I'm currently working on a cabinet project using 3/4" Baltic birch plywood. I've cut the panels down to a rough size, but now I want to make precise cuts on the table saw. I have a crosscut sled, but it's not designed for larger panels—my biggest pieces are 70" x 19". Should I consider building a larger sled, or is it safe to run the panels along the rip fence since they're 19" wide? I have a SawStop CNS with a 36" fence extension, plus a roller outfeed support to handle the keep pieces. I've seen cuts like this on YouTube, but I want to ensure I'm being safe. Any advice would be appreciated, as I plan to work with a lot of plywood in the future!
2 Answers
Most woodworkers I know prefer using a track saw for cutting large sheets of plywood. It’s the quickest and safest option, allowing you to achieve clean cuts without needing extensive setups.
Consider building a simple saw guide for your circular saw instead. Just rip two pieces of 1/2" plywood—one 10 inches wide and the other 5 inches wide at about 50 inches long. Attach the 5 inch piece to the larger one, making sure it’s parallel. Then, trim the guide using your circular saw. This method is affordable, safe, and lets you make accurate cuts without a lot of setup. I relied on a setup like this for years before I switched to a track saw!
Agreed! A track saw really simplifies the process for larger panels, and safety is key.