How to Cut MDO Plywood
MDO stands for medium density overlay plywood. MDO plywood is available for use as an exterior or interior plywood. It features a bonded laminate waterproof surface and backing. MDO residential uses include surfacing cabinets, signs, garage doors, wainscoting and paneling. Common industrial uses for MDO plywood include truck and rail car linings and concrete forms. The overlay resists concrete thus allowing a smooth release when used as forms. MDO plywood comes with a pre-finished surface that is durable and resists damage. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Professional crayon or carpenter's pencil
- Straightedge
- Sawhorses
- "C" clamps
- Circular saw
- All-purpose saw blade
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure and mark the MDO plywood for cutting with a professional crayon or carpenter's pencil. Mark cutting lines on the back side of the board. Use a straightedge to draw long, straight lines.
-
2
Balance the plywood between two sawhorses.
-
-
3
Clamp the MDO plywood to the sawhorses, securing it in place with "C" clamps.
-
4
Equip a circular saw with an all-purpose saw blade.
-
5
Set a circular saw for 1/8-inch deeper than the thickness of the plywood.
-
6
Turn the circular saw on and allow it to attain full revolution speed, generally running 15 to 20 seconds.
-
7
Place the circular saw up to the guideline and move the saw along the line to form cuts. Do not force the saw along the guideline; let the saw do the work. Forcing the saw through can cause the saw to kickback, saw blade failure and harm to the operator. Continue to move along the guideline, finishing all cuts.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear a dust mask and safety glasses while cutting MDO plywood.
MDO does not require masking tape along the cutting line because it is manufactured to resist chipping and cracking.
