QA

How To Cut Plastic Molding

Make your angle cut using a miter box. Use the built-in gauge on the base of the miter box to set the angle for the cut. Place your plastic molding against the backstop of the tool and either clamp it or hold it firmly in place. Move the hand saw back and forth to cut through the molding at the desired angle.

What is the best way to cut plastic trim?

Cut with carbide-tipped saw blades and bits Cut PVC trim boards with the same hand and power tools that you use for wood. But use only carbide-tipped saw blades; plain steel ones will dull quickly. In general, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut edges will be. We recommend standard combination saw blades.

Which tool is used to cut plastic moldings?

The three best types of saws for cutting thick plastic are a fine-toothed saw, a jigsaw, and a table saw. A fine-toothed saw works best for precision plastic cutting.

How do you cut plastic trim without melting it?

To make straight cuts on thicker sheets of acrylic and polycarbonate plastic (greater than ⅛ inch thick), you’ll need to use a table saw or circular saw. Use blades designed specifically to cut plastic, which are often packaged as “No Melt” blades.

Can a box cutter cut plastic?

Using only a box cutter and a ruler (and a clamp if you need one) you too can cut plastic. You should never take the protective film off of your plastic until the last possible minute to avoid scratches.

Can you cut plastic molding?

Plastic molding and trim are impervious to moisture, making them resistant to termites, rot, mold, warping, cracking, and splintering. Plastic molding can be cut using the same tools as wood and don’t require sanding.

Will Home Depot cut plastic for you?

No. Home Depot does not cut glass, metal, or composite/plastic materials, however, some composites such as trim or PVC can be cut by hand in the Millworks Dept. on their cutting table by the customers themselves or an associate.

Can you cut PVC with a wood hand saw?

A hand saw is the most common way to cut PVC pipe, but can be a little messy. You can use almost any kind of saw, but a hacksaw is best as it gives you much more flexibility.

Can you cut PVC with a hand saw?

Hand Saw Using a hand saw is the most common way of cutting a PVC pipe because the tool essentially does all of the work for you. Like the plastic pipe cutter, hand saws are relatively inexpensive to buy. You can use nearly any kind of saw, but a hacksaw is best, as it affords much more flexibility.

Can you cut plastic molding with a miter saw?

You can cut the molding in the miter box by inserting a miter saw through the angled slit in the box, or you can remove it and cut along the line with the circular saw at the needed angle.

What saw blade cuts plastic?

Plastic cutting blades, also called “acrylic cutting blades,” are similar to wood cutting blades, but they typically have more teeth. Wood blades average around 40 teeth while plastic blades have around 60. They cut through plastic, acrylic, and soft, non-ferrous metals.

Can you use a dremel to cut plastic?

The Dremel 561 cuts hard wood up to 3/8″ and soft wood up to 5/8″. Also cuts plastics, fiberglass, drywall, laminate, aluminum and vinyl siding.

Can you cut plastic with a hacksaw?

Depending on the type of plastic you need to cut through, use a fine-toothed saw, a hacksaw, or a non-melting table saw blade. You can also drill small holes to make the plastic easier to cut through, or slice through thick plastic with a piece of string.

How do you cut plastic without power tools?

You can use a hacksaw, fine-toothed saw, circular saw, or jigsaw to cut plastic. If you use a hacksaw or circular saw, you’ll also need a plastic cutting blade. Avoid using saws or blades with large teeth because they will chip or break the plastic and create rough edges.

What do you use to cut a plastic box?

Using a Hand Saw The important thing is to use a fine-toothed blade. You can use a hacksaw, hand jigsaw, or fine-toothed saw. Although it will take some work and muscle power, a hand saw is perhaps the best way to get a clean cut without breaking, snapping, or melting your plastic.

How do you cut plastic with scissors?

If you’re cutting thin plastic, like a soda bottle or soft sheet, you can use scissors. Make sure that you’re firmly holding your plastic in your non-dominant hand and cut carefully, using a flat surface to brace your plastic. Never cut directly next the hand you’re holding the plastic material in.

Can you cut plastic with a soldering iron?

I don’t know if anyone else does this or not, but soldering guns/irons work really well for cutting plastic. Just let it get good and hot, and it cuts through the plastic like a hot knife through butter.

Should I nail or glue PVC trim?

PVC trim boards tend to expand and contract with temperature changes, so you must fasten them well. Drive screws or nails into the framing, never just the sheathing.

How do you cut PVC trim with a miter saw?

How to Cut PVC Trim Measure the size of the trim board to be cut using a tape measure; write down the measurement on a piece of paper. Set the miter saw on a work table so it is steady and does not sway or rock. Plug in the miter saw and grasp the lever. Repeat this procedure for the other pieces of trim.