table saw & acrylic blanks

[talbot]

Until now, Ive used the bandsaw to cut acrylic and PR blanks but I want a cut that will leave no marks on the blank making segmenting less time consuming. Ideally I'd like to use in cross cut and rip cut mode.
Is it safe to run them through the table saw or is that a bad idea?
regards, Bill

 

[jkeithrussell]

I cut acrylics, PR, alumilite, wood, corian, tru-stone, and pretty much anything else on the table saw. You just need to use a good blade and a fence and/or sled with proper clamps or hold-downs. Table saws are no more or less dangerous than band saws -- just depends on how it is used. The band saw will give you a smooth edge if you use a thin blade and cut slowly. You can always touch up the edges on a belt sander.

 

[Rmartin]

I use a 90 tooth plastics blade on my chop saw, but the right blade would work fine on a table saw.

 

[talbot]

Thanks for the replies gents, much appreciated.
regards, Bill

 

[randyrls]

Is it safe to run them through the table saw or is that a bad idea?
regards, Bill

Bill; I'll add that you can use a 7-1/4" circular saw blade for a thin kerf. Feed slow and steady. Put hold-downs on both sides of the cut and you should be OK.

 

[DurocShark]

A small sled is ideal for making these cuts.

 

[talbot]

Thank you Don and Randy.
regards, Bill

 

[programmergeek]

I use a incra 1000se with the slead and a clamp, and a woodworker II blade on the table saw, works like a champ. If you are doing plastic though a plastic blade with a negitive rake might be recomended.