Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Dec 13, 2004 04:59pm | #1

   Clamp a straightedge to your board. Clean the cut with a router with a flush trimming bit.

2. 
   Dave45 | Dec 13, 2004 05:02pm | #2

   When I cut plywood for cabinets, I use the circular saw with a guide and cut the pieces slightly oversized (1/8"-1/4").  Then (when they're small enough to be manageable), I use the table saw to true them up and cut to the final dimension.

3. 
   douglas2cats | Dec 13, 2004 05:20pm | #3

   The first 2 replies are on the money, but don't know what other tools you have available so I'll go with the poor mans approach:

   Make a big sanding block out of something vary flat. A couple of layers of your plywood glued together should work fine. It should be roughly 2 to 3" wide and 6-10" longer than the edge you're trying to true. Then use spray adhesive to attach sandpaper. You can either cut sheet paper or cut a 3" belt from a portable belt sander. I'd try something between 60 and 100 grit depending on how much waviness you have to take out. Initially put more pressure on the higher areas and gradually use even pressure as the edge gets straighter.

    

4. 
   mike4244 | Dec 14, 2004 05:37am | #4

   The previous posts are all informative, I won't expand on them. For the future, make sure your straightedge is straight, slight imperfections will show up on the cut piece. Make sure the blade is clean and sharp, a 40 tooth blade in a 7 1/4" saw is about right.Sometimes a new blade can be warped, but this would show up along the entire length of the rip.When blades overheat they will warp, move at a moderate speed, not to slow or fast. Use a blade cleaner once in awhile, Simple Green, oven cleaner or something sold for this purpose.

   If you are looking for perfection with a handheld circularsaw, you may not get it. Too many variables, but you should get a very good finish if the saw , blade and straightedge are in good shape.

   mike

1. 
   dimitri | Dec 14, 2004 11:53pm | #5

   Thanks Mike for your advice!

   Dimitri

5. 
   bigfootnampa | Dec 15, 2004 08:54pm | #6

   To expand on douglas2cats advice; I make a sanding block from two pieces of plywood joined (with glue and staples) at a 90 degree angle.  I then install sticky back paper on one inside face and use the other as a guide to slide against the face of the ply.  That way I get an accurate vertical finish on the edge.  About 80 grit paper is most useful.

1. 
   dimitri | Dec 17, 2004 04:12pm | #7

   CMR,

   I like your idea with the plywood at 90deg combined with the sandpaper.

   thanks,

   Dimitri