How to Shape 1/4" Plywood
Woodworking projects often call for plywood, since the material is strong and warp-resistant. Lumberyards and home improvement stores sell plywood in large rectangular or square sheets in varying thicknesses, including the thin and flexible ¼-inch thickness. Most projects require you to cut out a smaller shape from your plywood board, and while your saw will easily slice through the slender sheet, you'll need to take some special precautions due to the flexibility and size of the typical ¼-inch plywood sheet. Once you know how to properly cut your plywood, you can safely transform your sheet into any shape you need for your project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Plywood sheet, ¼-inch thickness
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Two sawhorses
- Circular saw
- Helper
Instructions
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Measure the area you want to cut to match the measurements your project calls for, and then mark the areas you will cut with a dark pencil line. Make these measurements and markings as close to one of the sheet's edges as possible.
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2
Score your marked cut line with your utility knife. Scoring before you cut with the saw reduces the likelihood of splintering.
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Set your sawhorses next to each other, and place the plywood sheet on top of them. Arrange the sheet so that the section where you made your markings hangs off the side one of the sawhorses and away from the other sawhorse. Have a helper hold the marked end if it needs additional support, which it may since ¼-inch plywood droops easily. This helper can also hold up large scrap pieces that might fall away and bind your saw.
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4
Always make your cuts going away from your body, and stand to the side of your saw instead of behind it. Cut the plywood slowly.
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Cut across the grain of your plywood when your project calls for a "crosscut." Cut with the grain when your project calls for a "rip" cut. Cut curves or shorter lines with a router or a jigsaw. Sand the edges smooth when you've completed your cuts.
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Tips & Warnings
Never cut down the area of the sheet that rests between your two sawhorses. The two cut sheets will fall toward the center and bind your saw. Always wear safely glasses when operating a circular saw. Keep an eye on your cord while you work so it doesn't get in the way of your work and cause an accident.
References
- Photo Credit construction ,measuring image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
