Log in

View Full Version : Any Makerspace group w/laser cutting locally?


EdFNJ
03-25-2023, 06:32 PM
Looking to get a small piece of 1/16 Plexiglass cut into a clean smooth approx 9" circle which is not easy to do with any type of hand or table saw because it needs to be round and pretty close to perfect to recess into an object.

I was told this could be easily done with a laser cutter which can often be found at Makerspace groups which also have 3D printers and other techie stuff. There is a big Makerspace group in Orlando but would prefer to stay local. I am told and was surprised to find even some libraries in major cities have 3D printers and laser cutters but highly unlikely here.

Anyone know of a club or local Makerspace group that has a laser cutter? Just for a thin piece of plexiglass.

TIA
Ed

villagetinker
03-25-2023, 06:41 PM
I have had some success with my band saw, water as a lubricant and cutting slowly, followed with sanding with very fine sandpaper, and finally a coating of a clear sealer.

Let me know if interested, we can discuss.

badkarma318
03-25-2023, 07:52 PM
Check with whichever sign companies are closest to you - many of them now have laser cutting capability, and they should be able to do that for you in just a few minutes (depending on their current workload). One possible snag - many of them have a minimum $ order, so it may not be cost effective for you. Another possibility would be trophy shops.

daniel200
03-25-2023, 08:16 PM
Do it the easy way. Amazon is your friend:
2 pieces. 9 inch circle. 1/16 inch thick plexiglass
$8

Click the link below:

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Enoin-Acrylic-Plexiglass-Transparent-Paintings/dp/B09BJ2GM9S/ref=sr_1_19?keywords=plexiglass%2Bcircle&qid=1679793219&sr=8-19&th=1)

villagetinker
03-25-2023, 09:32 PM
Do it the easy way. Amazon is your friend:
2 pieces. 9 inch circle. 1/16 inch thick plexiglass
$8

Click the link below:

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Enoin-Acrylic-Plexiglass-Transparent-Paintings/dp/B09BJ2GM9S/ref=sr_1_19?keywords=plexiglass%2Bcircle&qid=1679793219&sr=8-19&th=1)

now why didn't i think of that.... Great suggestion.

EdFNJ
03-25-2023, 09:46 PM
I have had some success with my band saw, water as a lubricant and cutting slowly, followed with sanding with very fine sandpaper, and finally a coating of a clear sealer.

Let me know if interested, we can discuss.

As always your offer is greatly appreciated. and I thank you. I think the size and tolerances are too great where a saw as careful as one may be MIGHT not work vs. the accuracy of a laser. I REALLY has to be round.

Check with whichever sign companies are closest to you - many of them now have laser cutting capability, and they should be able to do that for you in just a few minutes (depending on their current workload). One possible snag - many of them have a minimum $ order, so it may not be cost effective for you. Another possibility would be trophy shops.

Good thought but I think I found a "volunteer" group in Orlando I can mail the small piece to who can help vs. a commercial outfit. I once needed a small part 3-D printed which I had the STL file (printer data) for and went to a commercial outfit who wanted like $40 minimum then found a guy on Etsy I have since used a few times who did it for $5 + shipping.

Do it the easy way. Amazon is your friend:
2 pieces. 9 inch circle. 1/16 inch thick plexiglass
$8

Click the link below:

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Enoin-Acrylic-Plexiglass-Transparent-Paintings/dp/B09BJ2GM9S/ref=sr_1_19?keywords=plexiglass%2Bcircle&qid=1679793219&sr=8-19&th=1)

As the silly local TV commercial goes: "almost perfect, almost perfect, almost perfect". :D I had seen that but need a bit less than 9" (like 8 9/16") with barely any tolerance on the + side 9" would have sadly been a bit too big as it has to recess into the item and also I need it in black. :(. I did order a 12x12x3/16 black piece of plexiglass from Amazon. They are quite often "my friend" ! :D

Woodguy
03-26-2023, 06:59 AM
PM me, I think I can help you

EdFNJ
03-26-2023, 11:12 AM
PM me, I think I can help you

Thank you kindly but I found someone with a laser cutter to accomplish what I need.

Ed


@MODS. Topic may be closed. Thanks to all for your help.

Notsocrates
03-27-2023, 07:53 AM
Looking to get a small piece of 1/16 Plexiglass cut into a clean smooth approx 9" circle which is not easy to do with any type of hand or table saw because it needs to be round and pretty close to perfect to recess into an object.

I was told this could be easily done with a laser cutter which can often be found at Makerspace groups which also have 3D printers and other techie stuff. There is a big Makerspace group in Orlando but would prefer to stay local. I am told and was surprised to find even some libraries in major cities have 3D printers and laser cutters but highly unlikely here.

Anyone know of a club or local Makerspace group that has a laser cutter? Just for a thin piece of plexiglass.

TIA
Ed

It's actually easy with a bandsaw using a fine blade and a homemade jig rotating the plastic on a nail in wood clamped on the saw. The distance of the nail from the blade is the radius of your circle. Drill a hole in the plastic to allow a 4p nail to pass through. Buff after sanding for a perfect finish.

airstreamingypsy
03-27-2023, 07:54 AM
Why don't you just buy a cut one on Amazon?