Can this produce smooth clean chip-free cuts in plywood & other sheetgoods, & can it be used with a straight edge to keep the cut perfectly straight?
1604646
Not sure about sheet goods, but I would think it'd be fine in plywood. Although...I did cut 1/8 MDF with it, and it did fine. I guess the blade choice is an important consideration. I've just cut a bunch of 7/8 thick cedar for adirondack chairs, with curves for arms and back- and the blade cut true and square (edge stayed 90 degrees to the face). I'm extremely happy with the saw, and the price is quite fair based on my experience with the value of other types of power tools. If you had to cut a long straight line with it, and used a straight edge as a guide, I think you'd be happy with the result. A circular saw might be less fussy though for that application. Good Luck! Not sure about sheet goods, but I would think it'd be fine in plywood. Although...I did cut 1/8 MDF with it, and it did fine. I guess the blade choice is an important consideration. I've just cut a bunch of 7/8 thick cedar for adirondack chairs, with curves for arms and back- and the blade cut true and square (edge stayed 90 degrees to the face). I'm extremely happy with the saw, and the price is quite fair based on my experience with the value of other types of power tools. If you had to cut a long straight line with it, and used a straight edge as a guide, I think you'd be happy with the... » Read More Not sure about sheet goods, but I would think it'd be fine in plywood. Although...I did cut 1/8 MDF with it, and it did fine. I guess the blade choice is an important consideration. I've just cut a bunch of 7/8 thick cedar for adirondack chairs, with curves for arms and back- and the blade cut true and square (edge stayed 90 degrees to the face). I'm extremely happy with the saw, and the price is quite fair based on my experience with the value of other types of power tools. If you had to cut a long straight line with it, and used a straight edge as a guide, I think you'd be happy with the result. A circular saw might be less fussy though for that application. Good Luck! « Show Less
1459190
My answer is yes. In fact, even without a straight edge the cut stays very straight. When you desire the maximum precision, use a sharp, medium toothed blade with a straight pitch setting. It will be slower but more accurate.
1604647
Hi,I used it to build my dogs bed that I made with Plywood. I found it to be great, right on.
1002366
This is a 60 tooth blade that should cut most materials like plexiglass , teflon, etc, however for some harder plastics and acrylic sheets, I clamp two pieces of plywood over the cut line to help prevent breaking and splintering. Further, this blade is typically used on a portable saw such as Skil saw. If I were cutting plastic of any kind, I would want to do so on a table saw where one can better maintain a straight cut line. Plastics often crack and even shatter if the blade is not kept on a very straight line.
1082068
Yes, the included blade works for plywood, melamine, and other finished sheet goods with very little tearout. The blade is more finish style than rough/cross cut style.
2192094
It comes with starter set of pre-cut lines and bolt to secure it to the trimmer head. Item work better with straight trimmer vs. the curved type. No it doesn't cut thru plywood as advertised.
1543232
Yes, I have trimmed the plastic without the contents falling apart. However I don't think it is a good Idea because over time the corners might begin to come apart. If you have a paper trimmer you can measure the length of the amount of plastic that you want to keep, that will allow you to make straight clean cuts. This way you prevent the corners from coming apart. I hope that makes sense.
17888
I would suggest a more heavy duty saw. I used this one on some 3/8 oak plywood. Although it punched holes and cut through the material. It took way too long and was not very good at clean straight cuts. I would only use this for light sanding.
18816
I expect it depends on the material being cut. The plywood and thin material I have used, it splinters. It cuts a straight line but does not cut as I expected it to do as the ad depicted.
238647
I don't think it would do well for small irregular items. Great for straight flat cuts.
1400875
Yes it could be. Using an electric knife or a band-saw works best for smooth edges.
806945
Yes it has to be square. If it isn't you can use a piece of scrap wood an clamp it to the sheet you trying to cut just to get a square edge. Once it's out when your going to use it again. Unless you leave the saw on when you store the tool and saw square you can make you cuts a lot faster with this tool. Only down side is every time you remove the saw from this tool you have to reset it and zero it
1944916
No chipping, but sometimes the line curves just slightly at the very end of the cut. I also had problems scoring and getting a clean break on very narrow pieces (like trying to score a 1.5 inch wide piece from a 13 inch square tile). But for large cuts (3+ inches wide by 13) I found the QEP makes a cleaner cut than my wet saw.
332522
Pierce, yes it can, with some care! Makita makes a small plastic insert (comes with the tool) that clips in around the blade within the foot plate. This largely eliminates chipping. I also made a four-foot guide out of angle aluminum (created a channel for both sides of the tool) that enabled me to make reasonably accurate cuts across a sheet of plywood. Am very happy with my Makita!
486991
Another thing to remember is that it "snaps" the material, when the blade presses down. There is no sawing motion as such, just simple pressure force on the blade. Be sure to draw your cut lines clearly so you can see them, and perhaps even pre-cut using a straight edge and carpet knife or other tool proper to the material. It works wonders, and if someone is putting in flooring it is a dream to use. It is easiest to use by "standing" on the material, but it will also work cutting board style as well on a table.
1065946
Yes it sure can, there is a mechanism that screws down across the stack of paper where it's going to be cut and that secures the whole stack so it doesn't move. The blade movement itself also helps cut a whole stack square because of how it comes down onto the stack of paper to cut it.
1274329
Unfortunately, you will not get a smooth cut. It will do a goo job with the half circle saw. You can cut a straight line with a metal straight edge clamped down and running the half circle saw along side. Your speed is important because it will burn the wood if too fast or start smoking from the hot wood. J.D.
1784990
No. It's intended to be used for straight cuts. You could probably clamp it down and make it work but there are better tools for that.
1144808
You can. But, I wouldn't try cutting anything extreamly firm because you may chip it.