How Can I Route Red Oak Plywood Without Splintering?
Asked by RandomUser8472
I recently bought some red oak plywood from Home Depot, and unfortunately, it splintered when they cut it. I'm looking for the best techniques to route the plywood without causing the same issue, especially since I need to make some arch cuts that might complicate things. Any advice?
Answers
What kind of router bit are you using for the job? A down-cut bit can help minimize splintering, especially on plywood. You mentioned you’re using a 1/4 down cut, so that’s a good start! Just make sure you're consistently using it the right way.
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A good tip is to measure and mark out your cuts, then pre-score the wood fibers along the cut line using a marking knife. This will help to prevent splintering while you route. Also, if you tape over the area with blue tape before cutting, it'll give extra support to the fibers and reduce splintering even further.
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RandomUser8472: Great tip! I’ll definitely try pre-scoring and using tape for my arch cuts.