I'm not an experienced woodworker, but I need to cut a rectangle out of the center of a 4'x4' piece of plywood for an art project, roughly like an arch shape. I went to the hardware store, but they only said they could cut things in half. What kind of saw would be best for this job?
3 Answers
How precise does your cut need to be? And what's the thickness and type of plywood? A circular saw is quick for this, but you can also get a good result with a Ryoba saw, which cuts on the pull, especially if you're good at marking straight lines. Don't forget to use a tape measure! You can find decent circular saws for around $25 on Craigslist, and a Ryoba costs about $20. Jigsaws are affordable too, but they may not be as accurate.
It's worth noting that woodworkers often aim for perfection, so some may suggest more elaborate setups. A jigsaw with the plunge cut feature will definitely work, especially if you start by drilling a hole big enough for the blade. If you have a friend with tools, maybe ask them for help—paying for a saw to make one quick cut might not be worth it. You could also clamp a fence for a circular saw and use a handsaw for corners, that's a solid option too.
What’s a plunge cut with a jigsaw? Is that an actual thing? I could look it up, but where’s the fun in that?
Edit: I just watched a video on it—looks neat! I'm definitely the type to take 15 minutes figuring this out rather than just getting a drill.
If you want to avoid overcuts in the corners, a jigsaw is your best bet, although it won't look super clean. A circular saw will give you a nicer cut but might leave some cut marks in the corners. You could also use a circular saw for the straight cuts and finish off the corners with a handsaw or jigsaw. Whatever you choose, measure accurately!
Thanks for the tips!
I want the cut to be straight since I'll glue things on it, but it doesn't have to be perfect. The plywood is 5mm thick.