Can this produce smooth clean chip-free cuts in plywood and other sheetgoods, & can it be used with a straight edge to keep the cut perfectly straight
905191
As with any saw it is dependent on the blade used. Cutting the right side is always a plus. Running a straight edge will allow straight cuts.
693044
I have not tried to produce a smooth chip-free cut in plywood but I have used it to cut glass by taping the glass where i needed to score it and got a good straight edge. I have used it to score tile to tile floors. To cut straight edges you cold clamp something with a straight edge and cut next to it. Sorry I do not have experience with plywood.
905192
I gave this as a gift and have never heard back from my friends about how it cuts.Nice gift though.
905193
I purchased this saw thinking it will do what you are asking. The answer is "very disappointed in its performance and didn't meet my expectations". You're better off with Rockwell VersaCut circular saw to replace the disappointing RotoZip. I later bought the VersCut and very satisfied. It has all the features and performance you need. Right now the Rockwell is selling for $103 on Amazon. I'm happy with the VersaCut and worth the money spent. Disregard purchasing the RotoZip saw. Waste of money.
210606
This tool is not really designed to do what I think you are doing. It is more for precision cutting and does not make long cuts in a perfecly straight line. It has a very thin blade so it doesn't remove very much material such as a piece of plexiglass would fill. It would be very difficult to make a straight level cut longer than about 4 inches. I would recommend using a router, with a fence attachment. You can clean up the corners with a hand chisel and have a nice straight step to set the plexi in.
51424
I just used it to cut regular tissue paper, metallic tissue paper, and (why not?) facial tissue. All three made smooth, clean cuts with a fairly new mat and blade.
2181906
The saw is built to make cuts of many angles on wood such cas 2X4's. It will not rip a 2X4. So if by,"Straight " you mean an accurate cross cut,the answer is yes .
1790624
Greetings Pierce, good questions, but sorry to say I have no idea. It cuts several layers of denim-type fabric (that frays easily) without jamming on the frayed bits (unlike Black and Decker electric scissors!!), and cuts card and stiff plastic etc. but not sure it would be powerful enough to cut plywood. Ciao for Now, Tricia, Bermuda : )
901030
Matt I've been using it to cut Birch plywood and it seems fine but bogs down a bit. I think its the blade it came with because many people have said its poor quality. I'm planning to get a new one and see how it goes. Make sure to make a score cut on veneer plywood to avoid chip-out though. Also the track is in two sections and tends to move at the connection. Check your measurements well on long cuts. If I had the money for the name brand saws I would have bought one but I went in 50/50 with my father in law on this one. Don't get me wrong its good but you have to work within its limitations. Matt I've been using it to cut Birch plywood and it seems fine but bogs down a bit. I think its the blade it came with because many people have said its poor quality. I'm planning to get a new one and see how it goes. Make sure to make a score cut on veneer plywood to avoid chip-out though. Also the track is in two sections and tends to move at the connection. Check your measurements well on long cuts. If I had the money for the name brand saws I would have bought one but I went in 50/50 with my father in law on this one. Don't get me wrong its good but you have to work within its limitations.
241220
I've only used it straight. I expect you would have to go slow to preserve a shape over a lot of cuts because the wire is just that- not very rigid!
1274330
I used a Fein MM to cut out a 3/4" plywood floor I replaced. Cut was quite fine and smooth. I didn't use a straight edge, but I did have to cut along the long side of a bathtub. Using the bathtub itself as a guide was easy so I think any straight edge would be similarly easy.
711778
I was using this saw mostly in oak wainscot, so chipping was not a big problem. I was using the reverse cut blades, that cut on the down stroke, and the results were very good. Basically this is still a Sabre Saw, although it is smooth and powerful, results depend on you and the blades you choose. You can get good cuts with this saw, but as always the best results would require a backer board to prevent chipping. Depends on how perfect is perfect for you.
174892
I am probably not the person to ask. I used it on plexiglass. I don't know a reason why it would.not work on smooth wood....
1359308
I use it for cardstock, and it cuts great. So I am assuming pictures would cut smoothly as well
2181195
I would say yes. I have cut the 2-ply chip board with it and that was what I bought it for and it has done well.
711781
I have used this in plywood and it worked great. I believe it can be attached to a straight edge or a circle attachment. I think amazon has one.
858415
No... It is a mighty fine trim saw or plywood cutter, in addition to light tile and masonary work, but, can't be used for flush cutting. That type of cut is best handled by a dedicated saw or one of the "sonic" type saws. I use a Rockwell Sonicrafter for that type of cut (toe-kick for floor easement).
243725
Yes. I've used it as a source of polyurethane foam for craft projects-- cuts well with electric carving knife or a utility blade. Any creases or crush marks come out well when sprayed lightly with water and steamed carefully with a warm iron.
664224
i never use the straight edge for pieces shorter than 24 inches as it is not needed since the table saw will handle it. i use it to cut 4x8 sheets of plywood as an edge guide for the skill saw.or other large pieces to hard to handle on a table saw.
82872
While I have not attempted to cut mine, I have no confidence you would be able to get a smooth edge on the cut. My students have dropped the boards enough that several have their corners chipped. They are made of some sort of composite board. The backs are very absorbent and the fronts are of course, sealed. I know that they are not intended to be cut. Unless you desire a large quantity, you might do better at a dollar store so there is little loss if it does not cut well.