Question about cutting plywood for a built-in bookcase

I was building a floor to ceiling bookcase last month and kept getting tiny chips on the birch plywood face, even with a new blade. After three bad cuts, I tried putting a strip of blue painter's tape along the cut line before marking it. The blade went right through the tape and the edge was clean as a whistle. Has anyone else found a simple trick like this that actually works?

3 comments

3 Comments

richarddixon6d ago

Tape trick is a lifesaver. What blade were you using?

the_emma6d ago

Richarddixon asking the real questions, but honestly the tape trick feels like finding money in an old coat pocket.

danielm805d ago

Oh man, the tape thing is a total game changer. I was using a cheap utility blade that kept slipping and shredding the paper. Wrapped some masking tape around the spine a few times for a better grip and it was like night and day. That extra thickness just lets you control the cut so much easier. Honestly feels like you unlocked a secret level in a video game.