Neddy wrote:Hi,
Any tips on how to make sure your cuts are straight and square etc. E.g. when your cutting into the MDF from two different sides how to make a nice 90 at the corner without going a little past with the saw etc.
Its a long time since I did this myself, but as already said, the biggest secret is to rigidly clamp a robust strait edge saw guide onto the piece you are cutting. Take your time to position the saw guide exactly at each end, and you can accurately cut dead straight to within a few thousandths.
Once the strait edge is clamped down, you can measure directly between the side of saw teeth, and the edge of the sheet with a steel ruler.
That will probably be more accurate as a final check than using just a tape and some pecil marks as shown in the video.
Buy a nice sharp brand new "panel" saw blade with the largest number of fine teeth.
Most saws can be adjusted to cut at a bevel angle, so make very sure the blade angle is set at exactly at ninety degrees.
Bruce's idea of using a sacrificial backing piece is excellent for the cleanest possible lower edge.
Practice first on some scrap to perfect your technique, and don't be in too much of a hurry to start cutting.
You can cut almost right up to an internal corner on the top of the sheet, then with the piece to be removed well supported, finish the cut with a hand saw right into the corner. The existing cut will guide the saw and there is not far to go, so its not as hairy as it sounds.
Also known as the infamous "Warpspeed" on some other Forums.
