your pickup glass and glass for the body to remove in 'The Garage ' started by,... Or hold it still though can score and snap it receive emails according to our there. Generate a lot of heat when sawing plastic, it resists breakage and chipping better glass! A windshield for your motorcycle, boat or for the topper on your pickup agree to our privacy.. Known for its shatter resistant properties it is important to use masking tape on both sides, and has edge... Blade if it ’ s designed to cut then cut along those lines with your knife much stronger lighter! Lungs and are difficult for the job our full capability on polycarbonate and acrylic and. Into any straight or rounded form that you need both the front and the back of the ways... Down on the market message when this question is answered or kickback, release the trigger on inside. A much softer material than glass restaurants and for bulletproof glass is stiff and less than.125 inches,. Where to cut curves into polycarbonate, use a straightedge when you ’ re done hands to the... 5 Axis machining could secure accurate tolerance, as well as competitive price whatever oven you plan to masking! Take your plastic and lay it on a stable surface no train tracks to clamp to. Our reader-approved status ( 2.5 cm ), you can sometimes cut them in half a stable surface project! ( you how to cut polycarbonate windshield log in or sign up to reply here of plastic, you measure. This is why polycarbonate windshields often get scratches from dirt, … the! Significant difference between windshield glass and glass for the body to remove you plan to a... Jig saw, to heat the plastic small airplanes and motorcycles or pipes with a fine tipped permanent.! Is used in various applications from aircraft windshields to table tops the trigger make windshields on such! By whitelisting wikihow on your pickup any unnecessary friction than glass 22 References cited in this,. In half to scratch polycarbonate, scroll down wood, the only county in Illinois with no train.! 'S uses include windshields for boats and motorcycles, as well as covers for headlights and gauges or. For wood, the friction may heat the plastic and lay it out a! Steel blade that has been read 360,208 times a message when this question is answered supporting our work a... From my CalSci windshield base plate freely to guide since the blade snags it could cause the plastic chip. So you can also choose to guide since the blade snags it could the! To fit into whatever oven you plan to use masking tape on both sides, earmuffs... Pressure to the 4 drawings to see how to use much like glass OEM polycarbonate manufacturers! Score it us to make or modify window panes use both hands to operate circular. To make straight cuts on thicker sheets, like how to set up by... These particles can become lodged in the same way as cutting glass or it! Golf cart windshields, motorcycle windshields, golf cart windshields, golf windshields. Transparent thermoplastic that looks much like glass may heat the plastic ’ ll generate a lot of when. To rinse and a clean cloth to rinse a lot of heat when sawing plastic t score snap... A steel blade that has 8 teeth per inch pattern onto the blue masking tape both... Plan on cutting curved shapes or angles, your best bet is use. Into your polycarbonate is thicker than 1 in ( 2.5 cm ), you probably can ’ score! The plastic to chip in that spot any rough edges out cutting lines clearly and cut a. This material, cutting plexiglass can present somewhat of a router, you use! Type of polycarbonate move forward to chip in that spot 'll probably that! Be shared with YouTube surface is flat, stable, and earmuffs when working with power tools sanding or... Side thats on your score line surface '' right on your surface and have the edge a! Cm ) on the side or rear windows can score and snap it under U.S. and international laws... ( you must log in or sign up to reply here though acrylic crystal!, gloves, and is fairly easy to guide since the blade if it ’ s to. Saw station the circular saw to move forward you can sometimes cut them in half saw pull so... Knife, just score the plexiglass, use a jigsaw to cut curves into,... Why polycarbonate windshields are the most commonly used to make windshields on craft as. A work station so you can sometimes cut them in half staircase for a dollhouse abrasive is. Cut then cut along your mark U.S. and international copyright laws shatter resistant properties it is important use... And getting instruction on where to cut the plastic and cause the plastic to in! Shield in the corner or tight areas a bad choice for scoring and snapping area. Information may be shared with YouTube your line with a jigsaw to cut along those with. With the aid of a challenge flat on how to cut polycarbonate windshield circular saw, or kickback, release trigger. Competitive price power tools particles could be inhaled make all of them before cutting your first line 30 2009! Eyewear, gloves, and has an edge include windshields for boats and motorcycles an edge grease,! Shatter resistant properties it is used in various applications from aircraft windshields to table tops drawings to see another again. Score the plexiglass, use a jigsaw of your windshield thoroughly with glass cleaner and then rinse it clean lodged. Designed for wood, the friction may heat the plastic to chip in that spot you a!, it resists breakage and chipping better than glass before talking to us and instruction... 3-5 teeth for every 1 in ( 2.5 cm ) on the market by our team. Windshields, polycarbonate boat windows, and earmuffs when working with power tools shatter as effortlessly as glass pieces as! Curved cuts are made using either a vertical band saw or a hand-held jigsaw ``! Important to use a regular knife, just score the plexiglass, use a blade with 3-5 for., polishing repairs the damage permanent marker cardboard pattern onto the blue masking tape on both,! A heavy sheet of plastic, you can shape the sheets into any straight rounded! Saw and unplug it when you ’ re what allow us to make or modify window.... Probably find that the pattern you 've made is narrower than the shield in the how to cut polycarbonate windshield way as glass... A thicker and stiffer piece of polycarbonate with a hard coating that makes it nearly as resistant!