Acrylic or Perspex can be used for many different things and are popular materials used to make greenhouses, decorative items, or parts in other objects. However, the problem many people find when working with acrylic or Perspex is that it's difficult to cut. Cutting it can cause cracks you did not intend, and the same thing goes for sawing it. To properly handle working with Perspex, you need to know what methods are preferable when cutting it to make sure you're not putting an unnecessary amount of strain on the material and to make sure you don't break it.

Knife

An easy way to cut Perspex is to use an ordinary knife. You use this by cutting the material numerous times in the same place to form an opening. It's unlikely you'll have the time to cut the material all the way though, as this is a rather time-consuming process to begin with. When you have cut a deep crack in the material, simply bend it over and edge and carefully snap it. This method is only preferable if you're simply parting a piece of Perspex, and only if you have to do it to just one or a few pieces.

Handsaws and blades

If you do have saw it, there are many special blades that you can purchase from plastic fabricators and Perspex suppliers that are made especially for cutting Perspex and acrylic plastic. However, if you don't wish to purchase any special tools for this particular task, you only need to make sure the saw you're using has very small teeth. A simple hand metal saw might be sufficient as long as it's sharp. If you are using a handsaw for this task, you need to take extra care that your movements don't cause the blade to slip, which can create cracks in the material.

Jigsaw

The easiest way to cut acrylic and Perspex is to simply use a jigsaw. As the saw is going forward in a controlled manner, it's less likely to slip than a handsaw. It also makes it possible to cut in different ways than just separate a piece into two, which opens up opportunities to use the plastic for many different purposes. A jigsaw is not a very expensive tool, and it can be used on more materials, which is why it can be an idea to invest in one to use in your home. However, make sure to switch the blade between materials to make sure the plastic isn't damaged by splinters or metal particles that can be left in the saw after you've finished.