Preventing Tear-Out in Plywood
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Plywood, moreso than other woodworking materials, tends to "tear out" when you cut it across the surface grain. The saw blade lifts the veneer as it exits the wood, breaking it and leaving a row of splinters. The cut looks ragged. There are are several things you can do to prevent this tear-out, and Nick shows one of the easiest: Tape the cut. Apply a length of masking tape over the line you wish to cut. This keep the grain from breaking and greatly reduce the splintering. And you can further reduce the tear-out by applying a great deal of momentary pressure to the tape with a roller or a burnisher, mashing the adhesive deep into the grain.
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Moreso than any other woodworking material, plywood wants to “tear out” when you cut it across the surface grain. The saw blade seems to lift the veneer as it cuts, breaking the grain and leaving an unsightly row of splinters. The cut looks ragged. Oftentimes, you can greatly reduce this tear-out by raising the blade an inch (25 mm) or so above the plywood surface - this changes the angle at which the teeth cut. You can also switch to a sharper blade, or one with more teeth. Blades made specifically to cut plywood often have 80 or more teeth. Each tooth takes a smaller bite and leaves smaller splinters.
You can also switch a a blade with a different grind. There are five common grind available -- ATB (alternate top bevel), HATB (high or steep alternate top bevel, ATBF (alternate top bevel and flat, your standard "combination blade), FTG (flat top grind, standard for ripping) and TCG (triple chip grind). We tested all of these, and found a marked difference in the the amount of splinters they produced when cutting plywood, and where they left them. Some produced splinters on top of the board, some on the bottom, some and top and bottom, and some neither top nor bottom. We found the grind that produced the least splinters was HATB.
But you don't always have time to switch blades, or you don't have the right blade to switch to. So what can be done to reduce splinters with an ordinary ATB or ATBF blade? Some craftsman suggest putting a sacrificial board atop the work and cutting through both. This works, not just because the sacrificial board keeps the good wood from splintering, but you also have to raise the blade and change the angle at which the teeth cut. I rarely do this because (1) I don't usually have a lot of wood to sacrifice, (2) it's often difficult to secure the sacrificial board to the work, and (3) I like to see what I'm cutting.
The best solution I've found is to score the cut before you do the cutting. In fact, there are (very expensive) saws made especially for cutting plywood that have scoring blades ahead of the cutting blade. If you don’t have one of these, you will have to score the plywood by hand with a knife. Be sure to score it on both sides of the cut if you want to use both pieces after you cut them.
Saw blades with an alternate top bevel (ATB) grind allow you to score with the blade itself. Set the saw to make a very shallow cut -- only 1/64" to 1/32" (.4 to .7 mm) deep -- and make a pass. The beveled teeth with act like scoring knives and score the veneer. Then raise the blade and make your cut. You can also do this with some dado sets, as long as the outside trim blades are ground with alternate bevels AND the chippers cut just a little less deep than the points of the trimmers. But it may not work as well with blades that have triple-chip (TCG) and combination (ATBF) grinds because of the flat-ground teeth.
However, whether you score with a knife or the tips of your blades, the technique requires time and precision. So craftsmen have come up with a simpler solution: Cover the cut line with a piece of masking tape. The tape holds the veneer together and prevents the grain from splintering as it’s being cut. But in order for this to work well, you have to (1) make sure the board is clean and free of sawdust, and (2) apply a great deal of pressure to the tape - just for a moment - to force the adhesive down into the grain. I usually employ a veneer roller to do this, but you can also use a burnisher, rolling pin, the rounded edge of a veneer hammer, anything with which you can apply pressure. I’ve even used the rounded end of a screwdriver handle from time to time when there wasn’t anything else handy.
By the way, this technique can also prevent tear-out in brittle woods like cherry and oak, helping you to make cleaner cuts. I once built a clock case from thermally-modified oak which seemed to splinter and chip if you just looked at it the wrong way. But the pressed-on tape seemed to help. The cuts still weren’t perfectly clean, but the tear-out was reduced to a point that the splinters were barely visible.
And if removing the tape seems to lift the veneer and pull away a few splinters, try wiping the tape with mineral spirits or naptha -- this dissolves the adhesive.
Unbelievably thorough. I was not expecting such a detailed explanation here
You can also run a piece of sacrificial board on top
Question: Can you add another board that would be a sacrifice to the top of the cut board? Meaning cutting 2 @ the same time, only to use the bottom one?
@@oliver6287 I would not do that, that's highly sketchy/unsafe.
Set the blade height so the teeth are about an eighth inch above the table, run your ONE piece through, then set the blade height to normal and run it through again.
Some high-end table saws have a built in second scoring blade to save time.
Can you not have a piece of sacrificial wood on top of it? That's what ive always done
These videos are always incredibly concise and informative, had no idea that applying pressure to the masking tape had such a big impact
Sweet pfp
It's like putting another piece of wood on top and cutting underneath
Ice bear!
They don't call it pressure-sensitive adhesive for nothin'
@@Skwerllthey call it that?
I have done about 5 minutes of woodworking my entire life and yet watching someone explain how to prevent plywood tearing is super interesting.
Same - only I've done zero minutes
It's bad advice, just add a sacrificial material on top of the cut.
@@waterfoker8558How do you keep the sacrificial piece tight to the good piece?
@@waterfoker8558 Is not going to work unless you also aply pressure.
@@renelopez8227some use superglue sandwitched in tape
He showed off the problem, a very good solution, an widely popular alternative that is less time-consuming, and a quick tip to make said alternative even better, while also showing all four results
Thanks for pointing that out -- we spend much more time per second of video making these shorts than we would ever spend making a longer video. The process of "information distillation" is intense.
@@WorkshopCompanionWell your effort is appreciated. So much info in such a short time!
@@WorkshopCompanion That extra time is very well spent! Every time I come across one of your shorts, I am always captivated by each new thing you teach me!
@@WorkshopCompanion I'm not even into woodworking and somehow randomly came across this short, but woodworking or not, I definitely noticed the "behind the scenes" effort considering how concise this video is. Brevity is the soul of wit, you guys did a great job. I would love to see quality content like this recommended more in my shorts.
@@WadeWontson Thanks for the kind words. We do put in an effort.
I am not into woodworking and am not your general audience. With that being said, this short video absolutely blew me away in terms of quality and engagement.
I was fascinated the whole way through without being given too much information. I found myself mentally asking questions that were answered for me. I was given a concise comparison at the end. Last, there was no "selling out" and telling me to buy some course. It was just a well-done video by someone who obviously knows what they are talking about and understands how to share their passion with ANYONE.
This is likely a master in their field and I got that in a short. Very impressed.
brilliant; just the uni-response I was looking for, standardised and generic to a fault, well done
@@luigicirelli2583 I do not have the technical knowledge of the subject to give specific criticisms and I thought it would be more inauthentic to do so when I frankly have no idea what I'm talking about.
I am personally a firm believer that there is not enough genuine positive feedback on the platform for good creators, so I try to compliment those I was particularly impressed by.
Many channels lose sight of the fundamentals of keeping a viewer simultaneously informed and entertained, especially as the average attention span has been thinning in the past decade.
From my limited exposure of this channel, that doesn't seem to be the case here.
Just because feedback can be applied in multiple circumstances doesn't mean there is "fault" in it.
@@misternoodle1236 brilliant, you went the extra mile describing in details how to sit on the fence; you are an example of a what someone believing to be a great human being ought to be doing or thinking.
your is not regular rhetoric, is advanced philosophy, and there is so much logic at play
@@luigicirelli2583 joke's on you - I am a crappy, hypocritical human being just like everyone else in the world, nothing more. Sometimes we use words to uplift others and sometimes we use words like a scalpel.
Do take care to relax your hand a bit when you can, though. That scalpel of yours isn't received well everywhere.
I started the video and thought aloud, "You can use tape too!", and then when he mentioned the tape, I felt like I just got an A+ from my woodworking teacher.
That feeling 😌
I was wondering if he was going to show it. At the cabinet shop I used to work at, that was the go-to trick.
Exactly!
I did the same. I just kept saying use tape. I was so glad when he finally showed the tape.
Honestly same! I was like ohh… you score the veneer but then when he mentioned tape I was really excited
I was a city kid and we lived in an appartment, so I never really had access to woodwork. Now I'm an adult in a house and there is always some sort of maintenance that needs doing. In the old days everyone knew how to fix everything, now it's quite rare, so I am so grateful for people who take their time and spread the knowledge on how to actually make material things necessary for day to day living. ❤
It doesn't matter if it's gardening, making a bookcase, fixing a hole in a pocket, fixing an electrical device or tuning a piano, crafts are simply super important and we should cherish them.🌷
Well said. Good for you, and for all.
@guroranko - 1000% agree being a (back in the day) apt. dwelling NYC kid myself.
What about using a sacrificial wood plank placed on top of the one you're cutting?
I had to scroll too far to see this comment.
I thought this would be at the top. First thing I thought was missing
try and you will see why its not working .
@@bobanofat2585It works exactly the same as the tape with pressure.
Works well, i personally dont like using up the wood even if its scrap tho, and its kinda weird to hold/push.
This man is one of the greatest content creators on the platform.
Here I am, a barbarian, running a 120 grit pad down it a couple times and calling it good. That scored cut was incredible to watch!
I'm that same type of barbarian lol
Have to round the edges over anyway before paint.
Yeah, I mean, it's plywood. Why not? I would only worry about this in expensive finish wood where it might matter (for me anyway).
That was so satisfying to watch
This guy is truly the absolute greatest teacher. So clear and straight to the point.
Not even a woodworker in any capacity. I just love watching
Same
My grandfather was a carpenter and passed away last summer, really wish I could show him this channel.
The kind of knowledge you pick up from years of experience
Years of *failure 😂
Nah i learned all of this in a yt short
@@alclay8689 the master has failed more than the student has tried
This guy is the Shop teacher I never had...because I was a girl in the 1970's, and girls couldn't take Shop back then.
Rock on, my friend!
And it's never too late to start the hobby! I got a job at a door place no idea what I was going to do, 1 year later I became a trainer at my job. I make a lot of random and fun things for a hobby now. Sold many items on the side. One day our break room table broke, so in a pinch with scraps made a "working" lunch table for us 3 guys who use the break room, in about 45 minutes, then after all was said rectified I strengthened it and turned it into a lowered work bench which I use daily at the shop. When I got tired of holding my phone made a 3 cut phone stand, made dice trays for my Dungeons and Dragons games, a Magazine well AR15 wall stand, just the gun sits on it, measured to fit like the magazine would, then made a hole so the gun naturally locks in place unless you press the reload button lol, made all sorts of odds and ends, it's my 2nd year at the job and still learn great new things all the time!
Hes the shop teacher I never had, because mine got fired for choking a student.
Geez how have I lived without this channel. It would have saved me so much angst if only I found it sooner
This channel is so excellent. You are an excellent teacher, and you've already constructed an incredible, free repository of carpentry knowledge. These videos should be preserved!
Thanks for the kind words.
You can also score the wood by starting with a real shallow cut, only cutting the veneer. On your second cut you can cut all the way through. This will be a very clean cut as well.
This works best with saw blades that have the ATB grind -- the alternately-beveled teeth act as scoring knives. You can also do this with some dado sets, as long as the outside blades are ground with alternate bevels AND the chippers cut just a little less deep than the points of the blades. But it may not work as well with triple-chip (TCG) and combination (ATBF) grinds because of the flat-ground teeth. (See the pinned comment.)
I've never done any woodworking in my life, but I love watching this guy. So concise, pleasant and informative.
You are such a wealth of knowledge sir!
This is the type of knowledge youd only know from experience, im sure alot of people appreciate your advice, probably saves alot of people time and effort
Thanks for saying.
This man is a national treasure. Love the content!
You mean INTERnational 😂
This channel has extremely good information. I don't even do much woodwork, but it is so valuable.
Thanks for the advice Geppetto
"If you do any work at all with plywood..." I don't, but please continue!
Seriously, I'm not even slightly involved with woodwork, but I love your content! 😊
Thank you, I will remember this forever.
This is the single most useful tip ive wver been taught, thank you so much mr carpenter
thaNk you for the eco frieNdly Wood VeNeer tip
I couldn’t fond any other comments like this. Idk why
I love the way these videos are never condescending to people who haven’t done any woodworking and something about the way he talks about it is just fun
Lower the blade to 1 mm . Run board backwards. Raise blade up to approx 3 times the thickness. Flip board over. No tear out.
A guy like this could teach a woodworking lesson every day of his life
Outstanding channel. No frills. No filler. Just practical knowledge. This is the kind of USEFUL info you WON'T find in a book.
Nice tips!
I went to the comments to see how many idiots there were saying stuff like "nOoO! ThAt'S wRoNg AnD i dO iT bEtTeR!!" But this guy is so obviously an expert, and the video is so concise, clear, and shows very clear evidence/demonstration, that it doesn't give any room for people to make such dumb claims.
As a professional sign technician, I can confirm this works. Tear out is absolutely unacceptable in my industry.
This channel is great.
Sir, you're a true gem; crystal clear, articulated and to the point❤
You have people who need to make part 2s then you have this guy who taught me alot in 1 short
I appreciate it, and I have learned a lot from your videos. I have retired recently and am enjoying trying my hand at woodworking. Thanks!
Your content is pure quality!
This is the best and most bob ross type of woodworking video I’ve ever watched. Thank you.
What a wonderful tip and demonstration! Will definitely try this next time I work with plywood!
This guy keeps popping up on my algorithm and teaching me about woodworking. I have no interest in woodworking but I'm learning all the same.
He has mastered many skills that few can achieve; a master craftsman, mastered patience of teaching and most importantly he is a master of humbleness.
Amazing. This man comes out of nowhere and in 20 seconds makes me care about plywood.
One day you will find yourself having to work with plywood and this trick will pop into your head.
I have basically zero interest in woodworking, but your shorts are just so cozy 🥰 and I like learning how things work
Ohhhhhh great trick! I never pressed my masking tape and never ever tried scoring. I think I’m gonna try scoring!
Wow! This guy will be popular. His video is clear and concise. And extremely helpful!! Thank you!
honestly, thank you. This is genuine content UA-cam was originally designed for and actually is useful to know
Most welcome.
It's amazing how one person can have so much knowledge and wisdom for their craft!:)
Well made video. I always use tape with a lot of force as it is the fastest and one of the easiest ways to achieve a clean cut
I have zero experience with woodworking, but I love coming across these shorts and learning either way. Just a wholesome, kindly man explaining his passion. Love it
This channel has some of the most practical advice. Really great job!
These videos blow my mind, I feel like I'm at a lecture at a good college.
I really appreciate the summary of the information in the comments with additional points
I don’t do woodwork, I’ve never thought about woodwork, but watching this…I would love a teacher like this 😊
I do not do any work with plywood and have never seen this man’s videos but I stayed for the whole short and will continue watching with how interesting this video was.
I don't really work with wood or anything, I just love watching these in the middle of the day. Lifts the spirits up, gives you something to think about. All this ingenuity, different techniques... Everything packed into lots of enthusiasm and love for this sort of work.
Its wholesome.
Good advice with examples, Appreciated.
Thanks for the TIP. Very Helpful.
Love the chill background music and straight to the results video.
Going to binge watch this channel before I do woodworking with my dad again
Fantastic! This is aggravated me for decades. Thank you!
What an excellent speaker! Clear, concise, expressive!
You renind me of my late grandfather. These videos are very comforting.
My best friend just started doing woodworking and learning english, so these type of videos really make him learn a lot, thank you good sir, for your quality content.
Most welcome.
I don't wood work, but I admire genuine passion.
I do absolutely zero woodworking, but I find these videos fantastic
I have never nor might i ever work as a carpenter but i must say this was one of the best advices ive ever hear of
damn he just gave us multiple fixes for one problem what a legend
I showed the tape trick you a young man working at Home Depot. A couple weeks later I was back in the store and he hurried over to me with a huge smile on his face. He told me that so many people have gone to the manager to complement the young man that the manager gave him a raise. He asked if there was anything else I could show him so I toke the time to teach him all the things my high school wood shop teacher showed us. He asked if there was anything he could do to repay me and I just told him to teach others all that he has learned.
Great story. Teaching is it's own reward.
The problem with the tape is that often removal will lift some fiber and create a look similar to blowout. The harder you press on the tape, the more of this you’ll see. It’s a real balancing act.
I’d never heard of the score method. It looks really difficult, but I’ll try it next time. Thanks!
Edit: I just read your description and WOW! So much information! That’s great! I can tell you could’ve easily made this into a full-length video. I’ll keep the solvent method in mind next time I’m forced to use tape, but I’m especially happy to see you mention how to use the ATB blade to score with a shallow pass. Makes perfect sense yet I never would’ve thought to do that! Also, this has inspired me to finally invest in some additional blades for my table saw. It’s about time I became more familiar with alternate blades and their uses. Doubly thanks!
Most welcome. The pined comment is always where the real meat it on these shorts.
I make miniatures using a hand saw and i got some free plywood - these tips help so much because i cannot do the scoring method anymore due to carpel tunnel!
Thank you!
This dude is just spitting out woodworking knowledge you didn't know you needed.
When I wanted to prevent all of the tear-out I lowered it to half the board height cut it, flipped it over, and then raised it up again and cut it through all the way. Same with drilling holes. But these methods you have shown are probably much safer.
Gentleman’s out here teaching for free being a gift to humanity
I dont even have any space to store woodworking tools, WHY CAN I NOT ESCAPE THE WHOLESOME WOODWORKER!!
Thanks sir, I’ll probably never use this information but I appreciate you
Taking apprentices? Good teachers are hard to find. Clear and to the point. Great video
This channel is incredibly well done and informative. Thank you.
Holy crap, I've now watched just FOUR of your shorts, and learned sooo much... I am about to take a bunch of this to my woodshop
One can think on how Mark Twain was such a terrific writer and also being so prolific working with plywood
I didnt know i needed to know this abt cutting plywood but i appreciate the clear and concise explanation along with a visual to back the claim up
I cut plywood daily and I’ll absolutely be using the tape tip. Thanks for the info!
Another great answer that's basic common sense & easily overlooked.
Tremendous advice, thanks!
Even though I know all these tips, I truly enjoy watching and listening to how you explain the concepts. You are a great instructor!
Thanks.
I don't work with wood. I dont own a saw. Ive never once considered working with plywood. But I was still seriously invested in this. Something tells me this man is a great teacher.
Remember the tape trick should you ever need to get plywood from a place like Home Depot. They can cut it for you and with the tape you can get a nice edge.
I have never done woodworking or even touched a sawblade, but for some reason this is recommended to me and i love it
man i don't do any diy or woodwork but damn I love this guy and his advice
In commercial shops there is a scoring blade in front of the main blade.
Another top, don't let the tooth. Completely go above the surface.
These videos are so incredibly informative and concise.
That is actually incredibly helpful
It has been 20 years since I've needed to do woodworking.
And yet, I find myself saving this video just in case.
I find this video, and it’s delivery, very comforting
Exactly what i needed, tomorrow I'll try the tape with pressure fix. Thanks, great as always!!
That scored cut was incredibly satisfying.
I used a cut to size service for all my cabinet work. It saved me a lot of time and effort swinging 8x4 sheets. The machine was flatbed with a small high speed scoring blade on the underside of the sheet and a deadly accurate main cutting blade. It was perfect for any sheet no matter what finish veneer or melamine was on the sheet. No break or tear out whatsoever. I use Festool on smaller jobs and a good blade and rail ensures no breakout whatsoever.
This man is the woodworking Bob Ross. Anytime I see him on my FYP it’s like an internet rest stop.
Thank you Geppetto. I will keep this in mind when I need to cut plywood with a saw.
As someone who’s never held a saw in their life, but has watched lots of furniture builds on UA-cam, tape was my immediate first thought