cutting plywood

[tablesawtom]

I tried putting plywood with 2x4s under it and getting on my hands and knees. I have actually tried several different ways. Then I built a torsion box style of table and put folding legs under it. The table is 41 1/2 inches wide 84 inches long and 3 inches thick. I put a sheet of OSB on it and my wife and neighbors use it as a table for garage sales. I do not pay real close attention to the depth of the blade because I cut into the table. Been doing it for about 24 years . I only cut maybe 10 sheets a year so it will still be going strong when I am gone. If I were to build another table I would make it smaller and only about 2 inches thick. It has gotten a lot heavier as I have aged.

I do my cutting outside, summer or winter and saw dust is not a concern so I do not worry about dust collection. Usually I open the garage doors for a little more room around the end of the table but my wife's baby is in the garage so the door was shut. I get the truck just off the street and pull the plywood out of the truck onto the table .

   

   

   

I showed this because I do not need a rocking table for x amount of hundred dollars so I can lift a sheet of plywood from vertical to horizontal or to roll it into my shop. I don't need a big sheet of 1 1 /2 pink foam on the floor so I can cut on my hands and knees. Yes I have to store the table but one would have to store the foam board also.

I bought this set up and have been using it for over 24 years also and I am quite happy with it, except for the fact that I have to hunt down an extension power cord.  It clamps to the plywood and guides the saw just like a track saw. I add 1 1/4 inches to the dimension mark the two point on the wood line it up and cut.

   

   

I found that the blade was quite dull and I decided to get a new on. But then I though I do have a battery powers circular saw from Menards I don't use it much but it does have a new blade on it so I decided to retire the old saw and mount the battery saw to the plate. It will be lighter and no cord to chase down. The most important part of the job is getting the blade straight with the plate so it cuts straight, if not straight it will pull to one side.

Will I get a track saw? No. In my opinion a track saw will never replace a table saw. I have a very good table saw.  I also have (I feel a very good ) setup for braking down plywood and getting it to manageable sizes so I can handle it at the table saw.. There are other items like being able to square up a piece of plywood but if it clamps on there is room for arrow. So there is a lot of expense after just the purchase  I won't be duplicating what I already have. 

Believe me I have though about one. I am on the Makita battery platform so I would like a Makita but the cost is out of sight for me. If I didn't have what I have I would buy the Wen battery track saw and comparable track in a heart beat.. Don't need all the bells and whistles.

Believe it or not I am looking forward to reading your responses

Tom

[firefighter]

Have you looked at the centipede collapsible table? Have one and love it. Stores well solid when in use. I cut 2x4s and drilled for legs that go into the centipede and cut ply on top. Length or cross cut works well.

[tablesawtom]

Have you looked at the centipede collapsible table? Have one and love it. Stores well solid when in use. I cut 2x4s and drilled for legs that go into the centipede and cut ply on top. Length or cross cut works well.

Thank you for bring it up for others to consider, but I have my table, I would have to buy a centipede.

[Admiral]

Tom: if you can find a used Porter Cable Trim Saw, #314, its the best for this task. Worm drive, well made (before PC became total homeowner grade crap) and much easier to handle than a full sized circular. I've had one for 25 years, still going strong.

[Randy C]

I like your idea. Simple, easy and works good. What else could one want?

[museumguy]

Tom, like you, I'm old school. Mainly because I am old. Started professional woodworking 40 years ago. This was well before battery tools became the norm. I still have an 8 foot and a 5 foot straight edge that I made 36 years ago. Still perfectly straight. Like you, I have no intentions of buying a track saw. I applaud you and your system. As long as it is comfortable and manageable for you, keep on making sawdust.

[Bob Vaughan]

Tom: if you can find a used Porter Cable Trim Saw, #314, its the best for this task.  Worm drive, well made (before PC became total homeowner grade crap) and much easier to handle than a full sized circular.  I've had one for 25 years, still going strong.

For me, storing a frame like that is a problem but it is an excellent idea.  Like Admiral, I've been using the 314 for several decades and agree that there is no better, at least for me.
The Bora 8' edge is also a handy accessory.

For crosscutting, I'll use a riser  of clamps on stands and a clamped wood straightedge.  Because of my bench height, I do have to reach.  Lower would be easier.

   

   

   

   

[joe1086]

Tom, mine is very similar to yours. My frame has no perimeter, just the cross pieces, which are 2x4s with snug half lap joints. That way I can knock it apart for storage. The long 2x4s cradle in notches in two sawhorses.

I did get a (relatively) inexpensive Wen track saw and track some years ago, which I am very pleased with.

[kurt18947]

I'll pile on the Porter Cable 314 for this purpose. I don't know of a new AC powered equivalent.

[shifty]

I have a 4' × 8' table. When I need to break down plywood, I put a piece of Styrofoam insulation on top of it and use my track saw. If the insulation gets too cut up on one side, I'll flip it over.