How to Cut Acrylic Counter Tops

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Dry erase marker

  • Table clamps

  • Circular saw

  • Carbide-tipped, triple-chip saw blade with 60 teeth

  • Safety glasses

  • Dust mask

  • Canned air or air compressor

Acrylic is plastic material that is often clear, but can be other colors as well. While acrylic is widely used as a replacement for glass windows, its thicker forms can be used as counter tops. When you are installing an acrylic counter top, you will have to cut it just as you do with any other counter top material. However, because acrylic is a plastic, care must be used since the wrong saw or blade will melt the edges.

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Step 1

Measure the dimensions of the top of the cabinets where the acrylic counter top will be installed and then transfer the measurements onto the acrylic counter using a dry erase marker.

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Step 2

Place the acrylic counter top on a work table with the marker line hanging off by at least 6 inches. Secure the counter to the table using table clamps placed around the edges of the table and the counter.

Step 3

Install a carbide-tipped, triple-chip saw blade with 60 teeth into the circular saw using the saw's instruction manual. Plug the saw in and put on safety glasses and a dust mask.

Step 4

Turn the saw on and move it slowly toward the marker line on the acrylic counter top. Continue pushing it along at a slow, steady speed until you reach the other side of the counter top. If you notice the edges of the cut melting, you are moving the saw too slowly.

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Step 5

Stop the saw and set it aside. Blow off the surface of the acrylic counter top using canned air or an air compressor to remove all sanding dust. The air will not scratch the surface, which wiping can do.

Tip

If the acrylic counter top still has a protective plastic film on it, do not remove it until after cutting.

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