This is the best way to cut wood without splintering and it is so incredibly easy!
Cutting can be a problem if the wood is too thin or if you’re cutting something with a laminate overlay because the wood will splinter or the laminate (which is just really thin plastic,) will chip.
That doesn’t make for a very pretty finished product. And let’s face it if you are going to haul out your power tools and make a big mess, you better have something lovely in the end to show for it. Right?
I used this trick awhile back when we were installing white laminate counter tops on the built in we created from Ikea cabinets and shelves. So when we had to cut this really thin (5mm) underlayment I knew just what to do.
This is the best way to cut wood without it splintering…and it won’t take you but an extra 10 seconds.
First, you will need to mark your cut with a pencil. So do your measurements (twice) and get ready to cut (once.)
Once you have your line, tape along your mark with painters tape, so that the line is on the side of the piece of wood that you don’t want to keep.
One your tape is in place, make your cut along the line with your saw.
The tape holds the wood together so that even the cheapest piece of wood comes out with a clean edge.
I’m using these pieces of underlayment on some rustic modern floating shelves and the edges will be visible so I need the edges to be clean.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Flo says
When cutting thin wood is there a certain blade l should use on my miter saw?
Corey Willis says
Thanks for asking, Flo! I use a 10″ multi use blade for all my projects. However for thin wood, more teeth on your blade will give you a smoother cut.
Michelle says
Ha, my first thought when I saw the title of this post was “well the best way to cut wood without it splintering is to not use cheap wood” – but hey, if this works for cheap wood too, then that’s even better 😉
Steav Smith says
Fantastic!
I have been looking at buying a bench but the cost keeps putting me off. And as I figure I’m getting into woodwork why not try building one? But TBH It seemed a bit above me. But not with this tutorial! you make it seem very easy and the diagrams really help visualize stuff I have been reading elsewhere…
Think I’m going to give this a go!
Corey Willis says
Yay you! Please let me know how it goes, Steav!
Ted says
Splintering happens when the circular saw blade is set too deep, causing the teeth to smash upward through the surfaces of the panel. Easiest way to get good cuts is to set the blade just a smidge below the timber’s bottom surface (the one you will see when finished). That way the teeth slice along the surface, not smash through it. To get clean cuts on both sides, set the blade about 1/4 the depth of the panel, which will slice a groove in the top surface, then reset it to a smidge below the bottom surface and go again, to slice separately through that surface. (Will need to clamp panel down and use a saw guide to ensure cuts are repeated in the same place place.)
Christine says
Tape is definitely my friend. 🙂 It’s also a way to mark on your project without leaving pencil or pen marks on it!
I was installing hardware on some espresso maple cabinets and couldn’t see anything. No white chalk or pencils. I had a “Duh” moment and put my blue tape on the drawer front, marked and drilled.
I was putting the tape, though, on the side I wanted to keep. It’s not splintering, but if it could be better by putting the tape on the side I DON’T want to keep? I’ll give’er a try.
Thanks!
Victoria says
Soo helpful- thanks for the tip!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Great tip, that is so useful! Pinning, and thanks for sharing this at Creativity Unleashed!
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
This is such a great tip! Pinned 🙂
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
Great tip! I can’t wait to see the project!
Toni says
Great tip Corey! I’ve got a big project coming up soon, and this could come in super handy!