Tips for Cutting Plywood: Tools and Techniques from Ply Supply's blog

Slicing through plywood is truly basic and yet, this can prove to be effective only when the right tools and approaches are used to guarantee perfectly smooth edges. No matter what type of woodworking project – whether it is constructing furniture, cabinetry, or something else these tips will be useful to achieve precise accurate cuts.

• Circular Saw:One of the best tools used when cutting plywood is the circular saw. The main advantage is the ability to use and the speed at which they can work; therefore, it is suitable to work on large sheets. Use it together with a straightedge or any guide to have correct angles.

• Table Saw:If power tools are available, the table saw becomes the ideal tool for cutting those sheets of plywood. It supplies fulsome support which enables the knife to make straight cuts only. Always use a sharp blade suitable for use on plywood to avoid splintering.

• Jigsaw: If you want to carve curves or complex shapes, however, a jigsaw is a perfect tool to use. It is also an appropriate time to arrange the roof spacing and use a fine-toothed blade which will give cleaner cuts and also reduce areas where water may settle and cause tearing.

• Router: The router is also used for ornamental Volutes or for trimming any workpiece, particularly plywood after having them face down. There is nothing like a flush-trim bit that can do an excellent job in the shaping of edges.

Once you are ready to start cutting they recommend that you prepare the area you will be using well by clearing and arranging everything properly. It will be wise to place your plywood on firmly established sawhorses or workbenchs. For large quantities of sheets, one may use a sheet goods cutting table or; otherwise may establish a temporary working table.

It is very important to measure plywood as closely as possible to avoid having to correct distances during a construction process. When making your cuts you should use a tape measure with a pencil to draw straight lines on the wood and a square should also be used to ensure straight lines. One may use a fine-tip marker to get better visibility or even a pencil to do the same work.

For the plywood you have to cut, it is necessary to provide sufficient support to the sheet. Timber or Plywood placed in this manner was prone to having one side of it splintered or cut unevenly. If one is to employ a circular saw, then the off-cut should be put in a position where there will be little chance that it will break when the cut is being made.

To cut, you have to press the tool down without having to use much pressure to do so. Let the saw do the work. If you want the result to be optimal, you should use the “good” side of the plywood, the bottom side will look less like plywood.

Still, cover up properly with safety equipment such as glasses and earmuffs. Make sure you work with good lighting, and avoid bringing your hands nearer to the blade’s line of operation.

If proper tools are used and the following tips are observed, clean and sharp edges on plywood are achieved hence giving a sheer foundation for any project. Happy cutting!