Cutting Teflon Sheets

[brendonv]

I ordered a 1/16" sheet of Teflon today, for a wear part on my log loader between the two booms. The metal that was there was just about 1/32" thick, clapped out.

I need to cut two 3.5" Diameter circles, then a 2" circle in the middle for the bolt.

Will it cut with a razor knife?

 

[Bounce]

I don't know about a razor knife, but I've seen a chainsaw cut through that stuff like butter. Kinda leaves a ragged edge though.

 

[lumberjack]

A square with a kitchen knife would probably be easier.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Hacksaw? Skillsaw? Jigsaw? Circular saw? (All fine blades)

 

[brendonv]

It's so thin though, that's why I was thinking razor knife.

I have an idea of sharpening the end of a 2" pipe, then use it as a punch to punch the center hole. I was thinking the outside can stay a square.

 

[lumberjack]

The pipe idea should work well. The kitchen knife would let you apply more pressure without risking snapping the blade.

Heck, you could likely cut it with scissors

 

[Burnham]

A nice pair of straight cut metal snips will do a fine job.

 

[Al Smith]

You could do it with a gasket punch which is what a sharped pipe would be .See you had it all along .

 

[Husabud]

If a hole in the middle doesn't matter, put it between two thin pieces of plywood and use a hole saw. Just make sure the "sandwich" is squished together tightly. I think you had it all along with the sharpened pipe though and one good solid hit or a press.

 

[flushcut]

If a hole in the middle doesn't matter, put it between two thin pieces of plywood and use a hole saw. Just make sure the "sandwich" is squished together tightly. I think you had it all along with the sharpened pipe though and one good solid hit or a press.

I was just going to suggest that it works well in other plastics.

 

[brendonv]

I thought of that too, with the sandwich. No hole saw though.

I'll try the pipe, it should be here tomorrow I think. Gotta love Mcmaster Carr in New Jersey.

It'd be nice to have a set of gasket punches too. I'm going to look those up.

 

[brendonv]

Geeze, thought of something else. Heating up the 2" pipe.

I'm on a role tonight.

 

[Cobleskill]

If snips do a good job on the outside, red or green handled snips will work well for the 2" hole.

 

[Paul B]

Silky? fine teeth or extra fine teeth should be capable.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I wouldn't waste my Silky on that.

 

[brendonv]

Ended up using a hole saw, my buddy had one in every size up to 6"

Worked perfect.

Problem, in the end 1/16" was too thick. Looking at it now I don't even think 1/32" would fit in between. Durr. I'll keep the ones I made for a stencil if I think I need them in the future for thinner stuff.

Good lesson learned. Learned how to cut it, and learned to buy a micrometer.

 

[lumberjack]

A caliper is probably more all-around useful than a mic.