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Plywood panels are often multi-layered, soft, and easy to peel. Cutting plywood requires careful preparation for perfect cuts. If you want to know how to cut plywood with a table saw, then check out the guide below:
- Prepare the table saw
- Mark and stick low tape on the plywood
- Prepare the bracket
- Performing plywood cutting
For a good cut and perfect final plywood, follow our instructions!
What Do You Need To Prepare To Cut Plywood With Table Saw?
In addition to the primary tool, the table saw (best table saw under 500 buying guide here), you need to prepare some additional supporting tools below:
- Fence.
- Markers and rulers.
- Saw blade with matching serration.
- Low-adhesive tape (artist tape, low-adhesive tape).
- Bracket (if you don’t have a stand, ask someone to help you support the plywood at the end of the table saw).
To have perfect cuts, you cannot ignore the careful preparation of tools. Plywood is a challenging wood material to cut. Cuts often appear flaking if you’re not careful.
Due to the unique construction with many different layers of plywood, you can cause the plywood to split during the cutting process. Cutting large plywood is also very difficult. When you need to cut large plywood, you must have a bracket or a support person.
How To Cut Plywood With A Table Saw Effectively
You’re probably used to using a table saw to cut materials, but plywood is on a more complex level.
If you do not have a clear workflow, you will easily damage the plywood. Follow the detailed step-by-step instructions below to get better the first time.
Preparing the Table Saw
The essential tool for cutting plywood is the table saw, so you need to equip it to work at its best. You need to prepare the right saw blade, fence and clean the table saw.
Prepare the Best Table Saw Blade
The table saw blade is the material in direct contact with the plywood. It plays a big part in creating the perfect cut.
First, you need to choose a suitable table saw blade for cutting plywood. Plywood is different from other hardwood materials; it is softer and more prone to scratches on cuts. You should choose saw blades with a large number of teeth, usually saw blades over 80 TPI.
If you need to cut plenty of plywood for a large project, you can go to the store to buy a specialized plywood cutting saw blade. Many stores will advise and sell you the right type of saw blade.
Next, you require to make sure that your table saw blade is not dull. The table saw blade needs to be sharp to avoid splitting the wood chips in the plywood. It also helps to reduce friction and drag as you cut.
Finally, you should adjust the height of the saw blade on the saw table accordingly. At the right size, the table saw blade can produce smooth and even cuts. You will also make more precise cuts.
However, you should not raise the saw blade more than 1 inch above the top surface of the plywood. It will endanger you during work.
Fence Installation
With large plywood panels, you have to use a fence. You can rely on the fence to make precise long cuts. So you need to install the fence precisely according to the size you need.
Cleaning Saw Table Tops
When cutting plywood, the saw table surface needs to be neat and clean. Obstacles on the table can scratch the plywood or interfere with the cutting process. You should remove unnecessary tools before you start cutting.
Mark And Stick Low Tape On Plywood
In this second step, you need to measure the exact size you need on the plywood. Then use a marker to mark the necessary locations. You can use a marker and a ruler to draw a line to cut. This marking line will help you cut more accurately.
Once you’ve measured the dimensions and drawn a line, use low-adhesive tape to stick it on the plywood. Apply tape on either side of the marked cut, made on both sides of the plywood.
Gluing the tape will help fix the cutting edge. The wood chips will not be able to escape or cause scratches when applied force. You should use a dry towel or your hands to smooth the tape.
Prepare the Bracket
If you’re cutting small plywood sheets, you don’t need to prepare a stand. In contrast, large plywood panels will be cumbersome and difficult to control. The use of a frame will make the cutting process more stable.
The rack is like a support shelf. It allows you to maintain the speed of passing the plywood through the saw blade. This way, your cuts will be smoother and more perfect.
If you don’t have a bracket, you can ask a relative or friend for help. They will stand on the opposite side and support the cut plywood for you.
Performing Plywood Cutting
Before you start cutting plywood with a table saw, you should wear protective gear. Items like eyeglasses, masks, and earplugs will help you avoid wood chips. It also enables you to work more efficiently and safely.
After you have all the tools ready, plug-in power and start the table saw.
When the saw blade has reached its maximum speed, use both hands to push the plywood slowly into the saw blade. Align the cut to coincide with the previously marked line.
Push the plywood forward continuously at a steady pace. When the plywood is almost empty, move your hand away from the saw blade to reduce the danger.
After pushing the last piece of plywood through the saw blade, you have completed the process of cutting plywood with a table saw.
Tips To Help You Cut Plywood Perfectly With Table Saw
Although you already have the most detailed guide to cutting plywood properly, you still need a few more tips to have perfect plywood. Follow these tips to create smooth cuts in plywood!
- Choose the correct type of saw blade and serration, so choose the saw blade with the most serrations
- Use low-adhesive tape (artist’s tape) to secure the cutting edge
- Only start cutting when the saw blade reaches a maximum speed
- Use both hands to control the plywood through the saw blade slowly
- Cut plywood at a steady speed
- Use racks with large plywood sheets
Conclusion
Plywood panels appear a lot in people’s lives, but they are not always the size you want. You can cut the plywood yourself with your table saw. If you are worried about what to do, read this detailed guide at Geariz.com, and you will have new plywood with a perfect cut.
