Tip of the Week

Cutting Better Looking Plywood Panels

Plywood cutting diagrams are designed to get the most pieces out of each sheet. But that doesn’t mean the project will look its best. The photos below give you a good idea of what I’m talking about.

In the top photo, the parts are arranged as you’d see them on a cutting diagram. One edge of the sheet is used as a reference edge for crosscutting or ripping each piece. It’s economical, but the resulting parts have an unmatched and often distracting look.

The lower photo shows a better arrangement. Here, the parts based on the best look for each panel. It’ll take a little longer to cut out the parts. But the finished project will have a more pleasing appearance.

Efficient Layout.
Cutting parts in sequence is quick and easy but often yields mismatched parts.

Match Grain.
It may mean more waste, but matching the figure improves your project’s look.