If you’re working on a project that involves a lot of plywood, you might be wondering what the best saw for cutting plywood is. There are several types of saws to choose from, but this article focuses on budget-friendly options. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of these tools, as well as what you should consider when choosing a saw for your project.
Best Saw For Cutting Plywood Reviews
Among the budget-friendly options for cutting plywood are hand tools and power saws. For projects requiring large sheets of plywood, hand tools are not always the best choice.
Even a $500 jigsaw can be useless for cabinet-making since its blades are not stable enough to provide the straight cuts needed for cabinets. Contractor-grade table saws also aren’t safe enough for cutting plywood safely.
A table saw isn’t necessary for every plywood project, though it is convenient for large cuts and ripping of material. For a small fee, most hardware stores offer cutting services for plywood.
This method saves time and money, as you don’t have to haul plywood around. Another way to save money is to build your own workbench. Many hardware stores offer to cut plywood, and you can even use theirs for free if you have a printed plan.
While budget-friendly options are still affordable, they may be lacking in features. A good saw for cutting plywood will last you a lifetime if taken care of properly. Regardless of the size, quality, and support are all crucial features.
However, it is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars on a saw that will only be used for a single job. If you plan to use your saw on a regular basis, it’s better to choose a cheaper model that can be used for many years.
A Japanese saw is a good option for cutting curves and planks in plywood. Although they require a little more effort, they offer smooth edges and clean lines. The blades on these saws are double-sided, letting you cut either a straight or curved edge.
These saws are also great for cutting plywood up to 1/4 thick. They are designed for cutting plywood, and the Japanese saw blades are designed to provide a high level of smoothness.
Japanese saws
- An Idea Gift for Woodworker&Carpenter&Craft Man
- 【Optimal Blade Size】:Through numerous manual tests, We found that the 6" Japanese saw blade is the...
- 【Durable & Flexible Saw Blade】: The hand saw blade is made of SK5 high-carbon steel. The Japanese...
- 【Double Edged】: One side of Japanese hand saw is 17TPI for cutting hardwood, and the other side is...
- 【Hardened 3-Edge Teeth】: The hand saw has three-sided grinding gear design, sharp edge, faster chip...
Japanese saws are an excellent choice for cutting plywood, both planks and curves. They can create immaculate lines and edges, but you will need to work extra hard to achieve this. Moreover, they have two blades, one for ripping and one for cross-cutting.
This is essentially like having two saws in one. Consequently, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each before making your purchase.
The first Japanese saw you need to buy is the Suizan. This saw has two sets of teeth. Its blade is flexible and comes with a removable handle. Japanese saws are easy to find in big box stores. You can also get a Suizan flush-cut saw for a reasonable price. It has a very flexible blade that can be twisted to make a flush cut on a piece of plywood.
- JAPANESE STYLE PULL SAW: This product is a “Pull Saw.” Most people are used to European saws, called...
- JAPANESE STEEL: All SUIZAN Japanese saws consist of top quality Japanese steel. The high-quality steel...
- MADE IN JAPAN: All SUIZAN products are manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen. The whole...
- DIVERSIFY YOUR WOODWORKING LIFE: No matter if you are a master or a beginner, using traditional...
- For Cross Cut, Blade Length: 9.5"(240mm), Blade Thickness: 0.012"(0.3mm), TPI: 25(1.0mm), Kerf Width:...
A Japanese saw is not for everyone, though. Despite their size, these Japanese saws are still difficult to cut, and they’re best used by professionals. Choosing one with good Japanese saw teeth will help you cut the toughest materials.
The kerf, or the groove that separates the blade from the material, is 0.040 inches. The back frame has been shortened to make it easier to cut long sheets. The blade measures 9 1/2″ x 2 3/8″, leaving a smooth finish.
Another important feature of a Japanese saw is that it cuts on a pull stroke, meaning that you pull it rather than push it through the wood. A Japanese saw also produces very thin kerfs compared to its Western counterpart.
This means that it needs less muscle power to cut the wood, which makes it more accurate and longer lasting. In addition, it is easier to clean with a Japanese saw. The Dozuki is also lightweight and thin, making it a great choice for cutting plywood.
Japanese jigsaws
Buying a Japanese jigsaw is an excellent way to cut plywood quickly and easily. These saws come in several different types, some are for general use and some are designed for specific applications.
You can find Japanese jigsaw blades specifically for plywood, hardwood, softwood, timber, and metal. Below, I will give you an overview of the various types of jigsaw blades.
The Dozuki Dovetail hand saw is an excellent example of the type of Japanese jigsaw you should consider purchasing for plywood-cutting projects. Its shorter spline and impulse-hardened teeth make it suitable for cutting both wood and plastic.
- JAPANESE STYLE PULL SAW: This product is a “Pull Saw.” Most people are used to European saws, called...
- JAPANESE STEEL: All SUIZAN Japanese saws consist of top quality Japanese steel. The high-quality steel...
- MADE IN JAPAN: All SUIZAN products are manufactured in Japan by Japanese master craftsmen. The whole...
- DIVERSIFY YOUR WOODWORKING LIFE: No matter if you are a master or a beginner, using traditional...
- For Cross Cut, Blade Length: 6"(150mm), Blade Thickness: 0.012"(0.3mm), TPI: 25(1.0mm), Kerf Width:...
In addition, it is easy to maintain a Dozuki by regularly replacing the blade. It is a good idea to use a backer board when cutting plywood as it holds it in place and minimizes the risk of splintering.
Before cutting a hole in the plywood, it is important to mark the outline of the hole on the material. A pencil or marker pen is helpful. Next, adjust the depth of the blade.
The depth will depend on the thickness of the material being cut. You can adjust the depth of the blade with a knob on the jigsaw. Once you have set the depth of the blade, move the saw steadily around the outline of the hole.
If you are new to using a Japanese jigsaw for cutting plywood, it is best to test it out first on a small piece of plywood. This way, you can see if it will work for your project. If you do have to use the saw, be sure to check the blade for bluntness. If the blade is blunt, the saw will cut slowly and badly. Always test the tool out first by creating a rough model of your project.
Irwin hand saws
- Featuring triple-ground teeth, this handsaw cuts up to 3 times faster than traditional handsaws
- This handsaw utilizes a universal tooth grind to remove material quickly
- A tapered-pitch nose improves clearance and adds stability
- The thick-body handsaw blade incorporates a water-based lacquer coating to help deliver fast, controlled...
- A comfort grip is made from high-density resin and molded into an ergonomic shape for less hand fatigue
There are many advantages of Irwin hand saws for cutting plywood. One of these is their ergonomic design, making them more comfortable to hold. The handle extends past the saw’s teeth, making it easier to grip and stop between cuts.
Another advantage of an ergonomic handle is that it’s versatile and easy to get into tight spaces. The ProTouch handle is made of soft rubber, so it’s comfortable to hold and can be easily adjusted to fit your hand’s dominant hand.
A large gullet on the Irwin hand saws for cutting plywood is an excellent feature, eliminating sawdust and minimizing the risk of the blade binding in the kerf.
A large gullet is also a useful feature that eliminates the possibility of the blade binding in the kerf, which can cause the saw to stall. Irwin’s hand saw with a pull handle is also recommended for detail work.
Hand saws for cutting plywood are essential tools for building structures. While they’re convenient to use, they require a lot of maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Hand saws need to be stored in dry and sheltered areas to prevent rusting. In addition, they should only be used on wood, not metal. Cutting into metal will quickly dull the blade. A rust-resistant blade is even more desirable.
Another benefit of Irwin hand saws for cutting plywood is their flexibility. They’re lightweight and easy to use. The cord can be long enough to reach the entire cutting area. They also come with a clamp that keeps the board from shifting while the saw is in use.
These features make plywood cutting easier and faster and help you achieve the perfect finish. So, why wait any longer to get started?
Hitachi compound miter saw
- 0-52 degree miter angle range to the right & left for increased flexibility
- 0-45 degree bevel range to the left to provide clean and accurate bevel cuts.Thumb actuated positive...
- 24.2 lbs to facilitate maneuverability and easier transport.Dust collector attachment included to...
- 15 Amp motor delivers high power for the toughest cutting jobs.Large table for better material support...
- Miter ranges – left 52, right 52
One of the best-selling tools for home improvement projects is the Hitachi compound miter saw for cutting plywood. This saw is highly accurate, features a micro knob for easy blade alignment, and is battery-free.
Moreover, it’s easy to lock on to the miter scale and angle settings. With a laser marker system, you’ll always have a preview of the blade’s cutting path.
To start cutting your first sheet of plywood, place the board on the base with the face up against the fence. Use the miter gauge handle on the front of the saw to check the angle where the blade meets the wood.
Make adjustments as needed, and clamp the wood at a distance of six inches from the saw blade. When finished, turn off the power and remove the saw from the outlet. It should be safe to work with, but you must be sure to follow the instructions on the saw.
Using this saw can give you a smooth miter cut, as it can accommodate both crosscuts and other complex projects. It comes with a 15-AMP motor for cutting plywood and hardwood.
It has an automatic dust collector to protect your workspace from debris, and it is easy to maneuver. Its tungsten carbide teeth are perfect for cutting plywood, soft board, and aluminum. It also has dual bevel capabilities for making precision cuts.
This Hitachi compound miter saw is an excellent choice for a beginner woodworker who’s interested in learning the ins and outs of cutting plywood. Its unique compact slide system doesn’t create a hindrance when tilting the arm.
It also features an expansive range of reach and requires minimal fine-tuning. You can even adjust the angle of the cut with your thumb. It’s worth the investment if you’re a beginner and want to get started quickly.
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