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