best way to cut lauan

[3822sean]

hello, i already looked through sdtrippers list they talk about lauan but no topics about cutting it, i cant imagine taking my circ saw to it im thinking jig saw or even a sharp razor knife ? how do most of you do it thanks

[wagondude]

Circular saw works, but it must be supported well. Table saw works well also. If you want to, you can rough cut it with the jigsaw then trim it with a flush cut router bit after it is attatched to the framing members. If you're really feeling adventurous, you could try the Japanese pull saw.

Bill

[3822sean]

i have a japanese pull saw super sharp cant imagine cutting a radius with it i think i will score with a razor knife to help with tearout and try i fine blade in my jigsaw,,,,,,,,,,,thanks for the reply

[doug hodder]

For any ply that needs to be supported and you can't deal with it in a table saw, I buy a sheet of 4x8 2" styrofoam from HD. It's a sacrificial piece and you can rout, run a jig saw, circular saw and it gives it support the whole time. Use it right on the bench/table or floor. 1 sheet will get you through a couple of tears.

Throw a couple of scrap pieces of ply on top and you can kneel on it or stand while you do any cutting. Just adjust your blade/bit depth so that it only goes into the foam enough to do what you need to do. For 1/8" luan and it's straight lines...I use a utility knife and a drywall T square, 1/4" is tougher. Doug

[starleen2]

another way to get a fine cut is to use a paneling blade in a circ. saw or fine blade in jig saw - Cut over the line just a bit and then sand with a belt sander down to the line - worked for me with no splits or tear outs

[3822sean]

thats funny you said that doug i was just in my garage looking at my build then i looked at my foam that i have for my walls and thought the very same thing but my stuff is only 3/4 i like the 2" idea that sounds good thanks doug

[3822sean]

thanks mr. stewart yes i like that i think between razor knife and a fine cutting blade and sand to the line and some 2" foam i will be good to go p.s. mr stewart i checked out the green lantern build VERY COOL thanks everbody for the advise and help

[satch]

I use a razor knife. Quick, clean, easy.