Hey everyone! I've got some solid core doors that I need to trim down by 0.5" to 1.5" along the long side to fit into some oddly shaped door frames. I'm using a portable Dewalt 10" table saw and had it set up in my driveway. The problem is, the doors are super heavy, and it's been a challenge cutting them while my girlfriend helps catch them on the other end—especially since she's a bit nervous around the saw. To avoid ruining any more of these $150 doors, I'm looking for the best way to cut them by myself. Would using rollers on the other side be a good idea? Or is there an affordable solution? I'm also considering getting a Kreg sled for my circular saw. By the way, what type of blade should I use for a clean cut? I was thinking a higher tooth count (like 60-80 teeth) might be best for a smooth finish.
4 Answers
If you want straight cuts without the hassle, a track saw could be ideal, but they can get pricey. If you're looking around for options, that Kreg jig you mentioned for the circular saw could be a good compromise. Just remember to use a blade suitable for ripping—something with fewer teeth will help you out here!
Setting up an outfeed table is a smart move! Use sawhorses to support the door and make sure it’s level with the saw. I’ve found that clamping a long level as an extension to the existing fence works well for straighter cuts. As long as you double-check that everything's square, you should be good to go! Just be careful with that setup!
I get it, solid oak doors can be a pain to handle on a table saw. I've had better luck using a circular saw for trimming heavy doors. When I had to trim one myself, I set it up on sawhorses and clamped a straight piece of lumber as a guide. For the saw, use a good quality Forrest blade that’s meant for that—something around 7-1/4 inches for better performance. Oh, and you'll want a lower tooth count blade for rip cuts since they work better on thicker wood.
Just a heads up, using a table saw for solid core doors can be tricky. I’d really recommend a circular saw with a good fence for this kind of cut. It’s way easier to maneuver when you’re dealing with larger pieces of wood. I’d also suggest investing in the Kreg jig if it’s within budget. Just make sure to check which blade you get; a multi-purpose one usually does the trick for cleaner cuts!