10 Tips On Cutting Plywood Correctly Published by Cedar Creek Woodshop Submitted: 19 June,2005 10 Tips On Cutting Plywood Correctly 1. Avoid Cross Cutting – Plywood tends to chip the most when cut across its width (grain). Cutting along the length of the wood will help to reduce chipping. 2. Use the Right Blade – Special blades are manufactured for different cutting jobs. The number of teeth, width, angle, and rake of the blade all impact the cut. Choose a blade that best matches your specific cutting situation. 3. Circular Saw – cut with the “best face” down. 4. Table Saw – cut with the “best face” up. 5. Score the Cut First – Run the plywood through the saw removing only a minimal amount of wood. The next cut will leave a cleaner cut. 6. Masking Tape – Put masking tape over the cut line to help keep the fibers on the edge from pulling up. 7. Backing Panel – Attach a backing panel with strong double stick tape. The backer board will take the brunt of the damage. 8. Use a Router – A router fitted with a straight bit will cut a clean line. A pilot bit and straight edge will help provide a clean line. 9. Score with a Utility Knife – Score the cut line with a utility knife. 10. Buy a Panel Scoring Setup – Some saws can be fitted with a plywood panel scoring setup and are ideal if you have to cut a lot of plywood. The setup consists of a smaller blade that scores the surface of the plywood before it reaches the cutter. Brought To You Courtesy: Cedar Creek Woodshop About the Author None