Jigsaw

Viv · 03-18-2006, 12:17 AM

ok, don't know much about power tools and need a jigsaw to cut through the "very high density polypropylene cutting board". Its antimicrobial and I have about 6 sheets that have to be cut. What kind of jigsaw do I need to get with what kind of blade? The board is about 3/4 in. thick. The sheets are 18x24. Any other equip. needed? Like sand paper for the cut edge? Or is that just not an issue.

Geoff · 03-18-2006, 07:32 AM

have never tried to cut it with a jigsaw, but cutting it with a table saw was a bugger. it melts very easily so keeping the blade cool is important. an agressive blade did seem to work better than a blade supposedly good for plastics.

G~

Wiskey · 03-18-2006, 08:04 AM

It worrys me that your cutting board is antimicrobial, that sounds like it might reek havic on your tank.

Whiskey

Wiskey · 03-18-2006, 08:05 AM

I cut mine with a black and decker jigsaw, and an aggressave blade (big teeth), I also used a skill saw for the longer cuts, with an agressave blade too.

A good hand saw should work as well if you want to save some $.

Worked great,
Whiskey

crvz · 03-19-2006, 12:01 AM

I just cut a 1/2 inch board using a dewalt jigsaw with a down cutting laminates blade for some detailed cuts, but then ripped it with a table saw using a 7 1/2" blade with 80 teeth (designed for plastics, what i'm assuming is considered "unagressive?"). When complete, i didnt have to finish the sides at all. If you can go slow with the cuts, they should come out fine.

Geoff · 03-19-2006, 06:26 AM

Viv- is it polypropylene or polyethylene? mine was HDPE, high density polyethylene. polypropylene is a breeze to cut. much more solid, behaves a lot like wood. HDPE was much softer and had to be more carefull with.

G~

Viv · 03-19-2006, 05:46 PM

It says, "Very High Density Polypropylene Cutting Board" Antimicrobial-antibacterial properties will ihibit growth of bacteria, but will not protect against food borne bacteria or germs. The agents are incorporated into cutting board during mannufacture and will not wash away with use" For Professional Food service use. Polysafe. Non porous , non absorbent .... it show a picture of a chef cutting a tomato on it.
As I don't have a jigsaw nor a table saw and have some cutting to do, I really don't know if/what I need. I do have a hack saw and regular saw, but these barely make a dent or maybe I'm just not strong enough. Plus I have to make a long cut and thing the regular saw will get caught and difficult to move when I get to the middle of the sheet.

Viv · 03-19-2006, 05:51 PM

I have sheets of styrene (the stuff you use with overhed lights) in sheets-would this be better? It is very thin, opaque. This could be easily cut as just a plastic tool could be used and snapped after scoring. The cutting board is 3/4 inch thick.

Loverotties · 03-19-2006, 05:51 PM

Rotozip it!

Viv · 03-19-2006, 05:53 PM

What is a Rotozip and who makes it, and where can I get one? Thanks

Viv · 03-19-2006, 05:59 PM

Sorry, just found it at Home Depot, I'm on my way there! Thanks for your help.

Viv · 03-19-2006, 08:42 PM

Got the RZ20. This looks like just what I need. Will try the cutting with the Sabrecut bit. Its a mlti-purpose bit that the manufacture recommends for plastics. I'll let you know how it does just as soon as I read all the booklets on how to use the drill and give it a try. Thanks again for your help and recommendations!

tdwyatt · 03-22-2006, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viv

It says, "Very High Density Polypropylene Cutting Board" Antimicrobial-antibacterial properties will inhibit growth of bacteria, but will not protect against food borne bacteria or germs. The agents are incorporated into cutting board during mannufacture and will not wash away with use" For Professional Food service use. Polysafe. Non porous , non absorbent ...

Hmmm...

very concerned about these substances in a reef tank.

Viv, a good hand saw with a pair of c-clamps will make cutting this much easier for you if you're not familiar with power tools. Soft plastics tend to melt rther than cut, leading to your power tool grabbing the plastic at times.

Where do you live?