What Saw to Use for Cabinets?

Last updated on March 24th, 2023 at 08:06 pm

Use a table saw to cut cabinet parts

When it comes to making cabinets, choosing the right saw is crucial for achieving accurate and precise cuts. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which saw to use. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best saws to use for cabinets, so you can select the right tool for the job. Table saws make impressive, safe cuts. Although they are dangerous tools, modern table saws have safety features in guards, guides, adjustments, and controls. This makes them ideal for carpentry work. You have many options available for table saws. Make the right choice for your shop to suit your needs.

Joiner’s table saws are heavy and rigid woodworking machines that fit between table extensions. They can accommodate saw blades from 7.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter. They handle large pieces of plywood panels.

Related Article >> Best Cabinet Table Saw.

Another model that makes cabinets is the contractor table saw.  It is a medium-duty machine that cabinet makers use. Unlike cabinet-making table saws that stay fixed in the shop, the saw is portable. For accurate cuts, look for good-quality contractor table saws. It should handle blade sizes up to 12 inches in diameter.

Benchtop table saws also make cabinets. It is small and compact, making them handy for cabinet-making work. Portability makes them ideal for cutting small materials on installation sites. Standard benchtop table saws use 7.5-inch or 10-inch diameter blades.

Use a circular saw to cut cabinet parts

There are tips to follow when using a circular saw for cabinet parts. Start with the right blade. You are allowed to replace the 24-tooth blade that came with the saw with a 50- to 60-tooth saw blade. When ripping solid wood, switch back to the 24-tooth saw blade.

Put the best face down when cutting, and when you have to cut with the best face-up, cover the top face with masking tape. Make your cut in two passes instead of one. 

Attach an auxiliary subplate to your saw’s footplate to support the wood fibers. Make your guide. It makes it easy to align cuts. Build a jig, and adjust the width as needed for your saw. Trim the guide to custom-fit your saw by running the footplate against the fence to create the zero-clearance support and clamp the jig. Sacrifice two affordable boards as sacrificial supports.

Use a jigsaw to cut cabinet parts

A jigsaw allows you to play around with your cabinet for a fancy one. A jigsaw cuts rounded edges and other shapes where you need to change direction. More practice with a jigsaw. However,  it is easy to use and handle. 

You can also adjust the speed, squeeze, and release trigger to work at your pace, creating your pattern. Treat the jigsaw as a hand tool, pushing it over the material. Use a firmly clamped, straight guide fence for straight cuts. For more straight cuts, use a wider jigsaw blade. The chances are low that it curves outward during cutting. Use a slower blade speed. Slower speeds allow more accurate cuts.

Making Straight Cuts

Sketch out the cabinet and cut along the grain. Carefully measure and cut the cabinet pieces from 1/2″ plywood. Make sure to keep cuts straight and even.

Making Beveled Cuts

Beveled doors open and close without handles or knobs. To open the door, place your finger behind the bevel. Raise the blade on a table saw to 1 inch in height. Tilt the blade to 30 degrees and lock it down. Clamp the plywood and slide the fence over until the blade’s tip barely touches the plywood strip. 

Turn on the saw and sand the beveled edges smoothly and round the edge using an orbital sander and 100-grit sandpaper. Finish the door with stain and lacquer. Install one 30-degree reverse-bevel hinge 2 inches from the top edge and one hinge 2 inches from the bottom edge. 

What does a cabinet saw do?

Cabinet saws are table saws in different forms. The name Cabinet comes in the enclosed design of the saw that looks like a cabinet. They are ideal for professional woodworkers as they offer quick and reliable access to your tools. Cabinet saws are steel or iron materials with a heavy tensioning mechanism that allows you to work with thick materials.

How do you make plywood kitchen cabinets?

Make your plywood kitchen cabinets, and make sure you have all the tools and materials needed. These include measuring tape, plywood sheets, medium- and fine-grit sandpaper, waterproof sealant wax or polyurethane, a hinge jig, a drill, and a screwdriver.

Steps

Select your plywood

You have a wide range of plywood available, from soft to hardwood. Unlike some wood, plywood with natural resistance to water does not need further treatment.

Sizing your cabinets

When cutting your cabinets, make sure they are the correct size. Check the size of the cabinets on the supplier’s website. The thickness of the cabinet plays a role in sizing. If they are too thick,  they will catch the next door when opening. 

If too thin, they will be more susceptible to warping and damage. Calculate doors for each sheet of plywood. Sand the plywood to make it smooth. For a better finish, sand down all sides of the cabinets, starting with medium-grit sandpaper. An electrical sander speeds up the process. 

Waterproof 

Waterproof your wood since kitchens are messy and wet areas, and treating the wood protects it from damage—waterproof your wood with polyurethane, a wood-treating oil, or a waterproofing sealer. To apply the oil first, wipe down the door with a damp cloth to remove all sanding residue. Use a clean brush to apply the oil and spread it thinly on the door. Allow the layer to dry for four hours before applying the second coat. 

What TPI saw do I need?

The more teeth a saw blade has the smoother the cut. TPI is the number of teeth the saw blade has per inch. For cabinet making, you need a saw blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. The higher the amount of saw blade teeth, the better the quality of cut and finishing. 

A blade with fewer teeth will be ideal for a faster and rougher cut. Cutting metal requires a higher number of teeth compared to blades for softwood. When blades have fewer teeth, they have deeper space between them, creating a more aggressive chiseling action. Tungsten-Carbide Tipped blades have gullets with a unique shape compared to standard gullets. These reduce the vibration and noise while cutting and the heat on the steel center, making it safer for the user.

What is the difference between a first fix and a second fix saw?

First Fix involves structural work such as roof struts, wall studding, framing, and joists, whereas the Second Fix refers to the finishing work done after the plastering. First, fixing carpentry is the first stage of the woodwork when constructing a building, and it involves all the work from its foundations to becoming ready for plastering. This stage starts from the frame of the building to the point of decorating. 

The tasks involved include stud work, floating floors, staircases, window boards, and internal door linings. The second fix comprises all the work after the plastering process, and it ensures that the woodwork of the building has all of the finishing touches. The tasks include internal hardwood and softwood doors, skirting and moldings, pre-formed door sets, and staircase components.

Best saw to cut cabinets

Here’s a list of five of the best saws to cut cabinets:

1. Cabinet Table Saw – Cabinet table saws are designed for professional woodworkers and are known for their accuracy and power. They are ideal for making precise cuts on large pieces of wood and are often used in cabinet making.
2. Circular Saw – Circular saws are versatile and can be used for various cutting tasks, including cutting cabinets. They are often portable and can be used for cross-cuts and rip cuts.
3. Jigsaw – Jigsaws are ideal for cutting intricate shapes and curves in cabinets. They are versatile and can be used on various materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
4. Miter Saw – Miter saws are ideal for making precise angled cuts on cabinets. They are often used for crown molding and other detailed work, and are available in both sliding and non-sliding models.
5. Scroll Saw – Scroll saws are similar to jigsaws, but are designed for even more intricate cuts. They are often used for detailed work on cabinets, such as cutting out patterns and designs.