Cutting Acrylic...

[commandercup]

I read that when acrylic is burning/melting it releases very small amounts of carbon monoxide and dioxide... are these amounts enough to accumulate and kill you?

Do I need to cut acrylic in a ventilated area? Circulation fan? Small exposure at a time?

Anyone with qualified or credible information on this?

[JC316]

I mean, you probably don't want to cut it in a coffin or something, but I doubt that it would kill you. If you are in a decently sized room, you should be fine.

[blkhogan]

Its not at levels that would cause for alarm, the ppm is still very low in a well ventalated room. The levels of CO & CO2 are minmimal at best. The most exposed area will be right over the cut. Maybe stand to the side and try not to breath in the smoke (it will irritate your lungs). A good "tit" mask will make it a better experience. I would just open a door or a window while burning, other than that not much to worry about except maybe burning your fingers :laugh:

[Thermopylae_480]

Where a face mask and do it outside if you can. Otherwise do it in as large of space as possible. It just isn't a great idea to inhale small pieces of plastic.

[Nitro-Max]

Where a face mask and do it outside if you can. Otherwise do it in as large of space as possible. It just isn't a great idea to inhale small pieces of plastic.

+1 safety first :toast: better to be safe than sorry.

[panchoman]

like everyone else has stated, the ppm levels of co and co2 would be very minimal and only dangerous if you're in a very confined area. its best to have a window or vent open and a face mask would be a good idea to prevent the inhalation of the acrylic dust.

[commandercup]

0_0, I'm in a basement with no airflow... two doors though

however... there is no actual smoke... and the particles aren't going very far towards my face (just scattering around the work since the saw I'm working with has a dust blower)

it just smells bad when I cut... thus I assume something is coming from the cut as the acrylic heats up.

I can't really move my scroll saw around... since its quite a heavy peice of machinery... large circulation fan near it to move the fumes away? would I be fine just using a respirator?

[Thermopylae_480]

Some of the acrylic may melt and burn from blade friction, I would be more concerned with possible carcinogenic organic chemicals which may be emitted in the smoke. Unlike CO and CO2 such chemicals can be harmful in the ppm and ppb range.

Damage caused to lung tissue by irritation small particles is never good, whether it is saw dust, dust from a sand storm, or acrylic. Such irritation increased chances of respiratory ailments and cancer. You can pretend to be a tough guy and not wear such things when sawing any material, but quite frankly it isn't tough, it is just stupid.

The thing you smell is smoke and volatile organic chemicals.

[hat]

You could just hang your shirt over your nose :) lol

[commandercup]

lol, getting a respirator is no problem, I was using a dust mask for minor painting jobs, but 20-30 for a respirator is fine

however... after I'm done cutting... will the fumes just stay there? will they dissipate on their own? is there a problem with the fumes going through my house?

should I just stay away from acrylic? I can probably move just to aluminum or wood

[Thermopylae_480]

I don't think it is that big of an issue. I was thinking just a painters mask and a ventilated area would be more than sufficient. It isn't like you're hacking up asbestos.

[commandercup]

eh... well like I said, I'm in a basement with no natural airflow... large circulation fan at one end of the room? is there something I could setup?

[panchoman]

maybe you want to work outside or somewhere where you can get a window?

[commandercup]

eh, screw that lol, guess I won't be working with acrylic

[Thermopylae_480]

Just do it. Chances are nothing will happen. If you don't cut things on a regular basis it isn't going to be an issue. Most affects are cumulative.

[panchoman]

true that..

[Thermopylae_480]

You have to find the mid-point. Total recklessness without consideration for harmful affects is bad, but living in total fear and not ever doing something because of possible dangerous side affects is not fun, and not a way to live a life.

[commandercup]

eh, it doesn't make much of a difference to me either way, I'll be working with wood and aluminum anyways... so I can just stick with those for now

in the future, I'll be moving to a shed or garage so there will be lots of airflow, I'll just start cutting acrylic then.

thanks for the help though guys!