I'm working on my first drawer box and I'm using a router with a 1/4 in bit to cut the dado for the plywood bottom. However, it fits too loosely! I'm considering shimming the channel to make it fit more securely, but I want to know if there's a specific 1/4 in plywood I should be buying, or is this just a common issue without the option of making the dados narrower with a table saw?
3 Answers
Yeah, it seems like most plywood isn't the exact size it claims to be anymore. Many people are facing this issue with undersized plywood these days. If you’re looking for a snug fit, you might want to check out specialty plywood options, but generally, the readily available stuff won’t be true to the specified thickness.
What you’re experiencing is pretty common. Many users find that router bits for plywood can be slightly off, depending on the brand. If you get a router bit specifically designed for plywood, you might have better luck, but still, be prepared for some variations in thickness.
It’s a bummer, but plywood has been commonly undersized for a while now. You could try some premium brands, as they sometimes have more accurate measurements, but it’s rare to find something that's exactly 1/4 in. Shimming is probably your best bet unless you’re up for a trip to a specialty lumber shop.