As far as I'm concern it really doesn't matter as long as you grip it on the grub screw some people tighten up on the end and then move the blade down to get a bit more new blade and then adjust the height to get even more but I just throw them. there cheap enough just keep the odd one to clean out the holes where needed. Merry Christmas Roly
Make sure your table is slick and clean to spin the job and nice and slow don't rush it, let the blade do the work. Draw some curves and sharp corners on a piece of scrap and have a practice first. have fun Roly
You will have to use a large blade to cut perspex or acrylic as you say I'm sure they do one for plastics otherwise it closes up behind the blade.
Been there, done that. lol Roly
Hi Sherry a big WELCOME from me. There's a lot of Phantoms hiding in the shadows don't it feel good to come out and join in with some great people world wide who all do the same craft.
Have Fun and God Bless Roly.