Q for those who work with acrylics..

[dgrmkrp]

Which type makes a "sweet-soury" gasy cloud when cut?.. as i'm testing some scrap now and i was wondering what it is.. it's hard, doesn't scratch (that) easily and thick.. 5mm i think.. i have some pieces laying around and maybe i'll use it for something.. but the gas, although doesn't make me act silly :twich: seems out of place.. i've cut acrylic before (the kind u find in a cheap case's window) and that wasn't smokin' :)

[gobygoby]

Which type makes a "sweet-soury" gasy cloud when cut?.. as i'm testing some scrap now and i was wondering what it is.. it's hard, doesn't scratch (that) easily and thick.. 5mm i think.. i have some pieces laying around and maybe i'll use it for something.. but the gas, although doesn't make me act silly :twich: seems out of place.. i've cut acrylic before (the kind u find in a cheap case's window) and that wasn't smokin' :)

They all do. Probably do to a dull blade burning more of the acrylic. or pushing it slow through the saw.

but the smell can come from any acrylic, its best to cut (if on a table saw) with an 80 tooth plus blade. Triple chip is even better.

and if its harder, its probably cell cast acrylic. Its harder then extruded.

[Cannibal23]

maybe its scratch resistant lexan. not sure though, i havent worked with lex really at all. not sure how to tell them appart.

[dgrmkrp]

well... i've used this blade before.. it's sharp.. it's very fine.. and it didn't smoke before.. not like this.. see, the mist-like thing stays for a while.. it doesn't lose shape like regular smoke.. and it smells different.. also, is lexan scratch resistant but more breakable.. cause this acts like glass.. i can cut a groove and snap the thing.. and there is a clear edge.. it doesn't chip, but if i heat it too much, it forms cracks.. it might be just tension building up, but it cracks easily..
could it be lexan? :) cause if it is, i didn't even know i had it :) lol

[gobygoby]

hrmmmm....doesnt sound like acrylic. never used lexan.

[b4i7]

havent ever cut lexan with a dremel....but have with a manual milll....didnt really have a smoke to it.....the lexan we used was a really dull finish outside....almost like its frosted...but as machining it it became clear and perfect

[dgrmkrp]

well.. it's a good structural and aestethic material.. i have a small piece anyway.. not enough for a window.. but for a duct or a fan mounting plate.. hmm.. my head doesn't hurt :) and i got a perfect hole too.. well, i'm just curious what it is.. doesn't really influence my experiments :) 10ks guys for helping me in my quest :)

[ClearCaseMan]

it sounds like "petg" a polyester form of acrylic. a cross between acrylic and lexan, supposed to have the best of both worlds hard like acrylic and more flexable than acrylic.

http://www.dupontteijinfilms.com/datasheets/petgpetf.html