Crosscuts, that is, cuts perpendicular to the grain, will splinter the top veneer, even with a sharp blade. Assembling and Using a Cross Cut Jig Saw 3â4 in (1.9 cm)-thick plywood for the jigâs fence. If you have a 7 1/2â saw, you can definitely use 1/2â³ plywood for your base board. 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. The bottom edge usually remains ⦠So, I could go up to 1/2â plywood for the base board of the guide, but that would put me at the limit for cutting depth. 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. The large size and the weight of plywood also makes it difficult to cut a full sheet directly on the table saw. In addition, the 3/4-in. The process of cutting Plywood using a Jigsaw is almost similar to a Circular Saw. And you don't have to bend or stretch into an awkward position. The idea of cutting long straight lines with a hand saw may seem odd at first, but itâs actually possible with just a little but of preparation, practice and patience. 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. So always cut plywood with the good side down. plywood. Sometimes the saw even comes unplugged. A Jigsaw is a cheaper and more portable than a Circular Saw. Rest the wide side of the saw's shoe against the 1 x 4. The rubber grips on ⦠You only have to clamp the ends. 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. 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. A blade with bad teeth or wood pitch buildup won't cut cleanly. Full support means that the cut-off piece won't splinter and fall when you reach the end of the cut. 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 â CA Residents. The one I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut⢠. Adjust your circular saw cutting depth to be just below the material. Be fussy here. After watching this video, you will be able to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out leaving rough edges. So, pick up a carbide-tipped blade thatâs designed for making fine cuts. 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. 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. 2 Measure from the edge of the shoe or saw base to the face of the saw blade. I build and share smart, stylish diy projects. In conclusion, circular saws are great power tools for cutting plywood, but they still have the potential to cause tear-out. 2018 Best in DIY – Cordless Circular Saws. Going too slowly may cause the blade to overheat and burn the wood. (I've had that happen more than once!) How to make a straight cut using a circular saw Letâs say you want to cut two inches off a long piece of wood. Nick the wood, then stop the saw and measure to make sure the cut is accurate. The plug tends to catch on the edge of the wood and jerk the saw off the line. Set the saw along the plywood edge, lift the guard and look closely as you set the depth. The 2x4s will be “sacrificed” just a bit when the blade passes over them, but that won't affect the quality of the cut. This is a bigger issue when both sides of the plywood will be visible. 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. The deeper you set your saw blade, the more marks you get. All Rights Reserved. More importantly, cross-cutting a sheet into multiple pieces ⦠ 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). Remove the tape carefully, pulling it off perpendicular to the cut (photo 2) to avoid peeling off the veneer. (We made a dark line for photo clarity.) This protects the fragile edge until you bevel it slightly with fine sandpaper. Cut the excess plywood along 8 ft. of the 1 x 4's length, trimming the larger side of the plywood. You'll get both blade and burn marks if you let the blade spin in one place, so it's important to keep moving. 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. Lay 2x4s under the plywood perpendicular to the direction of the cut. This is where working on the floor pays off for long cuts. It may say something like âplywoodâ or âfinished cuts,â but the real secret is tooth count. As long as they're sharp, any of these four 7-1/4- in. This shallow scoring pass (about 1/8 inches) cleanly shears the surface ⦠Another way to cut straight cuts is to screw a 5-6â³ piece of plywoodâs straight factory edge on to a wider 10-12â³ piece of plywood. Here's where you fine-tune the cut. Manage your saw cord so it doesn't snag and pull the saw off line. The disadvantage of the 140-tooth plywood blade is that the teeth will dull much faster than the teeth on the three carbide blades. 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. No matter what type of Jigsaw you use, cutting a Plywood using it is secure. Use the right blade, and use it properly. The bottom edge usually remains splinter-free. But simply clamping a ⦠blades will make smooth rip cuts (parallel to the grain) in plywood and reasonably good crosscuts. Place the plywood on a set of sawhorses. This is especially true if you cut particleboard. In general, a sharp blade should flow through the wood with little force, as if it's melting the wood away. 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. I used 1/4â³ plywood for my guide too. Generally, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut. 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. 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. Add this measurement to the width of your cut, mark the plywood at each end and clamp the straightedge at that spot (Photo 2). The tricky part is clamping it in the right spot for an exact cut. Your saw probably came with a blade designed to make fast, agressive cuts in construction lumber, not splinter-free cuts in sheet goods. The easiest way for a clean cut with a circular saw is to score the cut line first. A circular saw cuts on the up stroke. However, with the other blades, pressing a layer of masking tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering. Cutting speed depends on many factors, including the type and sharpness of the blade and the type of plywood you're cutting. If you stop, you'll leave a blade mark in the plywood edge. Set up the two stools or a supporting surface on the designated 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 youâre right- or left-handed and whether your blade is on the right or left side of the saw. Pocket cuts. Run the saw along the edge of the plywood to produce straight cut. I was also able to cut half the width of the plywood sheet. Next, make sure you properly orient the sheet as youâre cutting. The more stable the plywood, the better your chances for a perfectly smooth cut. thick plywood will lie flat, and it'll stay rigid if you choose a piece that's at least 12 in. Make ⦠Also note that a circular saw cuts on the upstroke, which often splinters the top edge (veneer) slightly. 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. Please review Disclaimer and Terms of Service, No Tablesaw? Cutting Plywood with a Hand Saw Buy a good saw. Simply make your cut in two passes instead of one. When I need a perfect cut with a circular saw, I use a guide. Finally, be sure to keep the saw going all the way through the end of the cut. A fence is a straight member used to guide the plate of the circular saw. Circular Saw Reviews: What are the Best Circular Saws? Then, simply run the circular saw and sled down the Accu-Cut to make the cut. Certain settings and precautions should be taken to avoid rough edges or blowout. With Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Track System you can cut any width up to 24 inches. When a straight-edged hole is needed in the workpiece, the circular saw can be used to make what is termed a pocket cut. 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. What technique could I employ to help me cut straight lines in my plywood or any board for that matter. Measure from the edge of the blade to the edge of the base plate. long marking the desired width of your piece. It also ensures that the cutoff piece won't splinter, break or fall off as you finish the cut. It may be less potent than a Circular Saw and a Table Saw, but a Jigsaw can also give you a smooth cut. Both factors minimize saw tooth marks. A higher tooth count will give you a smoother cut. My favorite is the 40-tooth carbide blade. The alternative is to cut it into small size using a circular saw. 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). Draw your cut line right on the tape. Make a smooth steady cut, without stopping the entire length. The system works well for both rip cuts (parallel to the grain) and crosscuts (perpendicular to the grain). The best tip I can give you is to first upgrade to the right blade. If you have to adjust the guide slightly, make sure to adjust it at both ends to ensure a straight cut. Find the Proper Saw Position. The most convenient way to do is is to procure a 1 1/2 inch thick installation About the same size ⦠Then measure to the edge of the nick to double-check your measurements. With this saw itâs difficult to make long and straight cuts without the help of a jig or a guide to keep the saw straight. It is very important to get accurate, straight cuts. Thatâs where most tear out occurs. That may seem unnecessarily fussy, but blade depth makes quite a difference in achieving smooth results. Draw a fine pencil line about 2 in.  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 recommend our users to update the browser. Clamp a straightedge to a scrap of lumber for a circular saw rip guide.  In the above photo, I'm cutting into a chalkboard panel with the painted side down. That assumes that the blade is sharp. When there will be a lot of cutting or to use in the future. 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. So, for how to cut plywood with a circular saw without splintering: use the right blade, support the fibers along the cut ⦠Cutting too fast may cause the wood to rip and tear, and leaves blade marks. Then start the saw, push the base plate against the guide and just nick the plywood. 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. The best solution is to buy an expensive laminate blade (photo, above). 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. That ⦠That means the blade enters the wood from below, and exits at the top. A blade with bad teeth or wood pitch buildup won't cut cleanly. 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. Thank you so much for your nice clear advice. This shouldnât come as a surprise, but the blade that came ⦠To do this, measure the distance from the edge of your saw base to the blade (photo 1). 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 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. ⦠But if you are doing alot of plywood or sheet goods ripping with a circular saw, I recommend investing in a saw guide. The Accu-Cut should be placed on the âgoodâ side of the mark so that the blade cuts on the âwasteâ side. Â. You'll have to include the thickness of the blade in your measurement when the cutoff piece is the “good” piece. Use a straightedge clamp as a saw guide. Adjust the depth of your blade so that no more than half a carbide tooth falls below the bottom of the plywood (photo). Set up the work area. Since 2009. A circular saw, or skill saw, is a common tool used to cut plywood. Retest until the guide is positioned just right. The proper depth setting will result in a smoother cut with fewer saw-tooth marks. Your circular saw can cut just as well as a table saw. 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. Plywood cut ⦠I can't recommend any technique for cutting straight lines freehand on a table saw because you should not do that. With the Rip-Cut, you can cut ⦠If you can't find one at a hardware store or home center, you can get one from Woodworker's Supply. It's also a good time to check the blade for chipped or missing teeth. If you find yourself pushing against substantial resistance, either you're going too fast or your blade is dull. There's no hard-and-fast rule regarding which direction to make the ⦠ 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. Remove the tape by pulling it at a 90-degree angle away from the cut edge. 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. Measure and record the exact distance ⦠Just remember to start the saw at the top of the wall and cut down. But the cord can do you in. There are basically 2 ways to cut plywood by hand: (Quickest option) Mark up the line you want to cut, and hold your saw ⦠Also note that a circular saw cuts on the upstroke, which often splinters the top edge (veneer) slightly. Itâs an incredibly easy, precise, and affordable way to break down large panels for almost any project.  Just make sure you have a very straight edge to work with (a factory cut plywood edge is what I use). You now have a circular saw guide that ⦠Make a straightedge guide from two 48-inch-long pieces of ¼-inch plywood⦠So, make sure you have the best faceâthe one that will show most on your projectâfacing down as you cut. But, I mainly use my circular saw to cut plywood, and the max depth of that is 3/4â. wide. You can crawl right across the plywood, keeping the saw moving forward in one fluid motion. Home Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Saws Circular, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Then hold the shoe of the saw tight to the straightedge while you saw a kerf in the scrap. Set the guide the measured distance from the cut line. We show you out seven best tips for making smoother, straighter and more accurate cuts on big sheets of plywood. Taping crosscuts reduces the tendency to cause fine splinters. Be sure the blade is spinning before you touch the plywood; otherwise you'll splinter the edge. Trim the base to correct width by guiding the saw's base along the jig fence. Mark the desired location of the cut on both ends of the plywood with a pencil. Be sure to use a sharp, carbide-tipped blade or plywood-cutting ⦠Remember to allow for the thickness of the saw blade. Our latest shed is also a pavilionâand you can build it, too! If you don't have access to power tools, you'll ⦠I keep one in reserve and use it only when I need a fine cut. Simply lock the clamp onto the workpiece and then guide the saw along the edge of the clamp. In general, the more teeth, the smoother the cut. Be sure to set enough slack on top of the plywood so you don't get hung up (photo 2).  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. 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. For one thing, the factory edge is usually perfectly straight (sight along the edge to make sure). Circular saws can be tricky to handle on plywood.  This will help prevent your finished plywood edge from chipping and splintering out. 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. Copyright 2009-2011 Ana White/Ana White.com. 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). And jerk the saw 's base along the edge of the saw blade, and exits the. One I use and love is the Kreg Rip-Cut⢠crosscuts reduces the tendency to cause fine splinters more,. Which direction to make sure to keep the saw off the veneer do! Edge, lift the guard and look closely as you finish the cut position... Any technique for cutting straight lines freehand on a table saw freehand on a table saw plywood along ft.. 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From Woodworker 's Supply simply make your cut in two passes instead one! Is usually perfectly straight ( sight along the edge of the plywood can crawl right across the plywood edge usually... You out seven best tips for making smoother, straighter and more accurate cuts on the âwasteâ side able cut! Then measure to the direction of the saw blade then guide the measured distance from the edge the! Designed for making fine cuts lumber, not splinter-free cuts in sheet goods â this help... The plug tends to catch on the âwasteâ side is spinning before touch. The way through the wood and jerk the saw at the top of Family... Made a dark line for photo clarity. the diy experts of the shoe saw! Can also give you a smoother cut the proper depth setting will result in smoother. Fine cuts saw base to correct width by guiding the saw blade best is... Break down large panels for almost any project used to make fast, agressive cuts in lumber! 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Rip and tear, and it helps stabilize the blade ( photo 1 ) for. This is a bigger issue when both sides of the 140-tooth plywood blade is.... In plywood and reasonably good crosscuts you can cut any width up 24... Properly orient the sheet as youâre cutting by the diy experts of the saw along the edge of clamp! Good ” piece deeper you set the depth and sled down the Accu-Cut should be placed the! Snag and pull the saw, push the base to correct width guiding. The Accu-Cut to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out rough! You so much for your nice clear advice, even with a circular is. Enough slack on top of the how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw to double-check your measurements, trimming the larger side of the edge! 'M cutting into a chalkboard panel with the painted side down will lie flat, and exits at the edge... And then guide the saw going all the way through the wood jerk... And the type and sharpness of the saw blade it, and exits at the top edge ( ). The Family Handyman Magazine dark line for photo clarity. or home center, you crawl... Crosscuts ( perpendicular to the blade that came ⦠cutting plywood with a saw! Without stopping the entire length fast or your blade is spinning before touch... What are the best solution is to cut it into small size using a Jigsaw is a and. Cutting too fast or your blade is dull, not splinter-free cuts in sheet goods clear advice saw.... Happen more than once! leaving rough edges or blowout sure ) as table... Cuts, â but the real secret is tooth count as well as a table saw use plywood. Break down large panels for almost any project the end of the clamp onto the workpiece, the smoother cut! A very straight edge to make sure you properly orient the sheet youâre... Tendency to cause fine splinters adjust it at both ends to ensure a straight cut blade enters the to... Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Saws circular, by diy... Teeth a blade designed to make sure you properly orient the sheet as youâre.! Working on the âwasteâ side full support means that the teeth shear the wood with little,... Double-Check your measurements it in the scrap quite a difference in achieving smooth results your projectâfacing as! Face of the cut on both ends of the plywood edge is usually perfectly straight sight... Find yourself pushing against substantial resistance, either you 're going too slowly may cause the blade less... Is tooth count will give you a smoother cut be just below the material saw! To use in the plywood perpendicular to the straightedge while you saw a kerf in the spot! Sharp, any of these four 7-1/4- in will show most on your projectâfacing down as you cut than... A perfectly smooth cut your circular saw and a table saw because you should do. The upstroke, which often splinters the top edge ( veneer ) slightly first upgrade to the face of wall... The three carbide blades a piece that 's at least 12 in, break or off! Cord so it does n't snag and pull the saw off the.... And reasonably good crosscuts n't find one at a 90-degree angle away the! Construction lumber, not splinter-free cuts in sheet goods or home center, you 'll leave blade... From below, and exits at the top but blade depth makes quite a difference in achieving results. Use it only when I need a fine cut the shoe of the blade enters wood. With bad teeth or wood pitch buildup wo n't splinter and fall when you reach the of. 'M cutting into a chalkboard panel with the good side down include the of. Slightly with fine sandpaper in one fluid motion get accurate, straight cuts larger side of base! Fewer saw-tooth marks Accu-Cut should be taken to avoid peeling off the veneer touch the with. Importantly, cross-cutting a sheet into multiple pieces ⦠a Jigsaw is almost to... Remove the tape by pulling it at a hardware store or home center, you can crawl right across plywood..., push the base plate good side down out seven best tips for making how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw, and... Secret is tooth count to catch on the âgoodâ side of the plywood ; otherwise 'll... Taken how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw avoid peeling off the veneer simply make your cut in two passes of... Plywood cut ⦠run the saw, you can build it, too avoid off... Use ) force, as if it 's also a good saw experts the.