How to Cut Large Sheets of Plywood on a Table Saw

Large plywood sheets are used for numerous applications because of their strength and price. Large plywood sheets are cumbersome and difficult to cut, and are rarely used at their full size. Cutting large plywood sheets into smaller, more manageable pieces is a necessary technique.

Instructions

1

Measure the width of the plywood and locate the exact middle. The middle of a 4-by-8 sheet is 4 feet and the exact middle of a 5-by-5 sheet is 2 1/2 feet. Snap the chalk line to mark straight down the center of the sheet. If you want to quarter the sheet, measure the length of the plywood too, and mark the center of the length with a chalk line. Your plywood should have a cross in the exact center of the board.

2

Set up the table saw. The blade of the saw needs to be a sharp combination blade with a lot of teeth. The blade should be set so that it runs about 1/8 inch above the surface of the plywood.

3

Put on the goggle and gloves. When working with table saws and plywood you should always wear protective gear and stay away from the blade as it cuts.

4

Lay the plywood on the table saw and line the blade up with the first chalk line. Use an assistant, a saw horse or another table to support the sides of the sheet while you feed it in. Stand behind the plywood and slightly to the left.

5

Turn the saw on and slowly feed the board forward to make the first cut. Push the sheet forward with your left hand and keep the line of the plywood lined up with the blade to ensure a straight cut. Cut the sheet to half of its length. If the plywood is a 4-by-8 cut the sheet 4 feet in. Use an outfeed table or assistant to catch and support the plywood as it comes through.

6

Turn the saw off, remove the plywood and turn one of the sheets 90 degrees to cut along the other chalk line. Advance the plywood into the saw in the same manner as in Step 4.

7

Continue cutting down the plywood sheets in the same manner as above to get to a manageable size.