How to Cut Plywood Straight with 5 Different Saws Perfectly

If you want to do woodworking at your home to create your own things.

Please stop because it is necessary to understand first.

For Example, if you want to cut plywood straight, it is an essential skill for any woodworker. Cutting is not difficult, but straight, precise, and clean cutting is essential because it enhances the visual appeal of our projects. So, learn it first if you are seasonal.

To learn how to cut plywood straight.

 

Keep reading Because, in this article, I will explain the whole procedure for straight cutting with all related saws and other necessary tools.

 

Required Tools and Materials to Cut Plywood Straight

Before cutting the different types of plywood straight, we will require some necessary tools that will help us to make it easy to cut plywood. Here is the list of some necessary tools.

Different Saws

• Clamps
• Measuring Tape
• Combination square
• Pencil
• Safety glasses
• Hearing protection
• Appropriate clothing

 

Techniques to Cut Plywood Straight

We use different techniques to cut the plywood using different Saws. But here, I will describe some types of saws with the functionality of each of them and the procedure for cutting plywood straight using these saws.

 

Here are some types of saws.

1. Hand Saw
2. Circular Saw
3. Table Saw
4. Track Saw
5. Jig Saw

 

1- How to Cut Plywood Straight with Hand Saw

If we have no budget to use the electric saws, then we will use the Hand saw. It is a best friend in case of emergency.

 

Here is the complete procedure to cut the plywood straight with a hand saw.

• Clutter-free Space: First of all, we will remove all the clutter from the workshop and place the plywood on a stable surface, like a workbench or sawhorse.
• Choose Appropriate Saw: We will choose a solid crosscut saw with high TPI (teeth per inch). And we will make sure the handle is comfortable when we grip it and the blade is straight with a flexible tip.
• Mark and Measure: Then we will measure and mark the area on the plywood using a pencil or marking tool where we want to cut. And we will make sure that the marked line is clear because the fine-cutting depends on it.
• Position the Saw: Hold the Hand saw with a comfortable grip and saw blade upright to make a notch at the starting point of the cut.
• Start the Cut: We will apply controlled pressure and start sawing along the cut line using smooth and even strokes.
• Saw Direction: The angle between the saw and the plywood should be 30-45 degrees to make a smooth cut.
• Avoid Rushing: We will always avoid rushing or pushing too hard, which can lead to crooked cuts.
• Inspect the Cut: We will ensure it is straight and clean after completing it. If we find any uneven spots, we will use sandpaper to clean them.

 

2- How to Cut Plywood Straight with Circular Saw

We use a circular saw to complete the woodworking project easily and quickly. It is a portable saw and provides great work efficiency.

 

Here is the complete procedure to use.

• Place the Plywood: First, we will place the plywood on a stable and clutter-free surface, like a workbench or sawhorse.
• Good face Down: The front side or good face of plywood should be underneath because when circular saw blade teeth exit, it can break the plywood surface fibers. If we place the sheet good face down, it will ensure that the surface is smooth.
• Sheet Balance: Check all sides under the plywood are balanced. If not, place a piece of foam under it and do it balance. 
• Selection of Blade: We will choose an appropriate circular blade labeled for plywood or carbide-tipped blade with a high tooth count. A high teeth count will ensure a smooth cut on plywood. 
• Adjust Blade Depth: We will adjust the blade at the right depth to 1/4″ because the blade set at a shallow depth will not cut, and the blade set at a high depth will cause dragging.
• Mark and Measure: Then, we will mark the area on the plywood using a pencil with the help of a straight edge where we want to cut. We will ensure the marked line is clear because the fine-cutting depends on it.
• Guide for beginners: Experts can skip it, but beginners should place a piece of plywood along the whole marked line on the left side with the help of clamps on both ends. It will help to cut the plywood straight.
• Cut the Plywood: Now, Following the straight and marked line, we will cut the plywood.

 

3- How to Cut Plywood Straight with Table Saw

For unparalleled accuracy and consistency, a table saw is an excellent choice.

 

Here is a complete procedure step-by-step.

 

• Adjust Blade height: We will raise and adjust the blade at the right height to 1″ or 2.5cm.
• Place the Plywood: We will place the plywood on a stable and clutter-free surface, like a workbench or sawhorse.
• Good face Upward: We will keep the good face of the plywood sheet up because the teeth of the table saw will enter the sheet from the top side and exit from the underside of the sheet. Tear-outs, or splintering, will occur where the teeth exit, so keep the good face up.
• Mark with Tape: Then we will mark the area on the plywood using painter’s tape on both sides of the sheet where we want to cut. It will help to hold the wood fibers in place and keep the edges from splintering.
• Cut the Plywood: Now, Following the straight and marked line, we will cut the plywood.
• Remove the Tape: Remove the tape on both sides after completing the cut.

 

4-How to Cut Plywood Straight with Track Saw

A track saw has a combination of the benefits of a circular saw and a table saw because the track works as a table for a saw.

 

Here is the complete procedure below.

• Place the Plywood: First of all, we will place the plywood on a stable and clutter-free surface, like a workbench.
• Good Face: The front side or good face of plywood should be underneath because track saw blade teeth can break the plywood surface when they exit. Placing the good face down will ensure that the surface is smooth.
• Sheet Balance: Check all sides under the plywood are balanced. If not, place a piece of foam under it and do it balance.
• Mark and Measure: Then, we will mark the area on the plywood using a pencil or marking tool where we want to cut.
• Set Track: The track saw comes with a metal track. We will place it along the marked line. It has tape under it. After setting it in the right position, we will press it slowly. It will be bound with plywood.
• Set Saw at Track: The metal track has a grove and the saw moves in the grove to cut the plywood. We will pick the track saw and push it into the grove.
• Cut the Plywood: Now, we will only push the saw. It will cut the plywood without any problem.

 

5- How to Cut Plywood Straight with Jig Saw

Place the Plywood: First of all, we will place the plywood on a stable and clutter-free surface, like a workbench or sawhorse.

 

Follow below given steps.

• Sheet Balance: Check all sides under the plywood are balanced. If not, place a piece of foam under it and do it balance.
• Free-up Space Under the Blade: The space under the cut line should be free because the jigsaw blade moves vertically.
• Selection of Blade: We will choose an appropriate and sharp jigsaw blade with a high teeth count.
• Mark and Measure: Then, we will mark the area on the plywood using a pencil with the help of a straight edge where we want to cut.
• Edge Guides: Now, we will take two pieces of plywood and place one of them at the right side of the marked line at the half-width of the jigsaw base and clamp it. Place the second edge guide on the width of the jigsaw base and clamp it. Repeat the same process on the other side of the plywood.
• Jigsaw Speed Setting: Most jigsaws have variable speed settings. For plywood, it’s generally best to use a medium-speed setting. It will help us better control the cut and prevent splintering.
• Place the Jigsaw: Place the jigsaw between the two edge guides and turn it on to cut the plywood and push forward the jigsaw slowly into the grove till the end of the plywood.

 

Common Mistakes

Sometimes, due to lack of attention, we make some little mistakes that can cause big trouble for us. To achieve consistently straight cuts, steer clear of these common mistakes.

• Cutting without a straight edge guide or track can lead to uneven cuts.
• Failing to measure accurately can result in pieces that don’t fit together properly.
• If the blade is not aligned with the marked cut line, the cut will veer off course.
• Making hasty cuts can be dangerous and unsafe working conditions.

 

Conclusion

Becoming an expert in cutting plywood straight is a skill that can open up endless possibilities in woodworking, whether we’re crafting furniture, cabinets, or artistic pieces.

A beginner always wants to know how to cut plywood straight and what tools we use to cut it straight.

I have described all possible tools that can cut plywood straight in this article. And I am confident you liked it because you are here at the end of this article.

The right tools, techniques, and safety measures will increase the skill level.

Thank you for your time.

Best Wishes

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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