Bits for plexiglass

[BPACH]

I am trying to do some half tones drawings into Plexiglass and Lexan. I want to go about .050 deep so that I can edge light it. Can anyone recommend bits and cut speeds? I have tried with the 60 degree Vcarve starter bit, but it tends to melt plastic on the tip and stop cutting.

[dcruze]

I am cutting a piece of 3/16 acrylic for edge lighting right now and in my testing I am using a 90 degree 1/2" v-bit, 21000 rpm and .3 in/sec. This sound wrong, but it is giving me the best cut without melting.

What are you using for the edge lit base? I can't find anything premade so I am makeing my one. The base takes longer to make than the sign.

[BPACH]

We are using strip LED lights. We cut a frame and make a groove for the lights.

[robtown]

There's two types of acrylic (Plexiglas), cell cast and extruded. It's been a while, but if memory serves cast is better for routing, extruded tends to melt and bunch up on the bit.

If you're cutting cast acrylic, then just good quality carbide tooling should bring you some joy.