Best tool to cut plexiglass

[Cecil]

Right around 5:25, he cuts the acrylic on the band saw and then runs it through the joiner.

[Alan S]

For adolescents with "NO experience in using power tools", a jigsaw with a plexiglass-specific blade sounds best to me.  If they will need a precise and cleaner cut, I agree with clamping it subsequently into a jig for use with a router and flush-trim bit. The person monitoring their jigsaw use will have an easier job than the one monitoring the router.

[Sawdustd]

Thanks all for the recommendations.   I'll try the Bosh plexiglass jigsaw blade on a scrap piece and report out.   The piece to be cut is too wide for a bandsaw and my table saw is put away for the winter.  Shop is closed for the winter and both cars are in the garage.  

Dave

[chizlr40]

i always score it with a sharp box cutter and snap it off, made lots of picture frames like that,clean cut too. use my straight edge to assure clean break.

[Wild Turkey]

 I'll try the Bosh plexiglass jigsaw blade on a scrap piece and report out.   

Dave

If you have to stop in the cut back the saw up a little before stopping and be careful on startup -- the chips, etc can cool and weld blade in place and a too-abrupt start can break the acrylic.

I found that a faster blade speed made for small chips that flew out of the way.

Good luck!