Advice please

I am going to build a 'cactus house' using Twinwall polycarbonate sheets, and I would like to know what's the best thing to cut them with.
Any advice gratefully appreciated, than you.

 

Me being me ,I just use a tenon saw, fine tooth saws are best.
I guess most people now would use some kind of electric saw but I've not tried that.
Worst part is trying to get the saw dust out before sealing the ends.

 

What @pete said is true. Fine toothing (use blades for metal cutting) and set it to maximum precision instead of speed. And maybe make a few test cuts before starting for real.

There are other systems out there but this should work fine.

Edit: stupid me. I meant you can use an electric jigsaw for cutting. Otherwise what I wrote makes no sense...

 

@Michael Hewett , what thickness are you talking about 4mm or 10mm ?

For 4 mm a sharp stanley knife will probably be best, for thicker then like pete, found a hand saw easier to use on 10mm when cutting to length.
Easier if you have good flat work bench and a pair of extra hands to hold the sheets down as you cut.

Before sealing the ends properly (important to stop condensation and algae/moss growing inside) use an air compressor or vacuum cleaner to remove the swarf that collects inside the sections due to static.

When fitting we added a thin bead of clear 'builders' silicone to the frame as well as using glazing clips.
Also on lengths where there are no frame cross members about every 2 to 4 foot we added a bar up against the sheet so it could not bow as readily in strong winds.

 

Thanks for all your replies, very useful

@pete and @Black Dog I've got a tenon saw but it is very rusty. I may buy another one and make sure it has fine teeth. I haven't got an electric saw and it wouldn't be worth my while getting one because I don't do much DIY.

@ricky101 it's 4 mm . I won't be using clips because I am going to build the frame from wood so I'll have to use those things that screw in.
What do you use to seal the ends please ?

 

Its called Breather tape, sold by by a few places, though its normally used on 10mm+ sheets though never seen anything suggested for 4mm, though the same principle should apply.
You just have to be careful not to put a hole in it when fitting the sheet.
Wickes Anti-dust Polycarbonate Tape - 28mm x 10m | Wickes.co.uk
Its suggested you use a Solid tape for the top of the sheet and a Breather tape on the bottom edge.


There is a joiner strip around that you might find handy on long roofing lengths.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teknorm-Po...onate+joining+strip+4mm&qid=1618257979&sr=8-1

If heat insulation is keynote for long term use, then the extra cost of using 10mm is worth it, plus its so much stronger against wind and impacts.

 

Thanks for your help @ricky101 I shall get those tapes.
I've got the 4mm sheets now, they were delivered yesterday, although I did debate whether to get the 10mm but thought it would be more difficult to use,. Anyway, never mind, if I have to replace some I'll get the 10mm in the future.

 

Oopps, think I made a mistake. When I was talking about the saw, I meant an electric JIGSAW. Guess there are still a few things for me to learn...

 

Me too