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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: javeryh on January 11, 2005, 10:14:19 am

Title: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: javeryh on January 11, 2005, 10:14:19 am
I know this sounds like a stupid question but I want everything to line up perfectly when I assemble the pieces of plywood for my cab.  I am using a router and a pattern cutting bit with a straight edge to make all of my cuts.  I do not have a table saw.  Does a T-square or triangle do a sufficient enough job to ensure that the angle is really 90 degrees?  Is there some sort of woodworking trick that I'm not aware of?  Thanks!
Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: RacerX on January 11, 2005, 10:22:20 am
When cutting out the larger pieces of a cab, I would use a framing square, but for the smaller pieces, a speed square or combination square would work fine.

Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: Jabba on January 11, 2005, 02:01:38 pm
T-squares are usually pretty accurate assuming if hasn't been abused. I'm assuming you are using a fresh 4x8 sheet of plywood/MDF. The corners/sides on those are usually extremely square, but, check them out with your T-square before you begin (I have gotten some where the angle was not perfect, rarely though).

Try to plan your cuts so you're using these as much of the corners/sides as possible. Mark a line where you want to cut on the panel and use your T-square (clamp it to the panel) as a guide fior your router. If you end up straying from the line (for whatever reason) stray outside the line. That way you can sand down to the line if you make any mistakes. Take is slow and easy and make sure someone is there to help support the larger pieces. Other than that, any mistakes can usually be corrected with Bondo/Wood Filler.
Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: gobuchul74 on January 11, 2005, 02:17:10 pm
A trick that someone showed me was the 3-4-5 rule.

After you lay out the lines you'll cut for a corner.

On one side measure 3 inches from the corner and mark it.
On the other side measure 4 inches from the corner and mark it.

Now the diagonal measurement from those marks should be 5 inches.  If it's not, your corner isn't square.

It's a good way to double check before your cuts.
Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: locash on January 11, 2005, 04:41:48 pm
If the piece you are cutting is a rectangle, both it's diagonals should be equal.
Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: danny_galaga on January 12, 2005, 03:11:25 am
A trick that someone showed me was the 3-4-5 rule.

After you lay out the lines you'll cut for a corner.

On one side measure 3 inches from the corner and mark it.
On the other side measure 4 inches from the corner and mark it.

Now the diagonal measurement from those marks should be 5 inches.
Title: Re: How do I cut a panel so it is "square"?
Post by: Bones on January 12, 2005, 04:48:57 am
LOL.

What then hell is a 5/64th anyway??? Much easier to measure 2mm. Stupid imperial standard. 

More impressive when measuring the old fella in metric also;
"Hey there baby, I got a hundred and something millimeters and it's all for you....