Cutting Plexi-glass or Acrylic

[Greg Cothern]

Anyone have any experience in cutting either Acrylic or Plexi-glass?  The Shield on my Valk is a bit taller than I would like and wider (it is an aftermarket big shield) and I would like to trim it down some.
I could always buy a new replacement stock shield but hate to spend the extra money if I could trim this one.
Thanks.

[Curtis_Valk]

Greg,
There are usually folks looking for a wider, taller shield on the other valk forums (VRCC and Delphi).  If I were you I'd just buy what you want and sell the other one to recoup some of the cost.  There also was a guy that made custom Lexan sheilds for the I/S, but I don't know if he is still around over there (delphi).  He would definately know the best method of cutting and finishing.

I usually swap back to my stock windshield this time of year, but have not had time yet.  If you want to try out my stocker for a week or so let me know.  Then after I swap to my stocker, you can try out my Tulsa.  That might give you an idea what you want in a shield.  Sounds like an excuse to get together, huh?

Curtis

[Magna 4 Me]

Greg, when I got my Magna there was an obtrusively (sp) large windshield on the bike that just didn't fit right.     The lower part that went around the turn signals was especially ugly to me so I took some masking tape and covered that area and sketched in the shape I wanted and then chucked up a small drill bit and used my drill like a router and cut it to the shape I wanted.     This takes a very steady hand and patience.  Don't know if you want to try that with the upper part without having a new one to put on, if you totally screw it up?  A router would work in place of a drill.  I eventually took the whole thing off and threw it away and got something I liked and was made to fit the bike.  

[MagnaRock]

Following the instructions I found on-line somewhere, I cut two inches off the windshield on my 94 magna using a band saw. Swing the arc you need with string and magic marker or template and mask the outside surface well to avoid marring by the saw table.   Finish the rough edge with a common file and medium foam sanding block.  When it was done, the edge had a smoother finish than the rest of the original edge.  Would still be using it today, but it was trashed in a relatively low speed gravel induced get-off in a corner on Wayah Road a couple years ago.

[John Faubion]

Greg,
Lexan can be cut a number of ways. A band saw is probably the best tool but a hand held jig saw will work as well. Use a fine tooth blade, slow speed and mask both sides with a couple of layers of wide masking tape. This will help keep the edges from chipping as bad. Once done with the cut you can use 240-320 grit sand paper to smooth the cut. To get a really smooth edge, once the sanding is done take a propane torch and run a flame lightly along the edge. This will cause the ridges made while sanding to to flow together and create a very smooth edge. Done properly the edge will be as clear as the surface. Of course you might want to try this on the piece you cut off until you get the hang of it. Better to mess that one up than the big one.  

[Curtis_Valk]

Greg,
Once you get up the courage to make the cut, you are welcome to come over and use my bandsaw if that is what you decide to try.  Also, I was thinking about bringing my stock windshield next weekend and let you try either it or my Tulsa.

Curtis

[Greg Cothern]

Curtis, I might not cut this one, you sparked a thought about listing it for sale or having a second one for summer use and keep this one for winter use.
I am seriously thinking of looking for a stock piece.  I assume that it has 4 or 5 bolts holding it on?  I have not taken it off to see, LoL.

[Curtis_Valk]

Ya, the bolts that hold the windsheild are behind the chrome valance.  You have to take the back shrouds off to access the valance bolts.  The shroud screws are notorious for galling and cross threading and pulling out the brass inserts.  Put some Never-Seize on them before you put them back in.  Kind of a hassle, that's why my Tulsa is still on in July......LOL.

Curtis