RPM for turning Lucite/Acrylic

[Bobostro61]

I searched and read a ton of posts on acrylic and lucite. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see in any of them the suggested RPM's for turning a piece of lucite on a lathe to round it. Any suggestions?

[Growley]

Not sure what RPM, but turn very slow and sharp. I've had the best luck with this method.

[Sasquatch]

I turn lucite rod at about 1250, and sharp is the key. I am also cutting with a 3/8" gouge and not a machine tool, so bear that in mind.

[The Smoking Yeti]

Sas you forgot to mention how you end up picking shards of hard plastic outta your face for weeks to come.

[Sasquatch]

I just don't find it that bad. It's not super fun and you can't peel it out in big 1/8" deep peels like you could ebonite, but if you move slowly, it cuts. One thing I do is knock the sharp square corners off on the sander before putting the piece on the lathe.

[bandkbrooks]

You can also use a hole saw of various diameters to knock off the edges of the square acrylic rod while on the lathe. Being round also helps insure the rod is centered when you flip it around in the chuck. Just do the same from the other side then start your drilling.

I will say I've had to experiment quite a good bit with different speeds for acrylic rods. The sound it makes when chunks come flying off startles me every time.

I occasionally wet the rod to keep it cool. I've had less trouble since starting that. Of course that may ultimately be a useless step but it's been working as far as experimentation goes.

Brandon

[Cory]

I have had the best luck at low speeds and VERY sharp. I turned it at 800 and 1250 and 800 worked better for me. Try not to take too deep of a cut - it is much harder to cut than ebonite and briar. I am using a wood lathe to cut it. I don't recommend using a parting tool. I had the best luck with a gouges and a skew.