Looking to cut panels from 1/8" 4'X4' sheet

[jonathanb3478]

Is my new BT3100 the best tool to use for this? Seems that there should be a simpler (read: non-powered) way to cut a 1/8" thick panel, but I need repeatablity and accuracy (and bevel cut edges at 30-deg).

Thoughts/ideas/suggestions?

Thanks!

[Whaler]

I would use the BT, I don't think you could find a better tool for the job.

[Wood_workur]

yeah, that would be pretty easy on the bt3100, espically if it is really light wood.

[NJFrank]

Exactly what a table saw excels at

[crokett]

I would use the BT also. With a 4x4 sheet this will go a lot easier if you have infeed and outfeed support.

[just4funsies]

Don't forget if both sides of the panel are good, that you can use the wood on BOTH sides of each bevel cut, without wasting any wood or making extra cuts. Might be able to get an extra strip out of your panel that way.

[Pappy]

Invest in some blue or green masking tape. When you cross cut the panels, run a strip along the cut line on the top side to prevent any tear out.

[jonathanb3478]

Invest in some blue or green masking tape. When you cross cut the panels, run a strip along the cut line on the top side to prevent any tear out.

This is a cool idea. Not to offend, but can anyone else confirm that this would prevent "any" (read: all) tear out from such a cut (stock china blade)?

And thanks for the answer(s) to my original question!

[just4funsies]

I can't offer a GUARANTEE, but I do know it helps alot.

[Wood_workur]

it supports the fibers. just be careful that one yopu remove it that you don't pull of any fibers. pull twoard the cut, so the un-cut ede of the tape will come off first, then the cut edge. That is the best method.

[jonathanb3478]

OK!

Thanks, all!

[LCHIEN]

Invest in some blue or green masking tape. When you cross cut the panels, run a strip along the cut line on the top side to prevent any tear out.

pappy's usually not wrong, but i think the tape should go on the bottom to prevent tear out along the bottom, the top will usually be a clean cut.

Likewise if there's only one side showing, put the good side up and the hideen side down so the tear out will be hidden.