Quick Tip: Eliminate Plywood Tearout with Painters Tape

Struggling with tearout when crosscutting plywood? This simple trick solves the problem.

Apply painters tape along your cut line before sawing. The tape supports the wood fibers and prevents splintering on both the top and bottom surfaces.

For best results:

• Use quality blue painters tape
• Press firmly to ensure good adhesion
• Cut through the tape
• Remove tape slowly at an angle

This works especially well with veneered plywood and melamine. Takes 30 seconds but saves hours of sanding.

More tips: Mastering Circular Saw Techniques