Cutting solutions that make it easy to get straight, accurate cuts.

Cutting plywood is a fairly straightforward process, but results can vary depending on a number of factors. Essentially though, making cuts in plywood can be done in three steps.

Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the cut you need to make on the plywood. Then, use a pencil and straightedge to mark the cut line on the plywood. Make sure your marks are clear and precise.

Depending on the thickness of the plywood, you can use a circular saw, a jigsaw, or a table saw. Make sure your saw is properly set up, and that the blade is sharp and appropriate for cutting plywood. Adjust the saw blade depth to just slightly deeper than the thickness of the plywood, so you don't cut into the surface below.

Position the plywood on a stable surface, and make sure it is properly supported. Turn on the saw and align the blade with your cut line. Then, slowly and steadily guide the saw along the cut line, applying consistent pressure. Keep your hands well clear of the saw blade, and make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear, like eye protection and gloves.

Though you may think of a circular saw as awkward or tough to control, with the right setup circular saws are a great choice for ripping and crosscutting plywood.

It may seem difficult to get a straight, smooth, accurate cut with a circular saw, the reality is that it’s really not. You can get great results with the help of a cutting guide like the Rip-Cut™, Accu-Cut™, or Accu-Cut™ XL.

When cutting plywood, the good side — the one you want showing when you’re finished — should be facing down.

Don’t rely on the blade included with a circular saw to make clean cuts in plywood. Instead, step up to a carbide-tipped blade with at least 40 teeth.

A good rule of thumb is to set your blade around ¼” below your material thickness. For example, if you have a ¾”-thick piece of plywood, set your blade depth at 1”.

With the right blade, cutting guide, and setup, almost any circular saw can make clean cuts in plywood. But for the best cut quality and enhanced safety features, a track saw — like our Adaptive Cutting System Master Kit — provides an unparalleled experience.