trimming windshield?

[taxidermyguy]

I need some ideas. My two windshields on my 14' bayliner are damaged on the top 4", I would really like to cut them down 4" to get rid of the damage, plus they are too high for my liking anyway. Can I cut these (plastic shields) down, and if so what kind of saw should I use so it wont splinter.

any info greatly appreciated!

[Jeremy airjer W]

If they are Acrylic a Roto-Zip would probably work pretty slick. Same with Lexan (if its flat lexan it can be scord and then bent along the score and it will break clean - THIS DOES NOT WORK ON ACRYLIC!) . A jig saw with a fine blade should also work. Put masking tape on the plastic before you cut to protect it from getting scratch by the tool of choice. Any ruff edges or burs can be cleaned up with a file or sandpaper. They actually make a tool just for this. If you get really daring you can use a small torch to make the cut edge smooth. I would recommend lots of practice before attempting on the good piece .

I have also used a circular saw and a table saw with a standard carbide tipped blade to cut sheets of Acrylic, Sintra (expanded PVC),and Polystirien (not sure on the spelling of that stuff) You need a special blade for Lexan

[Fisher Dave]

BE VERY CAREFUL if you try to cut that thing.. I highly recommend not using a roto zip for safety.. I have worked a lot with cutting acrylics and it can have an attitude... It has a tendency to *grab* circular bits.. I would hate to hear it did something unpredictable and you had a router bit impail some part of your body.

I guess I would recommend a portable band saw with a fine blade and give that a try...

The easiest alternative would be to buy new ones and pu them on your existing counsels..

Get in contact with Valv.. he has all kinds of stuff around there.. good prices and a heck of a good guy to boot.

[Valv]

Dave,

thanks for the referral, I was watching this too, unfortunately Bayliner windshields are very proprietary and tough to come by. I had something similar but not quite exactly.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I've cut Acrylic with the Roto-Zip and it worked great. Just take it slow and easy. On flat sheets I've used a straight edge And have had nice clean cuts. Freehand is a little tricky but is not difficult. I always try everything on a piece of scrap just to get use to the tool. I guess the only thing I would be worried about is that the plastic is brittle from age, if thats the case it won't matter what you use. If it grabs it will probably crack it.

I've used the spiral saw on everything from tile, sheetrock, plaster, wood, laminate, ceiling tile, and plastics. The only time I've broken a bit is when I hit a nail in a peice of wood. You just have to be careful and smart, just like any other power tool. Let the tool do the work, if you have to force it something is wrong!

Taxidermyguy, I'll be around all weekend. If you want a hand give me a shout. I'm just minutes north of you, And I'm always looking for an excuse to dig out the toys.

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