How to cut plastic pallets

For your next DIY project, why not consider using plastic pallets?

Their durability, load-bearing capacity, and ability to withstand temperature changes have made them a useful tool in shipping and distribution.

These qualities can also make them useful repurposed material for home or business projects.

Yet there’s no way you can repurpose them without being able to break them down according to your needs.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to cut plastic pallets effectively and safely.

How to Cut Plastic Pallets with Saws

Amateur and professional craftsmen alike know the value of having the right tools for a project.

Plastic pallets are thick sheets of polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Therefore, they require stronger tools than the common utility knife used to cut thinner sheets of plastic.

The wrong tool will not only result in an uneven cut or a damaged pallet but can be dangerous to the person handling it.

When it comes to how to cut plastic pallets, the best instrument is a saw.

In the world of construction, there are hacksaws, bandsaws, circular saws, and table saws to name a few. Jigsaws are recommended when cutting curved shapes such as circles.

It’s best to choose one which you are accustomed to handling.

Although your choice of saw will depend on your abilities, there are some universally applicable guidelines meant to assist you on how to cut plastic pallets effectively.

First, it’s crucial to use a saw with a blade that’s specifically designed to cut plastic.

Among other benefits, a saw meant to cut plastic won’t generate heat when in use.

Pallets much like the ones offered by ITP Packaging have the capacity to withstand heat around 60℃.

Therefore, if the blade of the saw overheats during use, it risks melting the plastic and damaging your pallet.

Another important feature to consider is the shape of the blade. For an even cut, a serrated edge with teeth evenly spaced apart is recommended.

However, the speed of the blade and the thickness of the blade’s teeth are also considerations for how to cut plastic pallets.

How to Cut Plastic Pallets Safely

In the midst of a project, it’s easy to focus solely on the end product and not damaging your pallet in the process.

However, observing safety guidelines is a necessity when learning how to cut plastic pallets.

Before the saw even contacts the pallet, it’s helpful to mark the parts where you plan to cut.

Additionally, the pallet should be affixed to a surface using grips.

Once you begin using the saw, the vibrations can shift the pallet or the saw, which could result in accidentally cutting yourself.

It’s also important to use gloves and safety goggles as protection against debris. Clearing away the debris and keeping a clean workstation is also a necessary safety measure.

As previously mentioned, pick an instrument that you are familiar and comfortable with.

However, if you don’t know how to operate a saw safely, the best safety advice is to reach out to a professional with the expertise.

Contact ITP Packaging

How to cut plastic pallets is a matter of the right tools and an observance of safety guidelines.

In the same way you can reach out to an expert to help you cut your plastic pallet, you’ll want to depend on experts to source quality pallets.

Contact our team today to learn more about the properties of plastic pallets, and how you can use them in your next project.

For more information on How to cut plastic pallets talk to ITP Packaging Ltd