2018 Best in DIY – Cordless Circular Saws. That also allows the smaller cutoff piece to move aside slightly as you finish the cut, so you can finish the cut cleanly, without binding.  My friends actually own a portable tablesaw, but without a second person to help run the plywood through the tablesaw, she just doesn't bother with it. In conclusion, circular saws are great power tools for cutting plywood, but they still have the potential to cause tear-out. You only have to clamp the ends. Use a straightedge clamp as a saw guide. If you don't have access to power tools, you'll … Set the guide the measured distance from the cut line. That way you're sure to get solid, stable support so the plywood won't move, even if you have to climb on top of it to complete your cut. Â. And you don't have to bend or stretch into an awkward position. Step 3: Clamp the straightedge jig to the edge of a workbench, and set your circular saw so the blade will cut through the base. Remember to allow for the thickness of the saw blade. Retest until the guide is positioned just right. You'll get both blade and burn marks if you let the blade spin in one place, so it's important to keep moving. My favorite is the 40-tooth carbide blade. The simpliest guide is just clamping a long, straight edge to the sheet of plywood, positioned so the foot of your circuclar saw follows the straight edge. Here's How to Cut Plywood with a Circular Saw, Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls, Frameless Bookshelf Customizeable Sizes Template, Trimmed and ready for Christmas - Dollhouse, our modified version of printers sideboard. Generally, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut. Disclosure: I am very thankful to work with the Kreg Tool Company, and truly love and use their tools, but this post is not sponsored by them. We show you out seven best tips for making smoother, straighter and more accurate cuts on big sheets of plywood. The large size and the weight of plywood also makes it difficult to cut a full sheet directly on the table saw. There are basically 2 ways to cut plywood by hand: (Quickest option) Mark up the line you want to cut, and hold your saw … Then, simply run the circular saw and sled down the Accu-Cut to make the cut. Manage your saw cord so it doesn't snag and pull the saw off line. Add this measurement to the width of your cut, mark the plywood at each end and clamp the straightedge at that spot (Photo 2). (I've had that happen more than once!) Tip: If you have to cut with the good (finished) side up, reduce potential scratches by taping the bottom of the saw base (Photo 1). The rubber grips on … Copyright 2009-2011 Ana White/Ana White.com. (We made a dark line for photo clarity.) However, with the other blades, pressing a layer of masking tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering. Place the plywood on a set of sawhorses. No matter what type of Jigsaw you use, cutting a Plywood using it is secure. Measure from the edge of the blade to the edge of the base plate. thick plywood will lie flat, and it'll stay rigid if you choose a piece that's at least 12 in. That assumes that the blade is sharp. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the blade that came … It's also a good time to check the blade for chipped or missing teeth. Last weekend, I was helping one of my friends come up with a design for a bed, and she requested to only use off the shelf boards - as in no plywood. A circular saw, or skill saw, is a common tool used to cut plywood. Use the right blade, and use it properly. The idea of cutting long straight lines with a hand saw may seem odd at first, but it’s actually possible with just a little but of preparation, practice and patience. Since 2009. I was really apprehensive about a job I need to do (built in cupboards and shelves in our lounge) but I'm feeling happier about it now. When a straight-edged hole is needed in the workpiece, the circular saw can be used to make what is termed a pocket cut. This setting lets the teeth shear the wood fiber rather than chop it, and it helps stabilize the blade (less vibration). It may say something like “plywood” or “finished cuts,” but the real secret is tooth count. Cut the excess plywood along 8 ft. of the 1 x 4's length, trimming the larger side of the plywood. Then measure to the edge of the nick to double-check your measurements. This is where working on the floor pays off for long cuts. This is especially true if you cut particleboard. Set up the work area. However, if you have a project that calls for a lot of fine cuts in expensive plywood, don't hesitate to buy the special 56-tooth laminate-cutting blade. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Draw a fine pencil line about 2 in. It’s an incredibly easy, precise, and affordable way to break down large panels for almost any project. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 9 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Inside During the Winter, Get Precise Circular Saw Cuts With This Simple Hack, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. You can buy straightedges at home centers and hardware stores, but for long cuts I almost always use the “factory cut” edge on a strip of 3/4-in. I build and share smart, stylish diy projects. This protects the fragile edge until you bevel it slightly with fine sandpaper. A higher tooth count will give you a smoother cut. It is very important to get accurate, straight cuts. That … More importantly, cross-cutting a sheet into multiple pieces … Simply lock the clamp onto the workpiece and then guide the saw along the edge of the clamp. Remove the tape by pulling it at a 90-degree angle away from the cut edge. To do this, measure the distance from the edge of your saw base to the blade (photo 1). Make a smooth steady cut, without stopping the entire length. Set up the two stools or a supporting surface on the designated work area … Just remember to start the saw at the top of the wall and cut down. I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to cut all the plywood accurately, but now I'm excited because I think I can probably manage it. But if you are doing alot of plywood or sheet goods ripping with a circular saw, I recommend investing in a saw guide. You now have a circular saw guide that … After watching this video, you will be able to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out leaving rough edges. The more stable the plywood, the better your chances for a perfectly smooth cut. You'll have to include the thickness of the blade in your measurement when the cutoff piece is the “good” piece. Trim the base to correct width by guiding the saw's base along the jig fence. Cutting speed depends on many factors, including the type and sharpness of the blade and the type of plywood you're cutting. Make … With Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Track System you can cut any width up to 24 inches. Find the Proper Saw Position. Crosscuts, that is, cuts perpendicular to the grain, will splinter the top veneer, even with a sharp blade. In general, the more teeth, the smoother the cut.  I do about 1/4" - so for ripping 3/4" thick plywood, I set my blade to about 1" depth.Â, Of all the tips I can give you, this one helped me the most. Â. I keep a piece of rigid foam board in my workshop.  When I cut plywood, I place the plywood on top of the foam, and cut right into the foam.  This fully supports the foam and never requires me to wrestle with a giant piece of plywood by myself. The bottom edge usually remains splinter-free. Can definitely use 1/2″ plywood for your nice clear advice or stretch into an awkward.. 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