Cutting Large Sheets With A Circular Saw 

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I already have a circular saw and was about to buy a table saw. I am a once in a while diy guy. After watching this video Realized I don’t need a table saw. Thank you sir!

Josh, this was excellent! I like your presentation style: no goofiness and silliness, no trying to act like a comedian, no eye bulging and foolish facial expressions; just straightforward professionalism and getting right to the point without a long and flashy “promo” introduction. And incredibly, you used no annoying, inappropriate, and ear splitting background music that makes your voice impossible to hear over. Friend, this is the first video I saw of yours and I’m liking what I’m seeing and hearing. I subscribed.

I've been moving and cutting plywood since I was 11, I'm 65. The lifter - very good, but I think you'll always do better with one from the bottom, so you can lift sheets onto the roof rack of your vehicle and onto tables. Your support sticks: Spot on. My only comment here is either cut a lot of these strips or use a standard dimension. Personally I use 2x3s because I already buy this size for a lot of my 'projects'. 3/4" is thick enough, I just use the 2x3s because I have lots of them. You'll always need another piece. Forget bootlegging the straightedge, unless you're roofing. I always use guides. To rip large sheets I have a 1 x 4" aluminum U-channel that's 9' long, I also made a 90 degree cut off square (about 3' bottom, and 72" tall. To adjust it I used the 3:4:5 measurement) The base drops down 1" and has two tabs on the top so I can just clamp it at this bottom end. There's a long diagonal brace. I made it adjustable (tripled the work) in case I needed to readjust the squareness - that was over 20 years ago, never had to adjust it since the first day. If I made another one I would do this: I'd make two. A cross cut one (has to be more than 60" for Baltic Birch squares) with a 3/4 in base, this would make it easier to clamp on the ply I'm going to cut. (I never go thicker than 3/4"), Then I'd make a 9' one for ripping, but the base here I would make out of 1.25" or thicker plywood so I can push the whole length along the bottom of a full sheet, and then let the saw blade cut into it.. You can get away with it hanging off the table because the length of the sheet counterbalances almost any weight you put on this over hang. To clamp these straightedges I use either big spring clamps, regular Bessler clamps, a Kreg clamp, or a large Visegrip Clamp with a big loop to go around things. I cut with a SkilSaw and a 40 tooth blade. I could go with more teeth, and if I set up a shelf making shop I might use a sidewinder on a guide (higher RPM cleaner cut). Always designate one edge of your sheet goods as the 'baseline' and measure from there. So I wouldn't measure over to the cut line and then measure back to the guideline - you're adding too much error to the system. If I used your notch trick I'd measure this new line from the baseline side of the sheet. And if you ever EVER wonder 'is that plywood square?' Check it, with a framing square but also measure it corner to corner. Sometimes it's off. Plywood for flooring and roofing are never cockeyed but hardwood ply sometime can be. I have shelves right behind me Baltic Birch 1/2" Over about a year every sheet of BB 60 x60" ply was not square. Once you know this you can clean it up. But if just assume.... big problems. And make your cutting table sturdy enough that it can support your weight, on some cross cuts you need to put some of your weight onto the table so you can reach. Develop a system that works for you and then stick to it. I also have a table saw that sometimes for critical things I'll run them through. And if I have a project with smaller pieces I will just cut them from remnant pieces on the table saw. For critical work I'll cut a little larger with the guides then make it precise on the table saw. I had a Clamp N Tool Guide for about two days. It adjusts from the side that is away from you, so you either use it backwards , but then you can't clamp it, or you have to repeatedly guess at the setting distance for that far end. Too much trouble. Plus you still had to measure everything to make sure your cut was square. Took it back. Hope this helps.

I don't understand how this has any type of thumb down. This was a very well done tutorial video. Thanks for this!

This is a good video. I really learn a lot. I'm a newby in wood working. I'm afraid in circular saw but with the help of your video it helps me to overcome my fear. Very detailed. And the eplanation is clear. 🙌

As usual very loud and clear to the point videos without loosing a word ! Well done , and thanks for your instant response to my question about metric sizes too , well done !

I swear; my phone 📱 listens to my conversations, the other day I was talking about organizing my garage, and this lady popped up on RU-vid how to organize her stuff, now I picked up two pieces of plywood at a yard sale, the wife and I were talking about how I’m going to cut it up for projects. And today you pop up how to cut plywood with out me looking it up that’s pretty cool!!! Thanks!!!

This is the best video I’ve seen on cutting plywood without spending hours on an over engineered elaborate set up or spending a fortune. Easy, cheap and quick. Best video so far. It’s has made my very short list of saved videos.

Just beginning my exploration into carpentry and your videos are among the best! Love how you show everything you're talking about and make it so easy to understand, and see you go through the process instead of just explaining it.

I just watched some other videos on how to cut plywood. I really was dreading the task ahead..... until I saw this. This is brilliant. Thank-you.

Best explanation for this subject on RU-vid. Big thanks!!

Awesome! I have sheets of plywood that were a pain to cut with the circular saw. I really suck at cutting a straight line, so having a guide is just spectacular.

Very useful stuff. Very clear english even for non-native english speakers like myself. I clicked the "subscribed" button after watching only 20 seconds in the video. Thank you for the video and keep up good work.

Great video. Really helped me decide that I’m better off going with a circular saw and those clamps rather than going with a big table saw

I surely like your presentation, there are no adds or long talk, you are straight to the point.

You learn something every day. Loved every minute of your video, thx.

Your directions are so simple to follow. Thank you 😊

This is the most informative, no bullshit, and efficient tool video I've ever seen. I made three purchases while watching this. Excellent work. Give this man some commission.

Clear, simple, intuitive and very useful info. Super ideas for a straight cut. Thank you for the idea with insulation and how to carry...also how to make and accordion from insulation. Great video!

Perfect! I was looking for the way to cut and support a whole sheet of plywood in half without worrying about binding issues. Thanks!

Thank you. You are an exceptional instructor. You have really help me get started safely.

Thanks for the tips! They were very helpful in making sure I stayed safe while ripping a sheet of plywood.

Incredibly useful, no-nonsense advice to get started. My circular saw is sitting waiting for me to get the courage to use it, and this is the first step in getting ready. Thanks!

The golden stuff! It has finally made me understanding how to cut my 4x4 plywood safely - so no table saw, I'll use foam + metal guides

Wooow! I've just found your channel a few days ago, and I'm looking the videos one after the other, every time I have a minute of spare. They've given me support enough to open mi first circular saw, and make a few cross cuts in plywood... Hopefully, it will turn out to be a toys chest, folowing your examples! Thanks, from Argentina! Keep posting great videos! Cheers!

Josh ! You are in my prayer everyday since I started to wach your videos because , using these tools has to be careful, a mistake would be fatal and you have no idea how much iI"am Learning with your videos. !🙏thank you ! 🤗

Great video, especially on how to clamp some wood quickly, always struggle with getting that setup just right and check it 3-4x every time, this should help a lot!

This was an excellent presentation. No fluff or filler, just some great explanations of your options if you don't have a panel saw. Really dig the insulation backing trick, going to use that on my project.

You are amazing! I get lost with all the measurements, but I am a newbie. Please keep posting these videos.

This is such a good video and I’ve come to realise that all your tutorials are equally good. No nonsense; just straight to the point. As I’m sure you know, you can make a cheap jig with a straight edge screwed to a piece of mdf. Just run the saw along to cut the mdf and you have a kind of track for your own saw. It has worked well for me for many years.

I wasn't sure how to cut a large piece of wood until I saw your video. Thank you so much for the very useful advice and information !

Great explanation, I've used all these methods before, but I finally bought the Kreg ACS Track Saw with dust collection. Yes its more expensive but the accuracy, zero dust (when attached to dust collection) and no clamping pretty much makes it the final cut. I too hesitated for years because of cost, now I am so glad I have a track saw, especially the awesome dust collection when working in an enclosed garage. It will definitely save time and minimize the dust you breathe in the years of use for anyone.

Thank you for the tips it will help very much. I'm a person who is beginning with wood work for the first time

I just happened upon this site and I am engrossed with your training. Thank you. I am just getting into routing and will be viewing all your videos. Thanks again!!

Thanks for the video, very informative. It's always fun watching someone trying to 8' stock on the floor, as as they try to crawl and keep the saw moving at the same time.

i love the tip on how to measure the distance of the blade on the saw. thank you. always learning something new!

Extremely clear video. Awesome job. Thanks.

Thank you so much! I'v been looking for this! Everyone shows us how to make stuff but doesn't show how to cut if you don't have all those fancy tools!

You are so good on explaining things

Great tutorial! I really appreciate the basic instructions.

Excellent. Thanks for taking the time to help others by sharing your expertise. You are an outstanding instructor. thanks again.

This.....was...awesome! Thank you! I work solo diy and don’t have big surface. Solo me in my garage floor with insulation = success! Thank you!!

Really great no nonsense instructional video!

"You are good at what you do ,,,,TOO GOOD! Its obvious you know your stuff,. I would DEFINATLY learn from your tips and demonstrations Thanks

Absolutely brilliant presentation and incredibly helpful. Thanks so much.

WOW!! I had never considered the option of cutting the rigid foam board in half and then taping the two halves together for storage. That's brilliant! Thank you.

I really like how you explained these methods from the simplest and least expensive to more technical and advanced tools! Thank you!!!

very clear illustration thank you

Great no.3 option,these I want use for my cutting plywood...thanks for tips and great useful explaination...stay safe

great help for freshman. Thank you sir.

Great tips and tricks. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

Great clear explanation. The accu cut (first Kreg product) has clamps for it, and as a newbie I love them.

Great video! I feel confident now to try cutting myself! Love your style of teaching.

Best video about circular saw.. Thanks!

I like the insulation for support idea. Thanks!

Appreciate the clear directions and helpful hints.

Great break down. See you next Tuesday.

Really useful, thanks. I'm just about to cut an 8' ply sheet and will follow these instructions (guide piece and clamps).

I bought my first circular saw today and this will be a huge help thank you apppreciated

O wow! That was genius, thanks for sharing this technic.

Thanks for your video on plywood. Very helpful for a newbie.

Thank you a lot for this video. I needed them a lot to do my projects concerning outside of our house.

Wow, very helpful for me. Giving me exact information I need. Thank you very much.

This has been very helpful. Thank you so much for making this vid and sharing your knowledge.

Excellent video.. learning from everyone of your videos...good teacher

Thank you so much. This tutorial is great and a much less expensive alternative to buying a table saw for straight (cabinet) cuts.

Thank you, Josh! Going under the assumption that I didn't know even half of what I think I know, I searched for this before cutting some OSB and found your video. Perfect cuts first time around. Wish I could say that about every endeavor. Well done!

Thank you so much! This answered all my questions about how to cut a 6’ long table top with a circular saw. That rigid insulation tip is 👍👍👍 for someone trying to do work working in a apartment.. or out on my balcony.

You have answered a beginner very well, perfect actually. Cheers Josh 👍👍

Learnt a lot from this video. Thanks for sharing.

Really well done! Love your presentations!

Great information and guidance. Thanks

Excellent Video and good tips and tricks of using circular saw. My compliments. Thanks

So grateful for this brilliant video

Excellent presentation.

Great video.....I'm a relative beginner and this helped....a ton.....Thanks.

I'm learning a lot from watching your video that really appreciate everything that you're posting thank you so much I have never really cut plywood I've only done it maybe once or twice maybe a few times for my father and so this is really helpful I thank you so much for all the knowledge and wisdom that you show us

This is the best tutorial I've watched. Thank you.

straight to the point. nice video thank you.

This video is just plain amazing. Thanks a lot!!!

Excellent training video :-) Thank you so much for your direction

Just what I needed. Thanks.

Very informative for a rookie like me ….thank you!

Thank you clear and precise and so helpful

Wow. Great help for a beginner like me. Thank you Sir

Nicely done and explained as usual. Thanks for the great video

One of the best videos I have seen on this subject. Well done Josh.

This is the first video I see from you, and was enough for subscribe immediately.. Pretty nice, fluid, smooth and clear explanation..!! Kudos man..

Yeah ! very simple and useful explanation and presentation ! you are the best my friend ! please keep the good work ! Good Luck .

Very informative. Thank you 😊

One of the best how to videos over seen. I’m not a super handy guy, but this video made think I can safely do this! 😊

Thank you for this video!! Been looking for this information for ages!

First time viewer and now a subscriber I went through your other videos and thought geez I need to watch all these to renew and refresh my techniques. Great videos !!

Thank you. Learned a lot.

Thanks for the video. It was clear and easy to understand. 👍👍👍

After planning my project, I have the big box store cut down my plywood to smaller sheets. I get the value of buying full sheets, transportation is easier, hauling into my workshop is easier, it doesn't cost me anything, and the cuts are always perfect. I still use your tips for the smaller cuts, but getting a 8' cut into 2 48x20 and x 48x28 is a great start!

Excellent.... very good explanation.... thanks a lot.... I'm impressed and subscribed.....

This was such an incredibly helpful video

Love the tip to cut the insulation in half and then tape it for storage in half the space. 😋