How Do You Rip 4X8 Sheets Of Plywood?
It’s common knowledge that cutting sheet goods on a table saw can be quite difficult, especially when working alone. The size and weight of the sheets makes it a chore to even get the sheet onto the saw, let alone get a straight and accurate cut.
As the owner of a professional cabinet shop, this was a very common occurrence, so I set about coming up with a practical solution to eliminate the problem, once and for all.
My solution was to design an infeed and outfeed system that would physically attach to the table saw, making it impossible to knock it over, or bump it out of alignment to the saw. This was one of the problems with using a roller stand.
I also needed it to be easily installed and removed, so we could use it on an as needed basis. Shop space is always at a premium, so having an infeed or outfeed table in the way all the time just wasn’t acceptable. I also wanted it to fold, so we could hang it up when it wasn’t in use.
Our systems, which are available in several configurations, make getting super accurate cuts, quick and easy, regardless of the weight of the sheet.
These units are in use all over the country, in both professional and home wood shops, as well as being used in schools, colleges, and municipalities.
Rip cutting 4X8-foot sheets of plywood can pose a couple of problems. The first is feeding the heavy and awkward sheet of wood through a table saw. The second is actually getting a straight cut after you figure out the best way to feed it through the saw. A simple, effective way to rip a large sheet of plywood without using a table saw is to use a circular saw with a track system. Certain types of circular saws can be used with a track system that basically clamps itself onto the plywood and connects to the saw. This allows the circular saw to hold a steady line and give a straight cut. Mark the sheet of plywood to the desired width using a tape measure. Make two marks on opposite ends of the sheet of plywood with a pencil. Lay the track for the circular saw on the plywood with both ends lined up on the marks you made. Sites on both ends of the track will pinpoint where the blade will cut. Tighten the clamps so the track is completely secured to the plywood. Put on a pair of safety gla
