Truer words were never spoken! lol I had a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood leaning against the wall for awhile. I lost interest in the original project that it was intended for, which was a specialized bee hive. There it sat for months. I was reluctant to cut it up smaller just for easier storing. It was staring at me every time that I walked into the shop. Just begging for me to make something cool out of it. I finally used it to start making various jigs around the workshop, stemming from the info and knowledge that I gained from watching this channel and others here on TH-cam. I can't thank you enough for the amount of time and effort that you put forth in filming, editing and sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Huge kudos to you from southern Indiana. :-)
Just wanted you to know that you are the reason I felt I could try my hand at woodworking. I am halfway through the Weekend Woodworker and plan on taking your advanced course. I even tried my hand at making videos. Thank your for one of the greatest gifts one can get.....Inspiration.
Well said, Scott! Steve taught me, a lifelong decidedly un-handy person, to believe that I can actually build this stuff. Before Steve, it all seemed so far out of my reach.
I know this is an older video but I just have to say I love how you think to break things down like this and think to make videos that are more basic like this. The track saw is an interesting alternative I hadn’t heard of before. I will have to look into that, despite the price it does seem to have the advantage of being easier to store in my 1/1 apartment. Space is definitely at a premium here.
Peter Millard has videos about cheaper tracksaws and setting them up and demonstrating that they are capable of good results for a lot of woodworking tasks.
Just moved houses and don't have the work bench I once inherited. I am a huge rookie. Tried cutting a full sheet plywood on saw horses, knew it would fail but I still tried it anyway. Should have watched this video. At the cost of plywood these days I LOVED your suggestions. Needed as I attempt an outfeed table build soon as I finish unpacking. Cheers and thanks
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I really like the Idea of the foam support board. About the only thing I would recommend would be to unplug your saw when you have your fingers so close to the blade. When you explaining the offset on the shoe of the saw it was plugged in and your finger looked like it was inside the trigger guard. A little spooky.
Handling, transporting and breaking down sheet goods are some of my least favorite woodworking activities. A panel carrier, such as the one Stanley offers, is a must-have tool. I particularly like that the angled handle keeps fingers and knuckles away from the sheet being handled. After trying several, I settled on the Bora WTX Clamp Edge System. I have both the 36" and 101" guides, as well as saw and router plates. I also have Bora's Rip Guide. These are all indispensable for me as I get straight, clean, precise, repeatable cuts everytime. And, yes, I make my final rips, crosscuts, rabbets, dados, etc., with these tools, along with my circular saw with 40 tpi blade, or router.
Fortunately my local HD is spotless and everything is always working - along with people who don’t mind stopping and helping as well. Another great video, Steve!!!
I brought an optimized cut list for 5 sheets of ply to big box today. Fortunately, the panel saw operator told me that the rip direction would produce errors of 1/2" over 8' and I aborted. Now I'm thinking I'll edge guide cut with circular saw at home. Tons of good tips in here. I'm glad I found your video!
Steve, you missed out a tip at 1:30 The 'sudden breaking reverse unload'. When you arrive home, undo your tie-downs, reverse quickly into your driveway with your garage door open. Apply your breaks with some urgency and the plywood will unload itself into your garage.
Steve you are so right about motivation. My go-to comment I tell people about how I prioritize my projects... "The wood taking up the most space, goes first!"
Not sure about the US of A, but up here in Canada the depot delivers for free if you spend 50$ or more. Solves the carrying problem. I wish I could get that pro-grip edge up here! Looks awesome
Had to chuckle at the end because I literally have 6 full sheets of 3/4" ply leaning against my workbench in my garage shop now! A small shop can be motivating but I think it can also be frustrating! :) thanks for the video & tips, Steve!
I use the sheet foam insulation. I cut it into 3 pieces so they store easier. I did splurge and buy a DeWalt Trac Saw. Best purchase ever. That thing cuts like a laser. I poured an apron out front of my shop with the sole purpose of breaking sheet goods and doing large cuts outside. Works out perfectly.....unless it rains or snows. LOL
This video was great. I wish I had watched it before the first time I attempted to cut a 4x8 sheet of plywood down to size using my table saw. I had never thought to just put some scraps down and cut it on the floor with a hand-held circular saw... Genius. I really like the way you make your instructions so accessible using common sense approaches that don't require thousands of dollars of equipment.
Just read your truck update email. You've still got your memories, the truck went to good use, and your new truck is a RAM so that's a great choice. (I'm partial bcause, mine is too) Keep up the good work! Cheers
The looting look is what I love about the homedepot. Thanks for sharing. I’ve messed up my back a time or two moving these huge sheets around. Love the hook idea.
You’re absolutely right. When you have a decent amount of wood and all your tools are ready to go AND the shop is clean, that’s when it’s time to make a mess! Very motivational
That foam building insulation hack just made my plans for a home shot 100x more manageable. Was racking my brain for how to break down plywood with out a huge table saw.
I got me some 2x2 project foam panels (Home Depot has FOAMULAR project panel from Owens Corning). Not the styrofoam kind which would shred and send out tiny pieces of foam everywhere. The panel foam is closed celled foam. The 2x2 size makes them easy to store.
Steve what I do is use a piece of angle iron from Home depot as a "rip fence" to run my table saw up against when cutting sheet goods!! OF COURSE the angle iron is ONLY 4 feet long so I make all my cross cuts first then cut my long cuts secondly!! And to attach the angle iron to the sheet with a couple of small "C" clamps and a couple of paint stir sticks has "calls" to prevent dimpling the wood! Another thing I use is the angle iron bed rail off an old bed frame for cuts longer than 4 feet!! Again though this is limited to around 6 feet or so, you can't use it on a full 8 foot sheet....BUT running the saw against the angle iron as a rip fence you can make a fairly decent desk top out of a sheet of plywood that is 6 feet long or even a table top!!
I found those straight-edge clamps to be worth every cent. I use them to hold carcasses, work as fences for the drill press, the band saw and the router. Use them for ripping small stock and for breaking down sheet goods. I am continuing to find new uses
Your homemade tool for lifting plywood is genius! Smarter, not harder. Nice lifting technique also. I have lots of spare time at work so I might have to make one.
There is nothing fun about trying to handle huge sheets of plywood or other sheet goods by yourself! Here are some of the techniques I use to maneuver them and break them down. Check in the description for links to plans and stuff.
After seeing your old video on this topic I literally just got and set up my new Kreg Rip-Cut yesterday. Nearly went with the accu-track but thought I'd get more flexibility with the Rip-cut. TH-cam sponsorship works! Hope Kreg keeps supporting the show.
Hi Steve, always enjoyed watching your informative videos. My knees don't work as well as they used to, so I use a couple of sawhorses with an old metal garage entry door on top, then a foam board over that. It provides a zero clearance cut, so you get a nice smooth no tear out cut. What I did was made a 4ft and 8ft cutting guide made to match my circular saw's sole plate, then just mark your board and lay down the guide on your mark and clamp it. Works perfectly and it's a low cost way of breaking down plywood, no adding or subtracting to the measurement needed.
I have some clamps like you're showing at 5:10 - Pittsburgh, Harbor freight. Never thought about using them like this! (I was just asked to start a wood shop class for a small private school - I'm finding all kinds of stuff!)
I haven’t watched this channel in a while, I gotta say it’s always been great but you’ve definitely upped the game on the presentation. I could have mistaken this as a segment of a home improvement show
I have a plywood carrier, similar to the one that you made, but it's made of a strong plastic. I think that I bought it at Home Depot but I've had it so long that I'm not sure about that. One difference is that the handle part is curved away from the sheet, that you are carrying so that you don't rub your knuckles raw, if you are moving a lot of sheets. I'm 5ft 6in, with short arms, so this has been a life saver. I have carried 3/4 inch 4ft × 8ft MDF and not had to struggle too much. Although I don't remember how much it cost, I do know that it has paid for itself and saved my back, in the process.
Thank you for this video. I took the course with you last year. My dissappointment was a lack of a garage or dedicated space for woodworking at home. My "shop" was my backyard. I can only work when it's not raining. On a different note, I hope all of you are doung well in Cal. God bless you.
Thanks for another easy going and mild mannered contribution. Thanks for sharing the truck with us. You deserve it and more for all your efforts over all the years. And for being smart enough to turn your TH-cam presence into a profitable business. Well done. Please be sure to make a vid about your truck. Why you picked it and how it’s going after a year. Looking forward.
I like your tie down blocks, nice and simple. The carry handle for the 4x8 sheets is a great idea for light sheets. 1/2" plywood is about 45 lbs. 3/4" MDF is 96 lbs. It is better to have help with the heavy stuff. Good job!
Thanks for the tips, Steve. Using a battery-powered saw in the parking lot is such a great idea. The hardest part of making the BMW was probably just lugging the plywood around!
Steve, I’m trying to get into the camper van life and do some DIY work to it. Your channel is super helpful and inspired me to try new things and techniques. Thanks man, keep up the good work
I’m new to woodworking but used to make a living playing pool - had a case of burnout and don’t want to play the game ever again - little did I know my hand was gonna be soo good at ripping!! from here I’ll go straight to a track saw either Makita or festool - expensive but worth every penny later on when my pulse is trustworthy no more!!!
this was all super useful! i cant believe i didn't think about just bringing a circular saw to the store with me to cut it in the parking lot! thanks Steve!
Jimmy diresta just did a similar video but on circular saw tips and tricks, something I learned watching that video that may help is making an offset block that is the width of how much the base is on your saw. This way you don't have to do the math in your head and get more accurate cuts with less time. Great video, I've been wanting to go buy one of those edge clamps for a while.
Congrats on the new truck Steve! I bought mine a couple years ago just for hauling me and other stuff. I was pretty picky though. It could be any color but it HAS to have a manual transmission. They are so hard to find these days, I settled for a '97 Ranger. I love it! and I've had so much fun putting on new brakes, timing belt O2 sensors and patching rust. It's great for Wisconsin but probably wouldn't stand a chance in California
i'm in the process of setting up my own woodworking space now! i build my own 5 x 3 Meter shed from scratch, now built my work bench and getting my tools in, need to get myself my table saw next and im almost complete!
Nice tips, Steve. Another way to carry plywood by yourself is to put a ratcheting strap around the center and carry it by the ratchet. I did this recently to get a full piece of OSB up some steps, wearing gloves because it can be hard on the hands without them.
Hi Steve, I recently watched a video on Nick Engler's channel. It shows a system he devised for cutting plywood which consists of a set of knockdown saw horses, a grid of 2x4s connecting the horses, and a track for your circular saw to run on so your cuts are accurate. Really clever and worth a watch. He does sell plans for the whole lot, definitely worth checking out.
Steve just started your class I appreciate your teaching talent, we are approaching the rainy season here in Washington and it will keep me busy. I do miss the weather in the Bay Area , but not the traffic. Thanks again!
Anyone else ever get a free parking lot hang gliding session while loading the plywood during breezy conditions? That's always fun..to watch when it happens to someone else.
Not using the right cart if that is happening. You use the flat table top cart for sheet goods. About the right height of a truck tailgate. Just slide the sheets in.
That video just kinda ended suddenly! I didn't realize it was over until the advertisement ended, and your video didn't continue... Good video, good content, abtupt ending! Thanks for sharing!
I saw another good plywood cutting base idea that’s very storage-friendly. You use 2x4 with two 6’ lengths and three 4’ lengths. Cut half lap joints in intervals on the edges and fit them together like a tic-tax-toe game with an extra horizontal line. Then you put the plywood on top of that frame and cut. When done pull the 2x4 apart and store. They don’t take up much room, let alone a whole wall like foam board, and plenty of clearance for the blade and clamps. Great for uneven surfaces. When one side get too cut up, flip them over. Very cheap, easy and easy to store.
I like your idea on cutting and handling heavy sheets. The Peachtree guide looks the best but even at $50 a little bit of an investment. I think the best & most cost effective is just a using a cut from factory edge of plywood.
I have a self clamping track, similar to the one that you use and have found that it works well for 4ft cuts but if you use it for 8ft cuts you need to put a screw, or nail, at the center of it to keep it from bowing.
I bought a track saw by scheppach for under $200. I have now a sawstop jobsite but still use the track saw. I am currently making an MFT table for the track saw.
Hi! Very useful tips. What better worked for me was got plywood cutted at the home depot. You have a new truck, I'm happy for you. Enjoy it. Thank you for sharing.
Good stuff. I've sketched and researched and fantasized about a plywood roof rack carrier for cars. I wish some of the rack manufactures would make one.
You can also purchase a "panel carrier" which is similar to the one made in this video. Made of resin & reasonably priced, 2 will suit most of us well, especially if you are smaller in stature. 2 carriers will allow you to work with a partner to lighten the load. Each carrier is also capable of holding 2 3/4" sheets at once and with a partner will shorten the time needed to move multiple panels.
It’s been such a long time my friend. I’d watched a few times enjoyed watching what you were doing. Then about a month after you went full time I learned about subscribing. I did not watch this vid much at all. But liked hearing you in the background.
Very nice. I haul 2x4s up to 8 ft long in my Prius but haven't figured out a way to get full sheets in. May modifying a ski rack on top is in my future build plan. Thank you for the informative video
No joke. This would have been very useful yesterday. got a 3/4inch 4x8 sheet of birch plywood. Was not fun moving and cutting that on my own. Especially on a portable table saw. Not saying you have to try and turn back time a day and upload it just that I have bad timing really.
Get a plywood gripper handle thing, lets you hold the sheet from the top. Another noob thing I learned is that the cutting they do at the store is rough and has lots of tearout (splintering). Plan to cut an extra half inch to clean it up. I do the bare minimum of cutting at the store just to have it fit in my truck, then do the real cuts at home with a 60 tooth circ saw blade. I assume all of the original edges of the sheet will get banged up in transport and factor that in accordingly. Rarely do my pieces incorporate the original edges. Also, if it's a demanding cut (like 1 inch baltic birch), get good at pushing the saw quickly through the piece to minimize burning, or use a lower tooth count blade, and use painter tape to reduce tear out. Also HD carries metal square tubing that you can use as a saw guide. It gets annoying to have one super long one swinging around, so you'll probably end up with a few sizes for different sized sheets.
I have the same kreg jig and as I read the direction it does not require you to cut into the blue plastic on the edge. You just need to make sure your saw it set up correctly and offset properly.
When talking about using a clamped on guide with your circular saw, I would add that you’ll get a better result if you have it project at least a few inches past the beginning and end of your cut. If the straight edge begins right at the beginning of the cut it is hard to get the cut started straight.
Having been a cabinet maker for more than thirty-five years I can say everything he said was true but that is one other concept I’d throw in! Try not to “lift” plywood. For a long time, several years in fact, I’d have to cut up a lot of plywood and be exhausted by the end of the day! Then one day, I had a big stack of plywood was delivered by the lumber yard by a driver named Blacky. Blacky was old, tired white haired (like me) and he delivered plywood all day every day. Most small shops like mine don’t have forklifts so he had to unload by hand and he taught me this valuable concept for handling plywood. DON’T PICK IT UP! Gently role the plywood on it’s corner then you just need strong fingers. Let me explain a few things first. The outside edges of most plywood was considered “expendable”, if it was lightly damaged it was still sellable. Melamine is 49x97 because it absorbs moisture at the lumber yard and is often slightly thicker and intended so they expect you to cut off the first half inch. So at the lumber yard get help loading it, they will help if you try to look weak :). When you get home, tip it off the car/truck on it’s end. Role it over the corner into your waiting hands, then it’s just sort of hanging on your fingers and your arms are mostly relaxed! Blacky could unload tons of plywood everyday. Same thing goes with the table saw, when it’s hanging in your arms, letting it rest against your shoulder then lean it against the wall or lower the corner onto the table saw, close to the fence, then role it over your shoulder and slide out from under it by backing away from the saw carefully to not let the plywood touch the running blade until you are safely behind the plywood ready to guide the plywood up against the fence and through the cut. The key is to keep safe and go slow. This way you can handle plywood all day. The exceptions 1” plywood or particle board, it’s just to heavy and you tip and roll it everywhere, into the shop, up an the table saw etc.
All great tips. I’ve tried several of the edge guides and finally settled on a home-made shooting board. I simply mark two dots where I want the cut, clamp the shooting board down which already accounts for the blade position and cut away. The only thing that would improve upon it might be a battery-powered saw I think. But great tips 😁👍🏻
Wow, Steve, your local HD looks like a tornado flew threw it. Our big box stores are not that bad, but it can still be hit or miss with getting someone to cut your sheet. I strongly recommend trying to go at quiet times -- 2pm on a busy Saturday is not a good time to get Staff help for anything. Also to everyone else, a reminder that those saws in the big box store are not necessarily the sharpest. I NEVER trust them with a final cut. Always cut large, so you can trim it to final size on your own nicely tuned and sharpened tools at home! :-) Nice truck, Steve, ever miss the old one?
@@SteveRamsey I've got a 71 F100, reliable as can be. Guaranteed, every time I need it, there's a problem. I did notice in this vid you didn't work off the tailgate like the old truck. Mine is still one of my favorite work surfaces, and I rarely unload full sheets.
Went to my local Lowe's and came across a damaged hard wood 4x8 sheet for dirt cheep, but I only had the car and couldn't put much larger section of 2x4' so I ask them to cut it, no problem, and they happily did, how ever the blade was so dull I lost 2" at each cut due to splintering... Next time I'll go home and get the truck!
weird, at my HD they have a miter saw for cutting board that is very nice and seems to be perpetually sharp. never really seen what they use to cut sheet though.
Wordsnwood I agree. I went to THD last Saturday at 0630, got 2 sheets of OSB, had the old Marine* rip it for me, and I was out of there by 0645. I hate ever going to a home center on a weekend, but if I have to, it's before the amateurs do their yoga and have their Starbucks. *Seriously, this old Marine was at least 75, wearing a Marine ballcap, but let me tell you - this man still has it. He told me to hold the cart while he loaded the OSB on the panel saw. Handled it like it was a piece of foamcore! Made this 61 year old feel like a pajama-clad soy boy!
Truer words were never spoken! lol I had a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood leaning against the wall for awhile. I lost interest in the original project that it was intended for, which was a specialized bee hive. There it sat for months. I was reluctant to cut it up smaller just for easier storing. It was staring at me every time that I walked into the shop. Just begging for me to make something cool out of it. I finally used it to start making various jigs around the workshop, stemming from the info and knowledge that I gained from watching this channel and others here on TH-cam. I can't thank you enough for the amount of time and effort that you put forth in filming, editing and sharing your knowledge and experience with us. Huge kudos to you from southern Indiana. :-)
Just wanted you to know that you are the reason I felt I could try my hand at woodworking. I am halfway through the Weekend Woodworker and plan on taking your advanced course. I even tried my hand at making videos. Thank your for one of the greatest gifts one can get.....Inspiration.
What Scott said!!
Well said, Scott! Steve taught me, a lifelong decidedly un-handy person, to believe that I can actually build this stuff. Before Steve, it all seemed so far out of my reach.
Ditto Scott, even on the half way through first course part. Two more projects to go.
I know this is an older video but I just have to say I love how you think to break things down like this and think to make videos that are more basic like this.
The track saw is an interesting alternative I hadn’t heard of before. I will have to look into that, despite the price it does seem to have the advantage of being easier to store in my 1/1 apartment. Space is definitely at a premium here.
Peter Millard has videos about cheaper tracksaws and setting them up and demonstrating that they are capable of good results for a lot of woodworking tasks.
Just moved houses and don't have the work bench I once inherited. I am a huge rookie. Tried cutting a full sheet plywood on saw horses, knew it would fail but I still tried it anyway. Should have watched this video. At the cost of plywood these days I LOVED your suggestions. Needed as I attempt an outfeed table build soon as I finish unpacking. Cheers and thanks
Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I really like the Idea of the foam support board. About the only thing I would recommend would be to unplug your saw when you have your fingers so close to the blade. When you explaining the offset on the shoe of the saw it was plugged in and your finger looked like it was inside the trigger guard. A little spooky.
Handling, transporting and breaking down sheet goods are some of my least favorite woodworking activities. A panel carrier, such as the one Stanley offers, is a must-have tool. I particularly like that the angled handle keeps fingers and knuckles away from the sheet being handled.
After trying several, I settled on the Bora WTX Clamp Edge System. I have both the 36" and 101" guides, as well as saw and router plates. I also have Bora's Rip Guide. These are all indispensable for me as I get straight, clean, precise, repeatable cuts everytime. And, yes, I make my final rips, crosscuts, rabbets, dados, etc., with these tools, along with my circular saw with 40 tpi blade, or router.
Your sense of humour and the straight delivery always make me return, no matter what the topic!
Fortunately my local HD is spotless and everything is always working - along with people who don’t mind stopping and helping as well. Another great video, Steve!!!
Ground_Pilot 595 Doh! So jealous!
Cutting on foam building insulation is genius! Thanks for that tip.
He got it from the Wood Whisperer
Like it- but breathing foam dust is a downer
@@frey9931 I was worried about that too so I'm thinking about buying formaldehyde-free insulation.
I brought an optimized cut list for 5 sheets of ply to big box today. Fortunately, the panel saw operator told me that the rip direction would produce errors of 1/2" over 8' and I aborted. Now I'm thinking I'll edge guide cut with circular saw at home. Tons of good tips in here. I'm glad I found your video!
Steve, you missed out a tip at 1:30 The 'sudden breaking reverse unload'. When you arrive home, undo your tie-downs, reverse quickly into your driveway with your garage door open. Apply your breaks with some urgency and the plywood will unload itself into your garage.
Haha! I like it!
Maxx B 🤣😂😆😜🤪
This old Tony came to my mind...
Bonus points if you can get it to slide out onto the workbench.
You can even apply your brakes - works just as well.
Steve you are so right about motivation. My go-to comment I tell people about how I prioritize my projects... "The wood taking up the most space, goes first!"
Not sure about the US of A, but up here in Canada the depot delivers for free if you spend 50$ or more. Solves the carrying problem.
I wish I could get that pro-grip edge up here! Looks awesome
Had to chuckle at the end because I literally have 6 full sheets of 3/4" ply leaning against my workbench in my garage shop now! A small shop can be motivating but I think it can also be frustrating! :) thanks for the video & tips, Steve!
I use the sheet foam insulation. I cut it into 3 pieces so they store easier. I did splurge and buy a DeWalt Trac Saw. Best purchase ever. That thing cuts like a laser. I poured an apron out front of my shop with the sole purpose of breaking sheet goods and doing large cuts outside. Works out perfectly.....unless it rains or snows. LOL
This video was great. I wish I had watched it before the first time I attempted to cut a 4x8 sheet of plywood down to size using my table saw. I had never thought to just put some scraps down and cut it on the floor with a hand-held circular saw... Genius.
I really like the way you make your instructions so accessible using common sense approaches that don't require thousands of dollars of equipment.
Thanks Steve, I’ve used the carry hook and the insulation board trick having seen you video. Works a treat! Cheers, Simon
Just read your truck update email. You've still got your memories, the truck went to good use, and your new truck is a RAM so that's a great choice. (I'm partial bcause, mine is too) Keep up the good work! Cheers
The looting look is what I love about the homedepot. Thanks for sharing. I’ve messed up my back a time or two moving these huge sheets around. Love the hook idea.
You’re absolutely right. When you have a decent amount of wood and all your tools are ready to go AND the shop is clean, that’s when it’s time to make a mess! Very motivational
Nice to see you back. Do miss your projects and your no fuss simple approach to woodworking
Good video. Thanks.
Amazed that US is still not using the metric system. Makes every thing so much easier.
Very generous steve you've big heart Thank you so much from Tamilnadu ,India.
That foam building insulation hack just made my plans for a home shot 100x more manageable. Was racking my brain for how to break down plywood with out a huge table saw.
I got me some 2x2 project foam panels (Home Depot has FOAMULAR project panel from Owens Corning). Not the styrofoam kind which would shred and send out tiny pieces of foam everywhere. The panel foam is closed celled foam. The 2x2 size makes them easy to store.
My old man has been in carpentry for 40 plus years. That man is a human straight edge with the skilsaw
Steve what I do is use a piece of angle iron from Home depot as a "rip fence" to run my table saw up against when cutting sheet goods!! OF COURSE the angle iron is ONLY 4 feet long so I make all my cross cuts first then cut my long cuts secondly!! And to attach the angle iron to the sheet with a couple of small "C" clamps and a couple of paint stir sticks has "calls" to prevent dimpling the wood! Another thing I use is the angle iron bed rail off an old bed frame for cuts longer than 4 feet!! Again though this is limited to around 6 feet or so, you can't use it on a full 8 foot sheet....BUT running the saw against the angle iron as a rip fence you can make a fairly decent desk top out of a sheet of plywood that is 6 feet long or even a table top!!
CONGRATS ON A MILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I found those straight-edge clamps to be worth every cent. I use them to hold carcasses, work as fences for the drill press, the band saw and the router. Use them for ripping small stock and for breaking down sheet goods. I am continuing to find new uses
Your homemade tool for lifting plywood is genius! Smarter, not harder. Nice lifting technique also. I have lots of spare time at work so I might have to make one.
Nah..grab one next to the sheets of drywall , its angled for better carrying and it's orange (better for me to keep up with).
There is nothing fun about trying to handle huge sheets of plywood or other sheet goods by yourself! Here are some of the techniques I use to maneuver them and break them down. Check in the description for links to plans and stuff.
Lots of great tips! Jimmy Diresta did a circular saw tips video today too by chance, so lots of great circular saw ideas on TH-cam today!
After seeing your old video on this topic I literally just got and set up my new Kreg Rip-Cut yesterday. Nearly went with the accu-track but thought I'd get more flexibility with the Rip-cut. TH-cam sponsorship works! Hope Kreg keeps supporting the show.
I feel your pain. Building window seat book shelves out of 3/4 MDF. Kills me to pick up a sheet and get it ready to cut up.
fishyman 908 - so which brand/model circular saw do you have?
@@echo4491 Skilz has them.
This is the video I needed when I was a new woodworker, and as someone with experience I still found a tip or two. Thank, Steve!
Love that last comment! Nothing more motivating than a giant piece of lumber blocking your workbench!!
Hi Steve, always enjoyed watching your informative videos. My knees don't work as well as they used to, so I use a couple of sawhorses with an old metal garage entry door on top, then a foam board over that. It provides a zero clearance cut, so you get a nice smooth no tear out cut. What I did was made a 4ft and 8ft cutting guide made to match my circular saw's sole plate, then just mark your board and lay down the guide on your mark and clamp it. Works perfectly and it's a low cost way of breaking down plywood, no adding or subtracting to the measurement needed.
Love the blocks with sand paper for strapping down the sheets for transport, that's a great idea!
I have some clamps like you're showing at 5:10 - Pittsburgh, Harbor freight. Never thought about using them like this!
(I was just asked to start a wood shop class for a small private school - I'm finding all kinds of stuff!)
I haven’t watched this channel in a while, I gotta say it’s always been great but you’ve definitely upped the game on the presentation. I could have mistaken this as a segment of a home improvement show
That last bit of advice about small workshop and big pieces hit me hard in the tiny Home Depot shed I’ve been welding in
I have a plywood carrier, similar to the one that you made, but it's made of a strong plastic. I think that I bought it at Home Depot but I've had it so long that I'm not sure about that. One difference is that the handle part is curved away from the sheet, that you are carrying so that you don't rub your knuckles raw, if you are moving a lot of sheets. I'm 5ft 6in, with short arms, so this has been a life saver. I have carried 3/4 inch 4ft × 8ft MDF and not had to struggle too much. Although I don't remember how much it cost, I do know that it has paid for itself and saved my back, in the process.
Thank you for this video. I took the course with you last year. My dissappointment was a lack of a garage or dedicated space for woodworking at home. My "shop" was my backyard. I can only work when it's not raining. On a different note, I hope all of you are doung well in Cal. God bless you.
Thanks for another easy going and mild mannered contribution. Thanks for sharing the truck with us. You deserve it and more for all your efforts over all the years. And for being smart enough to turn your TH-cam presence into a profitable business. Well done. Please be sure to make a vid about your truck. Why you picked it and how it’s going after a year. Looking forward.
I like your tie down blocks, nice and simple. The carry handle for the 4x8 sheets is a great idea for light sheets. 1/2" plywood is about 45 lbs. 3/4" MDF is 96 lbs. It is better to have help with the heavy stuff. Good job!
I like your videos.
They are very basic, but thorough, and I sometimes learn a little bit.
Good work.
Thanks for the tips, Steve. Using a battery-powered saw in the parking lot is such a great idea. The hardest part of making the BMW was probably just lugging the plywood around!
Lugging around plywood is one of my least favorite parts of woodworking. It is such a pain! Glad to hear you made the BMW!
@@SteveRamsey First thing I ever built, and I love it!
Steve, I’m trying to get into the camper van life and do some DIY work to it. Your channel is super helpful and inspired me to try new things and techniques. Thanks man, keep up the good work
I’m new to woodworking but used to make a living playing pool - had a case of burnout and don’t want to play the game ever again - little did I know my hand was gonna be soo good at ripping!! from here I’ll go straight to a track saw either Makita or festool - expensive but worth every penny later on when my pulse is trustworthy no more!!!
I like that Plywood lifting Cleat. I could use one of them to finish my workshop build.
Good stuff. That Kreg Accu-Cut is going on my wish list.
Nice new truck! Very glad that life is treating you well.
This 5’ even shorty is blessing you 🙏🏻 on that plywood hook holder
Hey thanks for the few tips on how to handle plywood!
this was all super useful! i cant believe i didn't think about just bringing a circular saw to the store with me to cut it in the parking lot! thanks Steve!
TheP3ff 18v/cordless
The 6AH battery works GREAT in my Ryobi saw!!
It is a great looking truck, thanks for the explanation, and a guy has to do what a guy has to do!
Just did the foam trick with 4'x8' plywood. DAYUMMMMM. Where has this advice been my entire life?!
Jimmy diresta just did a similar video but on circular saw tips and tricks, something I learned watching that video that may help is making an offset block that is the width of how much the base is on your saw. This way you don't have to do the math in your head and get more accurate cuts with less time.
Great video, I've been wanting to go buy one of those edge clamps for a while.
Congrats on the new truck Steve! I bought mine a couple years ago just for hauling me and other stuff. I was pretty picky though. It could be any color but it HAS to have a manual transmission. They are so hard to find these days, I settled for a '97 Ranger. I love it! and I've had so much fun putting on new brakes, timing belt O2 sensors and patching rust. It's great for Wisconsin but probably wouldn't stand a chance in California
Thank you. This helped me tremendously!
i'm in the process of setting up my own woodworking space now! i build my own 5 x 3 Meter shed from scratch, now built my work bench and getting my tools in, need to get myself my table saw next and im almost complete!
Nice tips, Steve. Another way to carry plywood by yourself is to put a ratcheting strap around the center and carry it by the ratchet. I did this recently to get a full piece of OSB up some steps, wearing gloves because it can be hard on the hands without them.
Do you have plans for that lumber rack ??
It's a pleasure watching this
I have the last edge guide that you showed here and this is just great . I use it all the time and with my router as well when I need to do a groove.
Hi Steve, I recently watched a video on Nick Engler's channel. It shows a system he devised for cutting plywood which consists of a set of knockdown saw horses, a grid of 2x4s connecting the horses, and a track for your circular saw to run on so your cuts are accurate. Really clever and worth a watch. He does sell plans for the whole lot, definitely worth checking out.
Steve just started your class I appreciate your teaching talent, we are approaching the rainy season here in Washington and it will keep me busy. I do miss the weather in the Bay Area , but not the traffic. Thanks again!
Anyone else ever get a free parking lot hang gliding session while loading the plywood during breezy conditions? That's always fun..to watch when it happens to someone else.
HAHAHA YEah been there done it myself!!! Not so funny when its me getting blown around though.......
Not using the right cart if that is happening. You use the flat table top cart for sheet goods. About the right height of a truck tailgate. Just slide the sheets in.
Did that of the roof of a 2 story building once.
That video just kinda ended suddenly! I didn't realize it was over until the advertisement ended, and your video didn't continue... Good video, good content, abtupt ending! Thanks for sharing!
I saw another good plywood cutting base idea that’s very storage-friendly. You use 2x4 with two 6’ lengths and three 4’ lengths. Cut half lap joints in intervals on the edges and fit them together like a tic-tax-toe game with an extra horizontal line. Then you put the plywood on top of that frame and cut. When done pull the 2x4 apart and store. They don’t take up much room, let alone a whole wall like foam board, and plenty of clearance for the blade and clamps. Great for uneven surfaces. When one side get too cut up, flip them over. Very cheap, easy and easy to store.
I like your idea on cutting and handling heavy sheets. The Peachtree guide looks the best but even at $50 a little bit of an investment. I think the best & most cost effective is just a using a cut from factory edge of plywood.
I have a self clamping track, similar to the one that you use and have found that it works well for 4ft cuts but if you use it for 8ft cuts you need to put a screw, or nail, at the center of it to keep it from bowing.
NICE TRUCK!
Great informative video for us newbies!
I bought a track saw by scheppach for under $200. I have now a sawstop jobsite but still use the track saw. I am currently making an MFT table for the track saw.
Hi! Very useful tips. What better worked for me was got plywood cutted at the home depot. You have a new truck, I'm happy for you. Enjoy it. Thank you for sharing.
Good stuff. I've sketched and researched and fantasized about a plywood roof rack carrier for cars. I wish some of the rack manufactures would make one.
I love so much your videos and the way you make them. Kudos to you.
It's like you read my mind. I need to go pick up some plywood for a house project. Thanks for the tips! And, enjoy the new truck.
You can also purchase a "panel carrier" which is similar to the one made in this video. Made of resin & reasonably priced, 2 will suit most of us well, especially if you are smaller in stature. 2 carriers will allow you to work with a partner to lighten the load. Each carrier is also capable of holding 2 3/4" sheets at once and with a partner will shorten the time needed to move multiple panels.
I got 2 for $5 at Home Depot.
Congrats on the New Truck!
Had fun watching this video and thanks.
@1:58 I just made one of these! Love it! So useful; thanks Steve!
Nice to see you making videos again.
It’s been such a long time my friend. I’d watched a few times enjoyed watching what you were doing. Then about a month after you went full time I learned about subscribing. I did not watch this vid much at all. But liked hearing you in the background.
All GREAT tips Steve. The older we get the heavier the sheets become. That H D is a disgrace.
I like your wooden, shop made panel carrier. In the past I have used plastic carriers used to move dry wall.
Very nice. I haul 2x4s up to 8 ft long in my Prius but haven't figured out a way to get full sheets in. May modifying a ski rack on top is in my future build plan. Thank you for the informative video
Using the foam insulation sheet to cut plywood is a game changer
this helped me very much, thanks
No joke. This would have been very useful yesterday. got a 3/4inch 4x8 sheet of birch plywood. Was not fun moving and cutting that on my own. Especially on a portable table saw. Not saying you have to try and turn back time a day and upload it just that I have bad timing really.
Great tips. This is like the new new yankee workshop.
Thanks! As I’m a mortal being that is interested in working with wood, this is appreciated. Nice truck and editing etc
Very helpful
Get a plywood gripper handle thing, lets you hold the sheet from the top. Another noob thing I learned is that the cutting they do at the store is rough and has lots of tearout (splintering). Plan to cut an extra half inch to clean it up. I do the bare minimum of cutting at the store just to have it fit in my truck, then do the real cuts at home with a 60 tooth circ saw blade. I assume all of the original edges of the sheet will get banged up in transport and factor that in accordingly. Rarely do my pieces incorporate the original edges. Also, if it's a demanding cut (like 1 inch baltic birch), get good at pushing the saw quickly through the piece to minimize burning, or use a lower tooth count blade, and use painter tape to reduce tear out. Also HD carries metal square tubing that you can use as a saw guide. It gets annoying to have one super long one swinging around, so you'll probably end up with a few sizes for different sized sheets.
I have the same kreg jig and as I read the direction it does not require you to cut into the blue plastic on the edge. You just need to make sure your saw it set up correctly and offset properly.
When talking about using a clamped on guide with your circular saw, I would add that you’ll get a better result if you have it project at least a few inches past the beginning and end of your cut. If the straight edge begins right at the beginning of the cut it is hard to get the cut started straight.
This is very relevant right now.
Having been a cabinet maker for more than thirty-five years I can say everything he said was true but that is one other concept I’d throw in! Try not to “lift” plywood. For a long time, several years in fact, I’d have to cut up a lot of plywood and be exhausted by the end of the day! Then one day, I had a big stack of plywood was delivered by the lumber yard by a driver named Blacky. Blacky was old, tired white haired (like me) and he delivered plywood all day every day. Most small shops like mine don’t have forklifts so he had to unload by hand and he taught me this valuable concept for handling plywood. DON’T PICK IT UP! Gently role the plywood on it’s corner then you just need strong fingers. Let me explain a few things first. The outside edges of most plywood was considered “expendable”, if it was lightly damaged it was still sellable. Melamine is 49x97 because it absorbs moisture at the lumber yard and is often slightly thicker and intended so they expect you to cut off the first half inch. So at the lumber yard get help loading it, they will help if you try to look weak :). When you get home, tip it off the car/truck on it’s end. Role it over the corner into your waiting hands, then it’s just sort of hanging on your fingers and your arms are mostly relaxed! Blacky could unload tons of plywood everyday. Same thing goes with the table saw, when it’s hanging in your arms, letting it rest against your shoulder then lean it against the wall or lower the corner onto the table saw, close to the fence, then role it over your shoulder and slide out from under it by backing away from the saw carefully to not let the plywood touch the running blade until you are safely behind the plywood ready to guide the plywood up against the fence and through the cut. The key is to keep safe and go slow. This way you can handle plywood all day. The exceptions 1” plywood or particle board, it’s just to heavy and you tip and roll it everywhere, into the shop, up an the table saw etc.
All great tips. I’ve tried several of the edge guides and finally settled on a home-made shooting board. I simply mark two dots where I want the cut, clamp the shooting board down which already accounts for the blade position and cut away. The only thing that would improve upon it might be a battery-powered saw I think. But great tips 😁👍🏻
With how lithium batteries and motors have come on in the last 3 years, might be surprisingly affordable
I bought a gorilla gripper for hauling around plywood. Highly recommend one.
Nicely done Steve! 👍🏻👊🏻
so true, lol, having an 8x4 in my garage certainly inspires me to cut it up for whatever project Im doing
Lots of good info in this one!! Thanks!!
Wow, Steve, your local HD looks like a tornado flew threw it. Our big box stores are not that bad, but it can still be hit or miss with getting someone to cut your sheet. I strongly recommend trying to go at quiet times -- 2pm on a busy Saturday is not a good time to get Staff help for anything.
Also to everyone else, a reminder that those saws in the big box store are not necessarily the sharpest. I NEVER trust them with a final cut. Always cut large, so you can trim it to final size on your own nicely tuned and sharpened tools at home! :-)
Nice truck, Steve, ever miss the old one?
Yeah, That Home Depot is pathetic. I don't miss the old truck. It's nice having something reliable!
@@SteveRamsey I've got a 71 F100, reliable as can be. Guaranteed, every time I need it, there's a problem. I did notice in this vid you didn't work off the tailgate like the old truck. Mine is still one of my favorite work surfaces, and I rarely unload full sheets.
Went to my local Lowe's and came across a damaged hard wood 4x8 sheet for dirt cheep, but I only had the car and couldn't put much larger section of 2x4' so I ask them to cut it, no problem, and they happily did, how ever the blade was so dull I lost 2" at each cut due to splintering... Next time I'll go home and get the truck!
weird, at my HD they have a miter saw for cutting board that is very nice and seems to be perpetually sharp. never really seen what they use to cut sheet though.
Wordsnwood I agree. I went to THD last Saturday at 0630, got 2 sheets of OSB, had the old Marine* rip it for me, and I was out of there by 0645. I hate ever going to a home center on a weekend, but if I have to, it's before the amateurs do their yoga and have their Starbucks. *Seriously, this old Marine was at least 75, wearing a Marine ballcap, but let me tell you - this man still has it. He told me to hold the cart while he loaded the OSB on the panel saw. Handled it like it was a piece of foamcore! Made this 61 year old feel like a pajama-clad soy boy!
What kind of saw would you recommend for plywood? For cutting both ways on the board