Cutting Polycarbonate Tubes?

[HowdyNeighbour!]

I have got some polycarbonate tube stock I need to cut down to size cleanly, perpendicular and to a precise length. Not sure if to use the table saw or band saw or something else? I've got a metal chop saw but not sure if this is going to be too powerful and lead to shattering. Any advice on how to do this safely without cracking or causing too much burring/furring on the exit cuts?

 

[Bingy man]

Not a fan of cutting plastic with power tools - so imo the table saw is not good as I don’t believe the blade would be fine enough,,, similar story with a chop saw . I think the best option is your bandsaw if you can get a suitable blade and the speed is suitable. Most plastic - poly carb ,, Perspex ,, or plastic cladding etc I cut with a fine tooth handsaw . The only powertool I’ve used without causing burning etc is a variable speed multi tool . All plastic reacts differently ( age , type , thickness, temperature etc ) so it’s likely you will need to try a few and go with what gives you the best results.. good luck ..

 

[Lorenzl]

You will have to watch out for it snatching and causing cracks.

You could make a simple cutting jig by making a U shape and a slot at 90deg for a hand saw. I was always told never to cut anything round on a bandsaw. But people do get away with it.

 

[Sideways]

I have cut polycarb sheet, 6 or 8mm thick.
Tool of choice was a tracksaw with the speed dialled down and probably an aluminium / plastic blade,I forget.
I would prefer a sliding mitre saw for tube but with the speed reduced to prevent excess heat / melting.
A bandsaw won't give a clean enough cut.
Polycarb is an impact resistant plastic. It won't shatter like perspex / acrylic but it is soft and there's a risk of melting.

 

[BillK]

I found with a bandsaw that fine tooth made for melting & re-forming, grabbing behind the blade and re-formed chips sticking together down the table insert. A coarser blade and going through quickly worked better, not giving time for the melting & re-forming. Not a neat cut or accurate though. This would usually be 6 to 12mm sheet.
Cut to size stuff looks like some type of circ/table saw pattern on the cut edges, there must be blades that suit it.