I'm planning to build a sideboard or console from plywood, featuring mitered edges to conceal the plywood's sides, similar to a waterfall table design. The interior will include shelves and I'm also adding drawers. While I know a table saw will be useful for making the drawer boxes, I'm concerned about how to effectively cut the carcass, as it requires long bevel cuts that need precision. Currently, I only have a circular saw and an old router that I've yet to try. I'm under the impression that a table saw can't handle these beveled cuts due to the width of the plywood (55 inches). Can anyone confirm if that's true, and are there any techniques that might allow me to use a table saw for this?
3 Answers
You can definitely make wide cuts with a table saw; you just need a large sled for better control. Plus, you'll likely need an outfeed extension or a roller to support the plywood as you cut it. Just be prepared to tackle this with some good techniques.
Honestly, a track saw might be your best bet for this project rather than a table saw. If you don’t want to invest in a separate track saw, you can get a track for your existing circular saw. Just remember to tape or clamp a sacrificial piece on your bevel cut to minimize tear-out. It's pretty challenging, especially if you're doing this for the first time, so be mindful of protecting those edges.
Long miters can be tricky to pull off. Instead of relying solely on a table saw, consider using edge banding or attaching a solid wood piece to the edges to cover them. You could also build frames for the sides and treat the plywood as a panel. That way, you can achieve a clean look without stressing about the bevels too much.