question on cutting down windshield

[DesertDragonRider]

I want to cut my windshield down about an inch or more? What blade do I need on a Jigsaw as far as teeth? I think maybe a 24 TPI (Teeth per inch) , is that right?

[old2soon]

Fine tooth and some are cutting thru the blue painters tape after the layout. Double and triple check your measurements and go easy on the cut. You will have to sand off the edges when yer done. Keep in mind-once you cut it off it are GONE.  And keeping the portion being cut still and stable makes for a much smoother cut. Unless you have an old windshield like I did it's damn near impossible to practice first.  Be careful take your time measure twice cut once.  Good luck with your project. RIDE SAFE.

[ricoman]

many have done it
here's a link that may help
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,12905.msg107595.html#msg107595

[DesertDragonRider]

Thanks guys! The fine blade is the 24TPI ! Should have kept my old shield to practice on, oh well!

[Farther]

I used a blade marked for use on plastic for straight cuts.  So there may be one available for curved cuts.  Get the curved cut one so you are not fighting the blade wanting to go straight.  The finished cut was way better than I expected and required just a little touch-up with my palm sander and very fine sand paper.

[Patrick]

Depending on how much you need to shorten it, a little bracket that pushes the bottom of the shield out/forward can lower it a few inches.

No matter how many times I cut mine, it was still too short ! 

[Jabba]

I found that a rotozip worked better for me.  It got the plastic away and kept the whole thing cooler, and didn't make the shield bounce.  When I used a sabre saw... I broke the shield.  When I used a roto-zip, I did not. 

YMMV

Jabba

[Farther]

Depending on how much you need to shorten it, a little bracket that pushes the bottom of the shield out/forward can lower it a few inches.

With only an inch to remove you should seriously consider this before cutting the shield.  There was also a post awhile back on how to gently bend the bottom support to accomplish the same. 

[Bocephus]

Dremel tool works great. Have cut 2 windshields and no busted ones yet.

[Chiefy]

I used a fine blade in a sabre saw easy-peasy. 

I put several strips of tape on the WS and drove around trying to find exactly where I wanted the cut to be.  I carefully marked it exactly where I wanted it, and it's a little too short now.  Oh well, the old height had the top exactly in the middle of my vision, like a pair of bifocals, so this is better.

After I cut it, I picked up some helmet buffeting.  I was going to buy a set of Baker Wings anyway.  They tuned out the buffeting, so all is well.

[Raider]

Seems like a fine blade band saw would be best.  You've got to have someone close by with a band saw.  If not, it's a great excuse to get one!

[ricoman]

Seems like a fine blade band saw would be best.  You've got to have someone close by with a band saw.  If not, it's a great excuse to get one!

Using a bandsaw would mean taking the windshield off the bike. That may be OK for an IS.
That is not the best way to cut it down for a Std. or Tourer. Horsing the chunk of plastic around the bandsaw blade would be awkward at best and maybe a bit risky.
I'm thinking using a Dremel like Bocephus did would do really well.

[shortleg]

  What kind of blade did you use on the roto-zip.

       Shortleg[Dave]

[Jabba]

  What kind of blade did you use on the roto-zip.

       Shortleg[Dave]

I don't remember... but it would cut the plastic and throw it out of the way so it didn't get hot and melt things.  It worked really well.  It MUST have been just a standard cutting bit.  All I can remember buying for it are those and sheetrock bits.   

Jabba