So the trick is to figure out a method to cut the sheets down to manageable sized pieces closer to the sizes needed for your project.
There are many ways to do this. Mostly you just need to figure out how to physically move the full sheet without breaking your back or worse, chipping the plywood edges! I like to cut plywood as soon as I buy it and use my truck as a workbench. After loading plywood into my truck, I rarely have to lift it again.
I then like to set up a straight-edge and make rough cuts, usually a half inch greater than I need, using a circular saw. I have also had success using a jig saw. The idea is to get the pieces small enough to square up on my table saw.
Here are the rip guides I use:
Empire Level 900 edge cutting guide
Kreg Rip-Cut
Accu-Rip
This video is my contribution to "Get Woodworking Week" over at Tom's Workbench, a whole week of links and articles just for beginning woodworkers. Check it out.
*****
Tracksaw works best, most of the time clamps aren't necessary.I have borrowed the cordless version to use in the parking lot too. Way more accurate then a regular edge guide. I always had problems with a bit of sag on 8' cuts and the shoe of the saw would go under the guide.
ReplyDeleteAnother option is to have them break it down where you buy it. The big box stores will do a couple cuts for free, and breaking it down sure helps.
I really enjoyed this video. It made me appreciate my vertical panel saw that much more. ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned in the video the drawbacks of the accu-rip and the kreg-jig, being that a very long cut isn't easy. Well, use the straight-edge-double-up-as-long-as-needed. Just two boards screwed on top of one another, the top one being the smaller in size, and the width of the bottom one a little wider than the base of your circular saw and the top board, perhaps a little extra to put the clamps on. All you do is make the first cut to tune the boards to your saw, and you see exactly where you will end up cutting. Greatly reduces the tearout at the top too. A small disadvantage is sacraficing a little depth of cut.
ReplyDeleteSee ya'
__
_[--[___
[--------]
(this is not an alienated alien, with a little phantasy this is how it should like)
ah, didn't work out
ReplyDeleteAnother great video, Steve. I really enjoy watching you. Whether you're making a Chippendale chair or just making sawdust. I made a mallet last summer after watching your video, and as soon as the snow melts (maybe in April here in Moose Jaw Sask.) I'll make a bench and many other things. And at some point, I'll send you a picture of my mallet.
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to add that I love using rigid foam insulation to cut up plywood. a 4x8 sheet of rigid foam on some saw horses with the plywood on top. I clamp down a straight edge and cut. It works great.
ReplyDeleteI agree with "Anonymous". I use a 1/2"x12"x8' sheet of plywood and attach to it a 1/4"x2"x8' strip of Luan. Lay my saw against the Luan and rip down the board. Now I have a perfect guide to cut with.
ReplyDeleteOnce you've lived the table saw out feed table lifestyle you never look back.
ReplyDeletehttp://i.imgur.com/VannV.jpg
I bought the Kreg jig a couple of months ago.
ReplyDeleteWorks great. Highly recommend it.
Hey Steve I think you need to update your saw blade to a Diablo by Freud.You can buy those at the home depot,its like going through butter with a Diablo.
ReplyDeleteThe Diablo blades are okay, but a very poor second to Freud's industrial line. Try Amazon and RouterBitWorld.com for the best prices. Typically about double a Diablo, but worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteI'm very disappointed that Steve didn't show how to rip a 12ft sheet of plywood lengthwise with a hand saw.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wuss!
C'mon Steve, be a man and show all the options available!
My grandfather could do that. He was a founding member of the Carpenters Union though.
Delete"The Carpenter's Union" was founded in 1881. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Brotherhood_of_Carpenters_and_Joiners_of_America
ReplyDeletePlywood wasn't commonly available until the late 1930s. http://www.apawood.org/plywoodpioneers/history.htm
Although interesting facts they do not guarantee that PaulF's claims are false. It is possible that his grandfather was around 30 in 1881 and was a founding member. When plywood became common in the 30's he would have been around his 80's still plenty of time to use plywood, depending on age at death.
Delete