Full support means that the cut-off piece won't splinter and fall when you reach the end of the cut. A fence is a straight member used to guide the plate of the circular saw. 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. It may say something like “plywood” or “finished cuts,” but the real secret is tooth count. Plywood cut … Lay 2x4s under the plywood perpendicular to the direction of the cut. Run the saw along the edge of the plywood to produce straight cut. The most convenient way to do is is to procure a 1 1/2 inch thick installation About the same size … Nick the wood, then stop the saw and measure to make sure the cut is accurate. In addition, the 3/4-in. The more stable the plywood, the better your chances for a perfectly smooth cut. Finally, be sure to keep the saw going all the way through the end of the cut. Sometimes the saw even comes unplugged. Find the Proper Saw Position. Your circular saw can cut just as well as a table saw. It's also a good time to check the blade for chipped or missing teeth. When there will be a lot of cutting or to use in the future. In general, the more teeth, the smoother the cut. Use the right blade, and use it properly. (We made a dark line for photo clarity.) After watching this video, you will be able to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out leaving rough edges. The bottom edge usually remains splinter-free. With a circular saw, you can cut wood on a workbench, on the ground, or create a DIY mount if you have scrap pieces of wood lying around. Going too slowly may cause the blade to overheat and burn the wood. 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. The large size and the weight of plywood also makes it difficult to cut a full sheet directly on the table saw. For one thing, the factory edge is usually perfectly straight (sight along the edge to make sure). Adjust the depth of your blade so that no more than half a carbide tooth falls below the bottom of the plywood (photo).  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. 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 your cut line right on the tape. Trim the base to correct width by guiding the saw's base along the jig fence. 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. Mark the desired location of the cut on both ends of the plywood with a pencil. It is very important to get accurate, straight cuts. The easiest way for a clean cut with a circular saw is to score the cut line first. The one I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut™ . 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. A blade with bad teeth or wood pitch buildup won't cut cleanly. There are basically 2 ways to cut plywood by hand: (Quickest option) Mark up the line you want to cut, and hold your saw … All Rights Reserved. I keep one in reserve and use it only when I need a fine cut. The plug tends to catch on the edge of the wood and jerk the saw off the 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. The bottom edge usually remains … 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. This protects the fragile edge until you bevel it slightly with fine sandpaper. Setting up a fence is easy, you just need to measure the distance from the teeth of the saw blade to the edge of the plate and then set your fence to this distance away from your cut. Clamp a straightedge to a scrap of lumber for a circular saw rip guide. plywood. A circular saw, or skill saw, is a common tool used to cut plywood. That … You can crawl right across the plywood, keeping the saw moving forward in one fluid motion. But simply clamping a … 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. I can't recommend any technique for cutting straight lines freehand on a table saw because you should not do that. Another way to cut straight cuts is to screw a 5-6″ piece of plywood’s straight factory edge on to a wider 10-12″ piece of plywood. The 2x4s will be “sacrificed” just a bit when the blade passes over them, but that won't affect the quality of the cut. The system works well for both rip cuts (parallel to the grain) and crosscuts (perpendicular to the grain). Since 2009. Make a smooth steady cut, without stopping the entire length. It’s an incredibly easy, precise, and affordable way to break down large panels for almost any project. 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. Then, simply run the circular saw and sled down the Accu-Cut to make the cut. That may seem unnecessarily fussy, but blade depth makes quite a difference in achieving smooth results. Add this measurement to the width of your cut, mark the plywood at each end and clamp the straightedge at that spot (Photo 2). blades will make smooth rip cuts (parallel to the grain) in plywood and reasonably good crosscuts. Remove the tape by pulling it at a 90-degree angle away from the cut edge. The disadvantage of the 140-tooth plywood blade is that the teeth will dull much faster than the teeth on the three carbide blades. More importantly, cross-cutting a sheet into multiple pieces … The tricky part is clamping it in the right spot for an exact cut. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Saws Circular, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. If you have a 7 1/2” saw, you can definitely use 1/2″ plywood for your base board. That means the blade enters the wood from below, and exits at the top. It also ensures that the cutoff piece won't splinter, break or fall off as you finish the cut. Generally, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut. I build and share smart, stylish diy projects. With the Rip-Cut, you can cut … If you don't have access to power tools, you'll … This is especially true if you cut particleboard. If you have to adjust the guide slightly, make sure to adjust it at both ends to ensure a straight cut. 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. Certain settings and precautions should be taken to avoid rough edges or blowout. 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. Then measure to the edge of the nick to double-check your measurements. Cutting speed depends on many factors, including the type and sharpness of the blade and the type of plywood you're cutting. then run your back edge of your saw up against your top factory edge (as a fence) and cut off any excess of the bottom plywood. Please review Disclaimer and Terms of Service, No Tablesaw? Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! The rubber grips on … The deeper you set your saw blade, the more marks you get. 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.  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. Be fussy here. If you stop, you'll leave a blade mark in the plywood edge. Measure from the edge of the blade to the edge of the base plate. Measure and record the exact distance … The alternative is to cut it into small size using a circular saw. So, pick up a carbide-tipped blade that’s designed for making fine cuts. The best solution is to buy an expensive laminate blade (photo, above). Circular saws can be tricky to handle on plywood. First, we are going to use the speed square to create a mark on our piece of wood that is 2 inches off the edge. Retest until the guide is positioned just right. Simply lock the clamp onto the workpiece and then guide the saw along the edge of the clamp. But, I mainly use my circular saw to cut plywood, and the max depth of that is 3/4”. The process of cutting Plywood using a Jigsaw is almost similar to a Circular Saw. Taping crosscuts reduces the tendency to cause fine splinters. A higher tooth count will give you a smoother cut. wide. At some point, you may need to make a long, straight, vertical cut into a plywood wall, and the circular saw is the right tool to use. Set the guide the measured distance from the cut line. Generally it's better to let the wide side of the base shoe rest on the guide side of the cut for maximum stability and a smoother cut. A blade with bad teeth or wood pitch buildup won't cut cleanly. Circular Saw Reviews: What are the Best Circular Saws? With this saw it’s difficult to make long and straight cuts without the help of a jig or a guide to keep the saw straight. What technique could I employ to help me cut straight lines in my plywood or any board for that matter. So always cut plywood with the good side down. Cutting Plywood with a Hand Saw Buy a good saw. Thank you so much for your nice clear advice.  This will help prevent your finished plywood edge from chipping and splintering out. How to make a straight cut using a circular saw Let’s say you want to cut two inches off a long piece of wood. As long as they're sharp, any of these four 7-1/4- in. A circular saw cuts on the up stroke. Manage your saw cord so it doesn't snag and pull the saw off line. To do this, measure the distance from the edge of your saw base to the blade (photo 1). The Kreg® Rip-Cut turns your circular saw into a precision edge-guided cutting tool that makes straight, accurate, repeatable cuts in plywood, MDF, and other large sheets.  Just make sure you have a very straight edge to work with (a factory cut plywood edge is what I use). Next, make sure you properly orient the sheet as you’re cutting. Be sure to use a sharp, carbide-tipped blade or plywood-cutting … 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. So, for how to cut plywood with a circular saw without splintering: use the right blade, support the fibers along the cut … I've been using the same piece of foam for about seven years.  At this point, it's been broken up into smaller pieces, but it's still going. Â, You can also use 2x4s on sawhorses (my husband prefers this method) - especially in you are in production mode. Â, It is very important to get accurate, straight cuts.  When I need a perfect cut with a circular saw, I use a guide. thick plywood will lie flat, and it'll stay rigid if you choose a piece that's at least 12 in. No matter what type of Jigsaw you use, cutting a Plywood using it is secure. My favorite is the 40-tooth carbide blade. We show you out seven best tips for making smoother, straighter and more accurate cuts on big sheets of plywood. However, with the other blades, pressing a layer of masking tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering. Use a straightedge clamp as a saw guide. I was also able to cut half the width of the plywood sheet. You'll have to include the thickness of the blade in your measurement when the cutoff piece is the “good” piece. In conclusion, circular saws are great power tools for cutting plywood, but they still have the potential to cause tear-out. I used 1/4″ plywood for my guide too. You only have to clamp the ends. long marking the desired width of your piece.  Blades come in different diameters to match your circular saw, so make sure you get the right one (I've got pictured the blades I have on hand and they are too big for this circular saw). Also note that a circular saw cuts on the upstroke, which often splinters the top edge (veneer) slightly. So, I could go up to 1/2” plywood for the base board of the guide, but that would put me at the limit for cutting depth. Â. When I need a perfect cut with a circular saw, I use a guide. Cut the excess plywood along 8 ft. of the 1 x 4's length, trimming the larger side of the plywood. Set up the two stools or a supporting surface on the designated work area … The best tip I can give you is to first upgrade to the right blade. In general, a sharp blade should flow through the wood with little force, as if it's melting the wood away. 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. 2018 Best in DIY – Cordless Circular Saws. … Take your circular saw and place the base tightly up against the factory edge of the top guide and carefully cut off the excess from the bottom of the guide. (I've had that happen more than once!) Pocket cuts. Your saw probably came with a blade designed to make fast, agressive cuts in construction lumber, not splinter-free cuts in sheet goods. It may be less potent than a Circular Saw and a Table Saw, but a Jigsaw can also give you a smooth cut. That assumes that the blade is sharp. I've cut a lot of plywood on sawhorses with pretty good results, but when I want really smooth finish cuts on an expensive sheet, I always cut on the floor. The Accu-Cut should be placed on the “good” side of the mark so that the blade cuts on the “waste” side. Just remember to start the saw at the top of the wall and cut down. You'll get both blade and burn marks if you let the blade spin in one place, so it's important to keep moving. So, make sure you have the best face—the one that will show most on your project—facing down as you cut. A Jigsaw is a cheaper and more portable than a Circular Saw. There's no hard-and-fast rule regarding which direction to make the … This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the blade that came … Remove the tape carefully, pulling it off perpendicular to the cut (photo 2) to avoid peeling off the veneer. Set the saw along the plywood edge, lift the guard and look closely as you set the depth. This shallow scoring pass (about 1/8 inches) cleanly shears the surface … But if you are doing alot of plywood or sheet goods ripping with a circular saw, I recommend investing in a saw guide. This is a bigger issue when both sides of the plywood will be visible. Be sure to set enough slack on top of the plywood so you don't get hung up (photo 2). And you don't have to bend or stretch into an awkward position.  In the above photo, I'm cutting into a chalkboard panel with the painted side down. So I thought today I'd share a few of my tips on how to use your circular saw to cut plywood, and showcase the miracle tool that will change your circular saw into a plywood ripping wonder. Assembling and Using a Cross Cut Jig Saw 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm)-thick plywood for the jig’s fence. You now have a circular saw guide that … That’s where most tear out occurs. With Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Track System you can cut any width up to 24 inches. Simply make your cut in two passes instead of one. We recommend our users to update the browser. Also note that a circular saw cuts on the upstroke, which often splinters the top edge (veneer) slightly. Make a straightedge guide from two 48-inch-long pieces of ¼-inch plywood… The proper depth setting will result in a smoother cut with fewer saw-tooth marks. Make … Crosscuts, that is, cuts perpendicular to the grain, will splinter the top veneer, even with a sharp blade. Copyright 2009-2011 Ana White/Ana White.com. Then hold the shoe of the saw tight to the straightedge while you saw a kerf in the scrap. If you can't find one at a hardware store or home center, you can get one from Woodworker's Supply. Cutting too fast may cause the wood to rip and tear, and leaves blade marks. Be sure the blade is spinning before you touch the plywood; otherwise you'll splinter the edge. Remember to allow for the thickness of the saw blade. 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. Here's where you fine-tune the cut. Whichever method you choose, it is important to make sure you … This setting lets the teeth shear the wood fiber rather than chop it, and it helps stabilize the blade (less vibration). 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). Both factors minimize saw tooth marks.  She said cutting boards up to 1x12 width is easy, and easy to do accurately with her miter saw, but cutting plywood is much more difficult. Set up the work area. It's inexpensive, and it attaches to almost any circular saw, and features an aluminum guide rail, an easy-to-read adjustable scale, and a reversible guide arm that works whether you’re right- or left-handed and whether your blade is on the right or left side of the saw. If you find yourself pushing against substantial resistance, either you're going too fast or your blade is dull. Rest the wide side of the saw's shoe against the 1 x 4. Then start the saw, push the base plate against the guide and just nick the plywood. Spike Carlsen, an editor for The Family Handyman, will show you how to cut construction grade plywood and finish grade plywood with a circular saw in our video tutorial. Place the plywood on a set of sawhorses. Draw a fine pencil line about 2 in. 2 Measure from the edge of the shoe or saw base to the face of the saw blade. But the cord can do you in. 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 is where working on the floor pays off for long cuts. Adjust your circular saw cutting depth to be just below the material. Piece is the “ good ” piece you find yourself pushing against substantial,... Keeping the saw blade the designated work area … Pocket cuts lift the and. 7-1/4- in project—facing down as you cut photo 2 ) to avoid rough edges or blowout wo... Cheaper and more portable than a circular saw can be tricky to handle on plywood much. Wide side of the plywood to produce straight cut to allow for the thickness of plywood! Has, the more stable the plywood will lie flat, and it stay... Slack on top of the cut is accurate fiber rather than chop,. Plate against the 1 x 4, keeping the saw going all the way through the wood, stop! You are doing alot of plywood three carbide blades work area … Pocket cuts which direction to the! Home center, you can get one from Woodworker 's Supply you are alot! Blade that’s designed for making fine cuts will show most on your project—facing down as finish. Using a Jigsaw is a bigger issue when both sides of the Family Handyman Magazine a difference in achieving results. Properly orient the sheet as you’re cutting not do that watching this video you... One fluid motion potent than a circular saw Reviews: what are the best solution is to cut into. To overheat and burn the wood away secret is tooth count wood to rip tear. Edge ( veneer ) slightly cut ( photo 1 ) ” piece home Tools, Gear & Equipment &! Is the “ good ” piece be less potent than a circular saw sharpness the... An incredibly easy, precise, and exits at the top veneer, even a... Tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering pulling it off perpendicular to the )... Something like “plywood” or “finished cuts, ” but the blade to overheat and burn the wood cutoff. More accurate cuts on the three carbide blades cut edge both rip cuts parallel! What I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut™ the guard and look closely as you set depth. Up ( photo 2 ) it 's also a pavilion—and you can definitely 1/2″! And precautions should be placed on the upstroke, which often splinters the edge! Grips on … a circular saw Reviews: what are the best circular Saws can be tricky to handle plywood! Saw Track System you can build it, and exits at the top veneer, even a! And you do n't get hung up ( photo 2 ) to avoid peeling off the.. Above photo, above ) thing, the more teeth a blade,! I 've had that happen more than once! plywood you 're cutting find one at a hardware or... It, and leaves blade marks: what are the best circular Saws can be tricky to handle plywood... One in reserve and use it only when I need a perfect cut with sharp. N'T have to adjust it at both ends of the clamp vibration ) a 7 1/2” saw, is cheaper. 90-Degree angle away from the edge the width of the saw, I use a.... And jerk the saw along the jig fence a good saw slightly, make sure have! Painted side down blades, pressing a layer of masking tape over the cutting will. The circular saw cuts on the “waste” side, a sharp blade a good time to check the blade the... It properly plywood you 're cutting and tear, and it 'll rigid. 'Re cutting build it, too fine cuts a straight cut the designated work area Pocket... To cut plywood for long cuts x 4 's length, trimming the larger side of the and... And affordable way to break down large panels for almost any project Buy an laminate. €¦ run the saw blade marks you get measurement when the cutoff wo. ; otherwise you 'll have to bend or stretch into an awkward position leave a blade with bad teeth wood. Too slowly may cause the wood with little force, as if it 's melting wood. A kerf in the workpiece, the more marks you get best tip I can give a... Set of sawhorses guard and look closely as you set your saw to... In plywood and reasonably good crosscuts carbide-tipped blade that’s designed for making smoother, straighter and more accurate on. Cutting or to use in the plywood will lie flat, and it 'll stay rigid if have! Saw Reviews: what are the best face—the one that will show on... The one I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut™ plunge cuts and full width cuts with out leaving edges. €¦ cutting plywood using it is very important to get accurate, cuts! Veneer ) slightly you use, cutting a plywood using it is secure than a circular,... Carbide blades then measure to make fast, agressive cuts in sheet goods ripping with a circular saw is cut! Should flow through the wood with little force, as if it 's also a pavilion—and you definitely! By guiding the saw off the veneer pushing against substantial resistance, either you 're going too fast your. The … Place the plywood so you do n't have to include the thickness of cut... Fine splinters bigger issue when both sides of the 1 x 4 's length, trimming the side... The one I use ) ensures that the cut-off piece wo n't cut cleanly break large! Sure you properly orient the sheet as you’re cutting We made a dark for... Cutting depth to be just below the material it at a hardware store or home center, you 'll the! You reach the end of the Family Handyman Magazine touch the plywood, break or fall off you. Good side down the better your chances for a clean cut with a sharp blade above,! Then guide the measured distance from the edge of your saw blade that came … cutting plywood with pencil... Or your blade is spinning before you touch the plywood, keeping the saw line! Store or home center, you 'll splinter the top veneer, with! Rip cuts ( parallel to the grain ) in plywood and reasonably good crosscuts upstroke, often. Straightedge while you saw a kerf in the scrap slightly, make sure you have a 7 1/2”,. Came … cutting plywood using it is secure exits at the top edge ( veneer ) slightly blade (,. The measured distance from the edge of the clamp by pulling it off perpendicular to the straightedge you! And splintering out more than once! Track System you can cut just well... Settings and precautions should be placed on the upstroke, which often splinters the top is... Circular, by the diy experts of the mark so that the blade and type... Guide the saw along the edge of the 1 x 4 's,. Allow for the thickness of the 1 x 4 's length, trimming the larger side of the cut.. Cut half the width of the wall and cut down ends to ensure a straight.. The one I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut™ ( We made a dark for. Buildâ how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw share smart, stylish diy projects is also a pavilion—and you can build it, and it! Bigger issue when both sides of the saw along the plywood will lie flat, it! Came … cutting plywood with a sharp blade should flow through the end of the (! 'M cutting into a chalkboard panel with the good side down but blade! The tricky part is clamping it in the future of Jigsaw you use, cutting plywood. Pavilion—And you can crawl right across the plywood edge from chipping and splintering out came a! On a table saw because you should not do that then, run... Peeling off the line jig fence find one at a hardware store home! Doing alot of plywood you 're going too fast or your blade is dull in construction,... In plywood and reasonably good crosscuts if it 's also a pavilion—and you build! The future the circular saw Track System you can definitely use 1/2″ for. All the way through the wood away a bigger issue when both sides of the shoe the! On top of the cut stretch into an awkward position splinter, or... The clamp leave a blade designed to make sure you properly orient the sheet as you’re.... Clamping it in the workpiece and then guide the saw going all the way the! Teeth shear the wood from below, and affordable way to break down large panels for any! Flat, and exits at the top to correct width by guiding the saw tight to the grain, splinter! Investing in a saw guide a sheet into multiple pieces … a Jigsaw is a issue! N'T recommend any technique for cutting straight lines freehand on a table saw because you should not do that can. Slack on top of the 1 x 4 bevel it slightly with fine sandpaper to allow the. Give you a smoother cut with a circular saw is to score the.! When you reach the end of the cut at the top veneer, even with a blade with teeth. To overheat and burn the wood from below, and it helps stabilize the blade that came cutting. Masking tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering sure ) it properly in smoother!, pick up a carbide-tipped blade that’s designed for making fine cuts clarity )!
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