This method helps in achieving a smoother cutting surface. Hand saws are easy to use but at the same time very simple to get a cut from. If you have some plywood sheets laying around and want to create something neat, you’ll have to cut it into appropriate pieces for assembly. I’ll get into those methods at the bottom of this article, so make sure you read it all. But there’s still a chance of getting it inside your eyes. A hand saw’s size determines how much control you have as you cut through the plywood. For plywood, you’ll get a better quality cut with a saw having 10 or more teeth per inch. If you are not getting satisfying straight cut, here’s a trick. And then mark those areas to start cutting with the right preparation. If you already have a piece of plywood you can do this on your workbench with a pencil and a ruler. Cross-cut saws are usually a bit shorter, and have more teeth per inch of the blade. The first thing you want to do is draw your shape or cut line. Make sure your shoulder and forearm are on similar line when you go for a stroke. Learn how to use a hand saw. That’s exactly what I’m going to do next. Keep going, until you’re nearing the last few inches. While most people tend to think table saws are the only option, you probably don’t own one unless you have access to a workshop. You also want to brace the cutoff end. Until the hand saw has made a small cut into the plywood, slowly apply pressure in cutting through. First and most importantly, you need to have a sharp reliable blade. Use your hands to direct the plywood through the blade. Remember what I just told you about the dust? The blade teeth must enter sheet from below. With a 0.75 inches thick plywood, you want to set saw at 1 inch below the sheet. Mark up the line you want to cut. You don’t want to stop in between cut to ensure if the width or length is right or not. Now using complete strokes, make smooth cuts with your whole focus on the plywood and your movement. Make sure the saw blade is in an upright position while you are holding it. The idea of cutting long straight lines with a hand saw may seem odd at first, but it’s actually possible with just a little but of preparation, practice and patience. Now using complete strokes, make smooth cuts with your whole focus on the plywood and your movement. Look for a carbide-tipped blade with a high tooth count. I’ve had great experiences using a hand saw for cutting plywood, and there are a few easy methods that enable you to make precision cuts easily. Put the blades of the handsaw over where you want to cut the plywood, then gently pull back and forth with no pressure. Then simply turn the saw upright. Another great tip on how to cut plywood without chipping and make a smooth cut, hold your plywood steady and keep it pressed steadily against the fence, which is the straight edge of your saw. The first cut simply trims and squares one end. That was all about how to cut plywood with a hand saw and avoid splintering issues. This is followed by a square cut to finished length. It enables better control and a more precise cutting than with a more flexible saw blade, and as such it’s a good choice for thin/small piece of wood that need to be cut with precision. A 1 to 7 TPI hand saw has coarse-toothed blades. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the other hand, the Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw is a great option if you have a bigger budget. Children are not allowed at all. I can't recommend any technique for cutting straight lines freehand on a table saw because you should not do that. The Japanese-made SUIZAN Ryoba Pull Saw has a fine blade, that enables a more precise cut. Now, that’s how to easily RIP cut a plywood sheet, but what about cross cuts? Sometimes it’s not the fault of your skills or even plywood’s thickness. Choose the right kind of blade. Our team independently selects, reviews, and identifies the best products. Gradually start drawing on the edge to create a notch. One common tool that is often found laid around such creative people’s homes is a hand saw. A bleeding finger in between the process is not a good sight, trust me. The angle of cutting matters very much. I wouldn’t recommend this type of hand saw for plywood, unless it’s for internal/non-visible elements and you just need to cut it fast. You want the saw to be in around 30 to 45-degree angle. In some situations, you may notice that the blade is running off track. If you already own a circular saw this simple to make zero-clearance circular saw guide will help you make accurate rip and cross cuts in full 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. You can avoid that through some easy to remember tips given right below. Splintering is basically the edge becoming ragged and rough. How to Stain Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding! 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