Have you ever looked at a big sheet of plywood and wondered how to cut it cleanly and safely? It can be tricky! Plywood is great for projects, but getting a straight, splinter-free edge can turn a fun DIY session into a frustrating one. Choosing the wrong saw means wavy lines, jagged edges, and a lot of extra work cleaning up. It’s a common problem for anyone who loves to build or craft.
But don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll explore the best saws out there for tackling plywood. You’ll learn what makes a saw good for this job and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to make those perfect cuts for your next amazing project.
Our Top 5 Saw For Cutting Plywood Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Goldblatt Folding Drywall / Sheetrock Saw | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Saw For Cutting Plywood Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
Tackle your DIY projects with confidence using the BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 4.5 -Amp (BDEJS300C). This electric jig saw is a great tool for cutting wood, metal, and other materials. Its powerful 4.5 Amp motor delivers up to 3,000 cuts per minute, making quick work of tough jobs. The compact and lightweight design ensures comfortable handling and less vibration, so you can work longer without getting tired. Plus, the built-in dust blower keeps your work area clean.
What We Like:
- It has a 3/4 inch stroke length, which is good for cutting different things.
- The 4.5 Amp motor is strong and can cut fast, up to 3,000 SPM.
- It is light and easy to hold, making it simple to move around.
- You can make angled cuts up to 45 degrees with the tilting base plate.
- The Wire Guard helps you see your cutting line better.
- Changing blades is super easy and doesn’t need any tools thanks to the Quick-Clamp.
- The adjustable shoe adds extra stability while you cut.
- The dust blower keeps sawdust out of your way.
- Being corded means you can work as long as you need without running out of power.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a dust blower, some users might prefer a dust collection port for better dust management.
This BLACK+DECKER jig saw is a reliable and user-friendly tool for many cutting tasks. It’s a solid choice for both beginners and experienced DIYers.
2. Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
Rating: 8.9/10
The Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw in red is a powerful tool for any DIYer or professional. It’s designed to make your cutting tasks easier and more efficient. This saw offers a great balance of power and user-friendly features, making it a valuable addition to your toolbox.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 13 Amp motor. This motor gives you more power than the older SKIL 5380 model.
- The saw is 15% lighter than the SKIL 5380. This means less strain on your arms and back.
- You can make angled cuts up to 51 degrees. It has special stops that make these cuts very accurate.
- Changing the blade is simple thanks to the spindle lock. This feature saves you time and effort.
- A dust blower is built in. It blows sawdust away from your cutting line. This keeps your work area cleaner and helps you see where you are cutting.
What Could Be Improved:
- While lighter, some users might still find it a bit heavy for very long jobs.
- The cord length could be longer for more freedom of movement.
Overall, the Skil 5080-01 is a robust and user-friendly circular saw. It’s a solid choice for those who need a reliable tool for a variety of cutting projects.
3. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, 3,000 Blade Speed, 45 Degree Beveled Cuts, ¾-Inch Orbital Blade, 4 Curve Settings, Corded (BDEJS600C) is a powerful tool for your DIY projects. It’s designed to make cutting easier and more accurate.
What We Like:
- This jigsaw has a strong 5-amp motor. It delivers up to 3,000 cuts per minute (SPM).
- The ¾-inch orbital blade action helps you cut through materials faster and with more precision.
- It features Curve Control Technology with four different settings. This gives you great control when making rounded cuts.
- You can make angled cuts easily. It cuts bevels up to 45 degrees.
- The adjustable shoe with a wire guard improves stability. It also helps you see your cutting line better.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might find the cord limiting for very large projects.
- For very heavy-duty or professional use, a more advanced model might be preferred.
This BLACK+DECKER jigsaw is a solid choice for home improvement tasks. It offers a good balance of power and control for various cutting jobs.
4. Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw with 2pcs Wood Cutting Blades
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hammerhead 4.8-Amp 3/4 Inch Jig Saw (HAJS048) is a powerful tool that makes wood cutting and shaping easier. It’s designed for many kinds of wood projects, from simple cuts to more detailed work. This jigsaw offers great control and features that help you get a clean finish every time.
What We Like:
- Versatile Power: With 3,000 SPM, this jigsaw handles various wood cutting tasks.
- Adjustable Speed: Variable speed control lets you match the cutting speed to your project and the blade.
- Precise Cuts: The brake function helps you achieve a clean, exact finish.
- 4-Stage Orbital Action: You can choose between smooth or more aggressive cuts with this feature.
- Bevel Cutting: The strong metal base plate adjusts up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
- Clean Workspace: The dust port attaches to a vacuum, keeping your work area free of dust.
- Easy Blade Changes: The tool-free T-shank blade system makes switching blades quick and simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power cord limits the range you can work in without an extension cord.
- While it comes with wood blades, separate blades for other materials aren’t included.
This Hammerhead jigsaw is a solid choice for DIYers and crafters. It provides the power and features needed for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
5. Goldblatt Folding Drywall / Sheetrock Saw
Rating: 9.5/10
Tackling your next DIY project just got easier with the Goldblatt Folding Drywall / Sheetrock Saw. This handy jab saw is designed for quick and clean cuts on materials like drywall, plywood, and PVC. Its foldable design makes it super portable, fitting easily into your tool bag.
What We Like:
- The triple-ground teeth make cutting fast and smooth.
- It cuts in both directions, push and pull, for more versatility.
- The sharpened tip easily punches through drywall to start your cuts.
- The soft, anti-slip grip handle is comfortable and keeps the saw from slipping.
- It folds up compactly for easy storage and carrying.
- The secure lock keeps the blade from closing accidentally while you work.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the blade is sharp, some users might prefer a slightly longer blade for larger jobs.
- The folding mechanism, while secure, might require a bit of practice to open and close smoothly at first.
This Goldblatt saw is a reliable tool for both home improvement enthusiasts and professionals. It offers a good balance of performance and portability for most common cutting tasks.
Choosing the Right Saw for Your Plywood Projects
Cutting plywood can be a rewarding part of woodworking, but you need the right tool. This guide will help you pick the best saw for cutting plywood. We’ll look at what makes a saw good and answer common questions.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re buying a saw for plywood, several features are important.
- Power and Motor Size: More power means easier cutting, especially through thicker plywood.
- Blade Type and Size: The right blade makes a big difference in cut quality. For plywood, a fine-tooth blade is usually best. Blade size also matters for the type of saw.
- Depth of Cut: This tells you how thick of a piece of plywood the saw can cut through in one pass.
- Portability and Weight: If you need to move your saw around, a lighter and more compact model is better.
- Dust Collection: Plywood creates a lot of dust. A good dust collection system keeps your workspace clean and your lungs healthy.
- Safety Features: Look for things like blade guards and electronic brakes. These keep you safe while you work.
Important Materials
The materials used in a saw affect its durability and performance.
- Motor Housing: A sturdy housing, often made of metal or strong plastic, protects the motor.
- Base Plate or Shoe: This part of the saw rests on the wood. A flat, stable base ensures accurate cuts. Aluminum or steel bases are common and good.
- Blade Material: Blades are usually made of steel. High-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped blades are best for longevity and clean cuts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a saw better, while others can make it worse.
- Blade Sharpness: A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the wood and makes cutting harder.
- Motor Strength: A powerful motor won’t bog down when cutting. This leads to smoother, faster cuts.
- Blade Wobble: If the blade wobbles, your cuts won’t be straight. A good saw has a stable blade.
- Build Quality: How well the saw is put together matters. A well-built saw feels solid and lasts longer. Cheaply made saws can break easily.
- Ease of Adjustments: Being able to easily change the blade or adjust the cut depth makes using the saw much better.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the saw will guide your choice.
- DIY Home Projects: For occasional use, a basic circular saw or a jigsaw might be enough. These are good for cutting smaller pieces or making curved cuts.
- Building Furniture: If you build furniture, you’ll need a saw that can make precise, straight cuts. A circular saw with a guide or a table saw is ideal.
- Cabinet Making: For cabinet making, accuracy is key. A miter saw or a table saw will give you the best results.
- Large Sheet Cutting: If you often cut large sheets of plywood, a circular saw or a track saw is very useful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best types of saws for cutting plywood?
A: The best saws depend on your needs. Circular saws are great for straight cuts on sheets. Jigsaws are good for curved cuts. Table saws offer precision for ripping and crosscutting. Miter saws are excellent for angled cuts.
Q: Should I use a fine-tooth or coarse-tooth blade for plywood?
A: A fine-tooth blade is generally better for plywood. It makes cleaner cuts and reduces tear-out, which is when the wood splinters along the cut line.
Q: How do I prevent tear-out when cutting plywood?
A: Use a sharp, fine-tooth blade. You can also score the cut line with a utility knife before sawing, or use painter’s tape along the cut line. Plywood with a veneer on both sides is less likely to tear out.
Q: Is a cordless or corded saw better for cutting plywood?
A: Cordless saws offer portability and freedom from cords. Corded saws usually offer more consistent power. For large projects or if you don’t have easy access to power, cordless is great. For steady, powerful cutting, corded is often preferred.
Q: How important is dust collection for plywood cutting?
A: Dust collection is very important. Plywood dust can be harmful to breathe. It also makes your workspace messy. Most modern saws have dust ports to connect to a vacuum.
Q: Can I use a handsaw to cut plywood?
A: Yes, you can use a handsaw, but it’s much harder and takes longer. A crosscut handsaw with fine teeth is best. It’s best for small cuts or when power tools aren’t available.
Q: What safety gear should I wear when cutting plywood?
A: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris. Hearing protection is also recommended, especially with louder saws. A dust mask or respirator is important to avoid inhaling fine particles.
Q: How do I make straight cuts with a circular saw?
A: Use a straight edge or a clamping guide. Many circular saws also have a guide or can accept an edge guide accessory. Practice makes perfect!
Q: What is the difference between ripping and crosscutting plywood?
A: Ripping is cutting plywood along the grain. Crosscutting is cutting across the grain. Different blades might be better suited for each, but a good all-around fine-tooth blade works for both.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good plywood saw?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic jigsaws can start around $50-$100. Good circular saws might be $100-$200. Table saws and miter saws for precision work can range from $200 to $500 or much more for professional models.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!