Desk top?

[RJD2]

I am going to be building a fly tying desk that will have an oak top that is approximately 2'x4'. However, what would be the best way to cut the top to length besides something like a crosscut sled?

[mleichtle]

My vote, circular saw and clean it up with a router and stait edge.

[dlminehart]

Would depend on the width of the boards that you're joining to make the top, and on what tools you have. One could do this on a miter saw, for instance.

[bmyers]

For something like that I've used a straight edge and a few clamps, then just buzz it with the circular saw. I got a aluminum edge from Lowes for $20, they are near the levels and T-squares in the tool dept.

Make sure the have the eventual top of the desk on the bottom when you cut it with a circular saw. That will reduce visable tearing on the top of the desk along the cut. (just the opposite when it's on your table saw)..

[jabe]

Use a straight edge & utility knife and score your cut line all around your top to prevent tear outs when cutting with your circular saw. Clamp your guide the proper distance for your circular saw from the scored cut line and cut, no tear outs.

[Popeye]

Turn your SMT around backwards. Pat

[LCHIEN]

My vote, circular saw and clean it up with a router and stait edge.

That's exactly how I did it with the last table top I assembled. I used a clamp on straight edge guide for both operations.

[JimD]

I cut with a circular saw and a guide that essentially eliminates chip out. I cut about 1/4 oversize and then use the BT3100 to cut a little off for the final cut. With 2 feet against the rip fence, I am comfortable with the cut but not everybody would be, I suppose. You have to keep it on the fence. If you let it angle, you WILL get kick-back.

Jim

[Bruce Cohen]

Another voice heard from.

Whenever I cut anything "good" using a circular saw, besides good side down, I wrap both sides of the cut in 3" masking tape (the blue stuff painters use. It really helps to cut down or eliminate chipping. It also helps to use a really good blade on the circular saw and only use it for the "good" stuff.

Bruce