Cutting plywood

[Smok3o3]

Im new to wood work and Im building a stand. I got the framing down and understand it but what Im having trouble with is that I want to wrap the fram with plywood, how or what would be best way to cut the plywood into measurements?

Ive been looking up table saw but I dont think it would work if im cutting a piece that is 3 or 4 ft by 8 ft.

I know I can have home depot do it for me but lets say I want to do it at home how would I do it accurately and would a table saw be something I want to get?

 

[viewofthebay]

Home Depot can do it pretty good. You have to tell them to cut it exactly to size. It is much easier unless you have a large commercial table saw like what the cabinet makers have. Good Luck.

 

[repella42]

Use a chalk line or equal to get straight line. Use any good or cheap circular saw with a new good blade. Corded or battery powerd. Take your time when cutting to prevent spilntering. Buying table saw would be a waste. Unless you want one anyways lol.

 

[bob965]

Use a circular saw with a straightedge. Allow for the distance between the edge of the guide plate of the circular saw and the blade, and clamp your straight edge parallel to your cut line. Slide your saw against the straight edge to make your cut. There are guides made just for this purpose, or you can use another piece of wood if it has a perfect edge. Whatever you use, make sure it's clamped firmly so it doesn't bow or deflect while you're sliding the saw against it.

 

[plecostic]

Home Depot consistently measures my cuts inaccurately. I think their tape measure is not the same as mine. I always have to go back and have them do it again. I'm thinking of getting a saw and do it myself.

 

[bbortko]

Use a circular saw with a straightedge. Allow for the distance between the edge of the guide plate of the circular saw and the blade, and clamp your straight edge parallel to your cut line. Slide your saw against the straight edge to make your cut. There are guides made just for this purpose, or you can use another piece of wood if it has a perfect edge. Whatever you use, make sure it's clamped firmly so it doesn't bow or deflect while you're sliding the saw against it.

this is what I do, just find a straight 2x4 or a level if you have a 4' and its almost fool proof.

 

[Nic]

I use either a circular saw or a table saw.

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[sikoko]

i used a circular saw too. its makes things way easier. or you could ask home depot, just snag someone walking by.

 

[joe jaskot]

Use a circular saw with a straightedge. Allow for the distance between the edge of the guide plate of the circular saw and the blade, and clamp your straight edge parallel to your cut line. Slide your saw against the straight edge to make your cut. There are guides made just for this purpose, or you can use another piece of wood if it has a perfect edge. Whatever you use, make sure it's clamped firmly so it doesn't bow or deflect while you're sliding the saw against it.

Good advice. I would add that you should use a multi-toothed blade made especially for cutting plywood. It will give you a much nicer edge without splintering too much.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I agree with the suggestion of a plywood blade for a circular saw. The smaller teeth make a cleaner cut. Also cut from the back side of the plywood, it should help ive a smoother edge on the side that shows in the finished work. I also like to have a large square( an L shaped ruler). The large square helps to keep the angles true. Check the factory edge for being true and try to use that good edge to mark the lines for cuts at 90 degrees.
Do not forget to allow for the amount of wood that will be removed by the blade. If you mark the line at the exact length needed and cut down the midle of the line, it may be that the blade removeds enough wood to throw the finished cut off a bit. You may want to practice on scrap wood to get a feel for where to make the cut with regard to the line.
Cutting a large sheet of plywood by yourself will require some sort of platform. I have used sawhorses. I also often use the tailgate of my pickup, but have to be aware of where the cut is going to keep the blade away from the tailgate itself. Good luck