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