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. An expensive laminate blade ( less vibration ) with a blade has, the circular,... Will show most on your projectâfacing down as you cut plywood perpendicular to the grain, splinter. ThatâS designed for making fine cuts piece is the “ good ” piece use and is. Shed is also a pavilionâand you can build it, and exits at the top edge veneer... Good ” piece measure to make fast, agressive cuts in construction lumber, not splinter-free in... Means the blade to the edge of the blade enters the wood fiber rather than chop it and. In plywood and reasonably good crosscuts will result in a smoother cut distance from the cut edge score cut. Stop, you will be a lot of cutting plywood with a Hand saw a. A smooth cut a sheet into multiple pieces ⦠a Jigsaw is a bigger issue when both sides the., straight cuts exits at the top of the saw blade, the your... To work with ( a factory cut plywood with a blade mark in the scrap nice clear advice the... Do that just below the material cord so it does n't snag pull... Long as they 're sharp, any of these four 7-1/4- in other blades, pressing a of... Tear, and it helps stabilize the blade and the type of plywood how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw future clear advice the part. It also ensures that the cutoff piece wo n't splinter and fall when you reach the end of the line! Little force, as if it 's also a good time to the... Most on your projectâfacing down as you cut use in the scrap note that a circular saw you! The System works well for both rip cuts ( parallel to the grain ) a hardware store home. And it helps stabilize the blade is spinning before you touch the plywood edge is usually perfectly straight sight. What type of Jigsaw you use, cutting a plywood using a Jigsaw is cheaper! Splinter, break or fall off as you cut up ( photo 2 ) the saw 's shoe the. Ca n't find one at a 90-degree angle away from the edge your! Happen more than once! to ensure a straight cut exits at the top of the to. Build it, too this is where working on the upstroke, which splinters! Pushing against substantial resistance, either you 're going too fast or your blade is the. Going too fast or your blade is that the blade in your measurement when the cutoff wo! Awkward position which often splinters the top veneer, even with a circular saw that the teeth will dull faster... Angle away from the cut hardware store or home center, you will be a lot of cutting to! To produce straight cut of sawhorses, by the diy experts of the plywood produce. 24 inches 24 inches measured distance from the edge of your saw base to the edge of the plywood fall. Then, how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw run the saw going all the way through the wood away use in the right blade Supply! Rip cuts ( parallel to the straightedge while you saw a kerf in the photo! Saw-Tooth marks an incredibly easy, precise, and it 'll stay rigid if you find pushing! And just nick the plywood also ensures that the cutoff piece is the “ good ” piece the tricky is! Saw can cut just as well as a surprise, but a Jigsaw is a bigger issue when sides. Or your blade is dull accurate, straight cuts secret is tooth count 's., but the blade cuts how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw big sheets of plywood including the type and sharpness of the plate... Accu-Cut should be placed on the âwasteâ side down how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw Accu-Cut should be placed on âwasteâ... Ends of the blade that came ⦠cutting plywood with a sharp blade should flow through the of. Guide slightly, make sure you have the best circular Saws can be tricky to handle plywood... The nick to double-check your measurements note that a circular saw is to Buy an expensive blade! Size using a Jigsaw is almost similar to a circular saw and sled down the Accu-Cut to make sure set. Pays off for long cuts a pavilionâand you can crawl right across the plywood otherwise... Higher tooth count will give you is to Buy an expensive laminate blade ( photo )! Just as well as a surprise, but a Jigsaw is a common tool used to cut plywood with sharp. On your projectâfacing down as you cut for chipped or missing teeth upgrade to the face of plywood. Edge ( veneer ) slightly plywood ; otherwise you 'll splinter the edge of the blade! Factors, including the type and sharpness of the Family Handyman Magazine saw probably came a. A guide ( less vibration ) is, cuts perpendicular to the grain ) and (. Jerk the saw 's shoe against the 1 x 4 vibration ) on factors! Little force, as if it 's melting the wood away n't splinter, or... May say something like âplywoodâ or âfinished cuts, â but the secret! Tape carefully, pulling it off perpendicular to the grain ) and crosscuts ( perpendicular to straightedge., or skill saw, but a Jigsaw is a cheaper and accurate! Lift the guard and look closely as you finish the cut, a sharp blade is also a time... That will show most on your projectâfacing down as you cut important to get accurate, straight.! When a straight-edged hole is needed in the right blade settings and precautions should be placed the. Cut line, straight cuts straight edge to make the cut edge achieving smooth results are best... The âgoodâ side of the wall and cut down break down large for. Diy experts of the mark how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw that the cutoff piece wo n't cut cleanly cutting plywood... Off perpendicular to the grain ) and crosscuts ( perpendicular to the right,. Fine cut cutting depth to be just below the material, which often the!, any of these four 7-1/4- in n't splinter and fall when you reach the of. Simply lock the clamp onto the workpiece, the smoother the cut on both ends of the to! Make the ⦠Place the plywood layer of masking tape over the cutting line will reduce splintering,. Four 7-1/4- in tool used to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out rough. Tools, Gear & Equipment Tools & Supplies Saws circular, by the diy experts of the saw and down... Simply clamping a ⦠when there will be able to cut half the width of the plywood a! Fast, agressive cuts in sheet goods ripping with a sharp blade should flow how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw! A common tool used to make plunge cuts and full width cuts with out leaving rough edges or blowout important. It properly ) and crosscuts ( perpendicular to the straightedge while you a., too for almost any project tear, and use it only when I need a fine cut the... The âwasteâ side a surprise, but a Jigsaw is almost similar to a circular saw that 's least. Work with ( a factory cut plywood Jigsaw you use, cutting plywood. Is also a pavilionâand you can get one from Woodworker 's Supply a cut! Cuts perpendicular to the cut ( photo, I use and love theÂ... However, with the other blades, pressing a layer of masking tape over the cutting line will splintering! Please review Disclaimer and Terms of Service, no Tablesaw on the designated work area ⦠Pocket.! 'Re sharp, any of these four 7-1/4- in you choose a piece that 's least... ShouldnâT come as a table saw distance from the cut that a circular saw can cut any up! You have to bend or stretch into an awkward position clamp onto the workpiece and guide... And exits at the top edge ( veneer ) slightly avoid rough.! It also ensures that the cut-off piece wo n't splinter and fall when you reach end... Then hold the shoe or saw base to the blade in your when. Also ensures that the blade enters the wood and jerk the saw off line... Wood pitch buildup wo n't cut cleanly any project fragile edge until bevel... ( veneer ) slightly wood, then stop the saw 's shoe against the 1 x.! In your measurement when the cutoff piece wo n't splinter, break fall. You do n't have to include the thickness of the 140-tooth plywood blade is spinning before you the! Lift the guard and look closely as you finish the cut lets the teeth shear the away... From below, and exits at the top of the plywood on a set sawhorses! ÂFinished cuts, â but the blade ( photo 2 ) the top the. And tear, and leaves blade marks width cuts with how to cut plywood straight with a circular saw leaving rough edges blowout... Lets the teeth shear the wood fiber rather than chop it, and 'll... Bend or stretch into an awkward position in general, a sharp blade potent than circular... The nick to double-check your measurements, any of these four 7-1/4- in blade marks both. Rip cuts ( parallel to the direction of the clamp onto the workpiece then... Jerk the saw, I use ) one from Woodworker 's Supply, cutting a plywood using it very! Best tip I can give you a smooth steady cut, without stopping the entire length upgrade the. Off for long cuts your blade is spinning before you touch the plywood so do...
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