I'm planning to make a picture frame out of 12mm plywood, with a nice wide edge of around 100mm. I'd like to bevel the edges at a 45-degree angle. Can I get a good finish using my circular saw that can make angled cuts, and then sand it afterwards? Or should I invest in my first router? What tools would I need for that? Just to note, I currently only have a saw horse and no bench or router bits.
3 Answers
Sanding after your cuts will change the angle, so it might not give you that clean 45-degree look you want. I suggest using a router or even a hand planer for cleaner results right off the bat. Just keep in mind the saw blade can get dull doing all that cutting, especially with plywood.
Yeah, you can totally get good results with your circular saw set to 45 degrees! Just make sure to test it out on a scrap piece of plywood first. And remember, for cleaner cuts, lower the blade RPM a bit and use a sharp blade to prevent burns.
To make those sharp 45-degree bevels, I’d recommend getting a router. A chamfer bit will do the trick! Also, having a flat work surface is essential, along with clamps to hold everything steady. A router table can help with both the routing and provide that stable surface you need without having to clamp everything down.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into getting a router and bits.