Do You Cut Good Side Up Or Down With Circular Saw?

When it comes to using a circular saw, one common question that many people have is whether to cut good side up or down. The answer to this question ultimately depends on what you are cutting and the type of blade you are using.

Cutting Plywood or Other Sheet Goods

If you are cutting plywood or other sheet goods, it is generally recommended to cut with the good side facing down. This is because the teeth on a circular saw blade are angled in a way that causes the blade to push up on the wood as it cuts. By cutting with the good side facing down, you can minimize the risk of splintering or chipping the surface of the wood that will be visible.

Another benefit of cutting with the good side facing down is that it can help prevent the saw from binding or bogging down. When you cut with the good side facing up, the blade can sometimes catch on the grain of the wood and cause the saw to slow down or stop altogether. By cutting with the good side facing down, you can help the saw move through the wood more smoothly.

Cutting Solid Wood

When cutting solid wood, the answer to whether to cut good side up or down is less clear-cut. Some woodworkers prefer to cut with the good side facing up, while others prefer to cut with the good side facing down.

If you are cutting a piece of solid wood that has a particularly beautiful or figured grain pattern on one side, you may want to cut with that side facing up. This can help ensure that the grain pattern is visible on the finished piece, and can also help prevent tearout or splintering.

On the other hand, if you are cutting a piece of wood that has knots or other defects on one side, you may want to cut with the good side facing down. This can help minimize the risk of tearout or splintering, and can also help prevent the saw from binding or bogging down.

Choosing the Right Blade

Regardless of whether you choose to cut good side up or down, it is important to use the right type of blade for the job. A blade with a high tooth count and a fine kerf is generally best for cutting plywood or other sheet goods, as it can help minimize tearout and splintering. For cutting solid wood, a blade with fewer teeth and a wider kerf may be more appropriate.

It is also important to ensure that your blade is sharp and in good condition before you begin cutting. A dull or damaged blade can cause tearout, splintering, and other problems.

Conclusion

So, do you cut good side up or down with a circular saw? The answer depends on what you are cutting and the type of blade you are using. In general, it is best to cut plywood or other sheet goods with the good side facing down, while the choice is less clear-cut when it comes to cutting solid wood. Regardless of how you choose to cut, be sure to use the right type of blade and ensure that it is sharp and in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the correct way to cut with a circular saw?

The correct way to cut with a circular saw is to cut with the good side down. This means that the side of the material that you want to keep should be facing downwards.

2. Why should I cut with the good side down?

Cutting with the good side down helps to prevent splintering and tear-out on the top side of the material. This is especially important when working with materials like plywood or melamine, which can easily splinter.

3. Are there any exceptions to cutting with the good side down?

There may be some exceptions to cutting with the good side down, such as when you need to make a bevel cut. In this case, you may need to cut with the good side up to ensure that the bevel cut is accurate. However, for most standard cuts, it is best to cut with the good side down.

4. How can I ensure that I am cutting with the good side down?

To ensure that you are cutting with the good side down, you can mark the material with a pencil or chalk before making your cut. This will help you to keep track of which side is up and which side is down. Additionally, you can use a sacrificial board underneath the material to help prevent tear-out on the bottom side.