I changed my mind about using a circular saw for long rip cuts

I had a big job cutting 40 sheets of plywood for a kitchen remodel in Bend. I was set to use my circular saw with a guide, thinking it was faster to set up than my table saw. After the first 5 sheets, the cuts were just not as clean and I was fighting the weight of the sheets. I switched to the table saw, built a simple outfeed support from some 2x4s, and the rest of the cuts were perfect and way easier. What's your go-to tool for breaking down full sheets?

3 comments

3 Comments

williamt4411h ago

It's funny how we often overcomplicate things before going back to the basic, right tool.

jamierodriguez17d ago

Been there. Cutting a stack of MDF sheets for built-ins, I tried the same thing with a track saw. The first few were okay, but keeping everything steady on sawhorses was a fight. I dragged my old contractor table saw into the middle of the garage, used a sheet of foam board on the floor, and just ran them through. The weight of the sheet going across the table did all the work. It was slower to move the saw, but each cut was straight and repeatable.

jessesingh17d ago

Wait, you ran full sheets of MDF through a contractor saw? That sounds terrifying! My saw would shake itself across the floor trying to handle that much weight. I guess the foam board kept it from walking, but man, I'd be so worried about the sheet tipping or binding. You must have a really solid fence setup. I stick to breaking down big sheets with a circular saw first because that just feels safer to me.