Scroll sawing plywood

[John.S]

Every time I try to saw thin plywood the reverse delaminates in small sections. Does anyone have a cure for this, or can someone point out what I am doing wrong?

 

[marcros]

what grade of ply are you using?
what blades are you using?

 

[Walney Col]

Try "2 way cut" blades.

 

[Aggrajag]

Use a double reverse blade from Olson and it'll be as smooth on the bottom as on the top. I've just been cutting 8 stacked layers of 1.6mm with a number 5 PGT double reverse and it's perfect. For really detailed work I cut 6 layers at once with the #2 skip reverse blade.

 

[John.S]

what grade of ply are you using?
what blades are you using?

 

[John.S]

I amusing a #2 blade on 3/32 ply. I don't really want to cut multilayers, if possible as my projects will be one-offs.

 

[Aggrajag]

The skip reverse #2 will be perfect for that.

 

[scrimper]

I amusing a #2 blade on 3/32 ply. I don't really want to cut multilayers, if possible as my projects will be one-offs.

Sometimes with thin plywood it pays to layer cut even if you want just one, that way you will at least get one perfect item with no observable cut out or kerf. IMHO 3/32" is very thin to cut singly on a powered fretsaw. if you don't want to waste plywood just layer the 3/32" on the top of some cheap hardboard (or other) it will make it easier to control and avoid kerf. I would never attempt to cut any plywood thinner than around 3/16" on it's own.

 

[bodgerbaz]

Yep, I totally agree with Scrimper. 3/16 is too thin to cut on its own. Either stack cut a few pieces and use the one in the middle or use a backer as suggested. You could make up a sandwich of gash hardboard or MDF with the ply in the middle or have the ply on top of the gash piece. It will improve the quality of cut, add some rigidity and avoid it 'slapping' on the table.