Glass and Mirrors - cutting light panels

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08-02-00, 03:45 AM
I'm not sure if I'm in the right forum or not but here's my question. In my kitchen I have a small "drop ceiling" which has clear panels and flourescent lights above them. One of the panels cracked and I bought a new one. I found out that the broken one is a little smaller than the new one meaning I will have to cut the new one. Is there a particular way of doing this? Its a thick, hard plastic. I was thinking if I sawed it, it would crack around the cut. Or maybe score it then break it? Please help.

08-02-00, 11:55 AM
PLASTIC FLORESCENT LIGHT DIFFUSERS CAN BE CUT EITHER WAY, BUT FOR BEST RESULTS TAKE IT TO A GLASS SHOP. THE CHARGE WILL BE NOMINAL-PROBABLY LESS THAN A SCORING KNIFE
duallyman2005
11-11-08, 01:25 PM
I'm not sure if I'm in the right forum or not but here's my question. In my kitchen I have a small "drop ceiling" which has clear panels and flourescent lights above them. One of the panels cracked and I bought a new one. I found out that the broken one is a little smaller than the new one meaning I will have to cut the new one. Is there a particular way of doing this? Its a thick, hard plastic. I was thinking if I sawed it, it would crack around the cut. Or maybe score it then break it? Please help.
yesss....I have done the very thing and if you think a razor blade or any sharp object can do it your mistaken...its that funny looking cutting tool by plaskolite or simular...a scoring tool which when u start to score it, with every pass it takes away a thread of plastic...you take a straight edge and start your first score from top to bottom, coming towards you...then after your first score you can actually take away the straight edge as the line and tool are like the old record players and stays on the line...just do 4-6 more passes...make sure you finish off the tops and bottoms...then take the plastic to an edge (I used my desk) with the straight edge to support it and bend carefully...you'll have a nice and professional finish...dont use a utility knife or a razor or saw...the tool works to take away threads of plastic, not cutting..ok? T