WoodCentral Forums

Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge

Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

Posts

Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#1

Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

Todd M

>Hi,

I'm looking for recommendations on the best type of hand saw to get to cut plywood sheet goods. Tonight I was ripping some 4 x 8 sheets on my table saw and needed to cross cut the panels. Dangling an 8' piece of plywood 21" wide off the side of my table saw while I attempted a cross cut didn't seem like the way to go. Instead, I used my circular saw with a guide. I thought it would be much more convenient to have a really good quality handsaw to quickly cut the panel, since it is quick and quiet. Once roughly cut to the final size, I could trim it up on the table saw. Unless, of course I'm good enough to follow a line and not have to clean it up.

I'm looking for specifics to look for in this type of saw, like length, number of teeth, etc., as well as any particular brands of new saws (or good sources for older saws). Also, would a Japanese saw fit the bill better? Don't know where to start with a Japanese saw, but I would have to think that the thinner kerf of these saws might make them easier to use on the panels.

Thanks for your input.

Todd M.

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#2

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood *LINK*

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>I used the LV Japanese plywood saw to cut the major portions of my kitchen cabinets. It worked great, had no problems sticking to the line. In fact, I started out using my circular saw, but it couldn't handle the 3/4" stuff.

Pam


LV Japanese Plywood Saw

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#3

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

George Makowski

>Todd, I am pleased with my 11 tpi Disston D-8 crosscut saw for cutting plywood. It is fast and leaves a fairly tidy edge without much tearing out the back side. I have often then cleaned up the cut with a hand plane.

Good luck,

George in AL

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#4

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

L. Hanson - N. Idaho

>I'd agree with George - I'm also sure Pam's recommendations are appropriate for Japanese saws (I've not owned one of those other than a dozuki) - it's your call on which you prefer.

Most probably know this, but for those that might not:

A way to reduce tearout even more on plywood, with either a hand saw or a power saw, is to keep 2" wide masking tape handy and put it over the cut. Helps keep those tiny little shards from tearing out on the plywood veneer, and gives you a little better edge as a result.

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#5

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

L. Hanson - N. Idaho

>Oops - I wanted to mention scoring the plywood with a utility knife, too.

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#6

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

Andrew Pallas

>Hi Todd

I took advice and got a basic Japanese cross cut Kataba with replacable blade. It works really well and even a newbie like me can cut straight(ish!) My understanding is that an important issue is inexpensive replacable blades or lots of sharpening, as all that glue gives the teeth edges a hard time.

Andrew

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#7

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

Alan Hamilton

>Todd,

Quite a few years ago I bought a Stanley tool-chest sized saw that would do the job for you. The blade is shorter than usual (short enough that it will fit into an ordinary-size tool box, I suppose) and the teeth are filed like a Japanese-style saw. I wish I could remember exactly what it's called; it's "shark tooth" or something like that.

Anyway... It's a real rough and tumble kind of saw. I have to keep it out of the same room with anything that needs a fine cut. This saw is a bludgeon, not an epee. It tears right through everything that gets in its way. It roars through plywood without a pause--but again, it's not for fine work.

Alan

Re: Handsaw recommendation for cutting plywood

#8

cutting angle

Bill Houghton, Sebastopol, CA

>YOu can also get a cleaner cut on plywood by holding the saw close to flat on the panel, once you've got your cut well started.

👍 This page answered my questions

Your vote helps other woodworkers quickly find the answers and techniques that actually work in the shop.