Jigsaw on perspex...splinter

ankles

I need to cut a few windows for a shed. I have bought two sheets of perspex now but every time I use the jigsaw the perspex splinters, I am using the softest blade, at a slow speed. but I'm getting nowhere. Now I have never used a jigsaw before so not the easiest to start with, but can anyone point out the obvious thing I am doing wrong. Oh, I am just laying the perspex on a couple of planks and holding it while I saw, don't have vices or anything. Help please

altor

ankles wrote: »

I need to cut a few windows for a shed. I have bought two sheets of perspex now but every time I use the jigsaw the perspex splinters, I am using the softest blade, at a slow speed. but I'm getting nowhere. Now I have never used a jigsaw before so not the easiest to start with, but can anyone point out the obvious thing I am doing wrong. Oh, I am just laying the perspex on a couple of planks and holding it while I saw, don't have vices or anything. Help please

Try using a different blade with fine teeth on it..

homerhop

dont have the blade at a slow speed and keep the line you are cutting to as close to the edge of the plank you are supporting it on

CJhaughey

Tape the area where you are cutting with masking tape and cut through the Tape, Or leave the paper on it until you are ready to cut. (cut inside the house where it is warm)
If you can get a sheet or two of ply or any other flat surface stack them so that you have a gap of 1cm lay the perspex on top and cut down the gap.
Any movement will likely result in cracking