blueman wrote:
I bought a sheet of 48x24" plexiglass at home depot (maybe about 1/8"
thick).

I am trying to cut in 7" slices (each 48" long).
Per the instructions from the Home Depot guy, I bought a blade that is
supposed to score the Plexiglass and then you snap it.

Well, I am having 2 problems.
First, I am finding it hard to score precisely on a straight line
(even though I am following a steel straight edge). The blade keeps
wanting to slip away slightly.

Second, after scoring with several passes, when I snap it, it ends up
breaking only partially along the line (and the rest breaks away at a
short angle).

One solution, would be to just be more careful on scoring the line and
then scoring even deeper with more multiple passes.

Are there any EASIER and MORE accurate ways to cut plexiglass?
Can I use a regular table saw blade (or will it shatter it)?
What about a jigsaw or a dremel?

Thanks

I've used a table saw on plexi. It will be stinky, but it can be done.
I'd recommend taping the line you're going to be cutting.
I think it would be inconvenient to score and break on an 8 foot long
axis, so I'd recommend the table saw.

Otherwise, just put the scored plexi on a pipe or something that runs
the entire length of the score (score side up), then press down on the
plexi with a couple of 2x4s or something, so that the pressure is more
of less equal on either side of the pipe. You might need a helper.

I wouldn't recommend a Dremel (it will just melt it... trust me. :-) ),
but a jig saw with a blade of medium aggression (i.e. not metal
cutting, but not the super jagged either... maybe 10teeth per inch?)
might work.

Personally, I'd go with the table saw. It'll be much faster, and you're
more likely to get a clean cut with a straight edge. I only say the
table saw though because you're doing such long cuts. Usually it's just
easier and faster to score and break it, IMO.

-Nathan