Chipping is the real issue when cutting particle boards. That’s why everyone keeps searching for the best method to cut this material. The search often comes down to one question. Can I cut particle board on table saw?
You can cut particle board with a table saw. However, you will have to use the right settings, the right blade type, and a proper dust collection system.
If you are curious about cutting particle board on a table saw, keep reading the article.
Can I Cut Particle Board On Table Saw?
Table saws are one of the most suitable choices for cutting particle boards. Nonetheless, it’s mandatory to use the right settings and blade for cutting the material. This ensures that the material doesn’t chip and get damaged during the process. If you are interested, you can also check my article can I cut MDF with table saw.
Let’s take a look at how the settings should be when you are cutting particle boards using a table saw.
The Blade
The most important part of cutting any material with a table saw is the blade. For this particular material, you will have to get a blade that’s carbide-tipped. Blades made of other materials may not stand well against particle boards and cause chipping.
The next condition to be filled is sharpness. Your table saw blade has to be sharp enough to avoid chipping and kickbacks. If you have a large pile of particle boards to cut, it’s always a good idea to keep extra blades near at hand.
Now that you’ve checked the sharpness box let’s talk about teeth count. As a table saw owner, you may already know how important the teeth count of a blade is. When cutting particle boards, the teeth count has to be 60 or more.
If you don’t have a blade that fulfills all these conditions, it’s a good idea to invest in one before cutting particle boards.
Table Saw Settings
Before getting to the actual procedure, you will have to set the blade to its optimal position. The blade has to be half inch higher than the particle board’s height at a 90-degree angle. This ensures that you are getting a clean cut without any chipping.
Make sure that the table saw is not plugged into the power source when you’re tweaking the settings. Getting injured with a table saw is more common than you realize.
Dust Collection
One downside of using a table saw for cutting any type of material is the dust. This is why many people don’t prefer using a table saw if they have an alternate tool to go with. However, this dust issue is easily solvable by taking a few measures.
First of all, you should always wear a mask, regardless of what material you’re cutting. Secondly, you must install an efficient dust collection system to control the dust. Also, clean the workshop after each session.
How To Cut Particle Board On Table Saw?
If you have sorted out the issues explained above, it’s time to get to the procedure. The actual process of cutting particle boards is not difficult at all. It’s similar to all other materials you cut using your table saw. Let me demonstrate how it goes.
- First, take the boards you want to cut and measure and mark where you want to cut them. Use an accurate measuring tape and a marker to complete this step. Make sure that you’re marking the boards on both sides.
- Attach the appropriate blade to your table saw. Keep the unit unplugged from the power source at this point. Set the blade to its proper height.
- Now, wear your protective items, including a mask, earmuffs, goggles, and a proper outfit.
- Plug the table saw into the power source and turn it on. Wait for the blade to reach its highest speed.
- Take an experimental piece of particle board and slowly feed it to the blade. Keep your hands away from the blade while doing so. Use safety tools like a push block.
- After the cut, check if the alignments and settings are correct. If the piece is cut into perfect shapes, move on to your workable particle board pieces.
- Make one cut to your first particle board. You may have to flip the board and make another cut, and split the board in two.
- Be patient with the process and feed the boards slowly to the blade. Once you’re done cutting the boards, keep them separate and then clean up the workshop. Unplug the table saw right after you’re done.
What Other Tools Can I Use To Cut Particle Board?
Even though particle boards are one of the most stubborn materials, there are multiple tools that you can use to cut them. If you have any of them at home, you can utilize cutting the boards.
Jigsaw
You can easily cut a particle board with a jigsaw. The first thing would be to clamp the material to get a clean cut. Use a blade with at least 16 teeth count. In addition, the blade has to be carbide-tipped.
Put pressure downward and forward at a steady pace to make the cut. Continue doing so until you’re done cutting the piece. Repeat the same process for all other pieces.
Circular Saw
Another excellent choice to cut particle boards is to use a circular saw. Again, the teeth count and material are important to check. Make sure to choose a blade that has at least 50 teeth count.
Many DIY saws may not be suitable for cutting challenging materials like particle board. So, make sure to read the user manual before cutting any materials.
Miter Saw
Miter saw comes with limited abilities, but you can cut particle boards with a miter saw. If the pieces are large and you want to cut thicker pieces, a miter saw will not be an ideal option. Nonetheless, as long as you’re cutting smaller pieces, a miter saw will work just fine.
If you’re looking for more unique ideas to cut particle boards, Ready To DIY has some excellent ideas. They may not be common, but they’re certainly effective.
Safety Tips To Cut Particle Board On Table Saw
You can never be too careful with power tools like a table saw. When you’re cutting complicated materials like particle boards, you will have to be extra careful. Let’s take a look at some safety tips before getting started with the table saw.
- Create a clutter-free work area. Make sure there aren’t any wires tangled on the floor that can make you tip over.
- Always wear appropriate clothes when you’re working with a spinning blade. That means no jewelry, no loose clothes, and no long sleeves.
- Managing the dust is a huge part of efficiently using a table saw. So, you have to ensure a proper dust collection system. Also, a mask is mandatory to protect your mouth and nose from dust.
- Table saws can be loud. So, you will have to wear ear protection when operating a table saw. You can also check my article on how to make a table saw quieter if your table saw is unnecessarily loud.
- Don’t get your hands too close to the blades.
- Wait till the blade reaches its highest speed before feeding the boards into the saw. This prevents kickbacks.
- Use the right type of blade with proper teeth count to get clean and precise cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cut a particle board with a utility knife?
You may have heard about cutting materials like foam insulation using a utility knife. The method is not to cut entirely through the material but to score the line and break the board into two pieces. Unfortunately, you cannot do the same method with particle board.
In simpler words, you cannot cut a particle board with a utility knife.
Can you cut a particle board with a hand saw?
It’s better not to cut a particle board with a hand saw. Technically, you can, but that doesn’t mean that you should. It’s not only dangerous but also makes the board more prone to breakage.
So, if you wish to get clean and precise cuts, I wouldn’t recommend using a hand saw. There are other suitable tools that you can go with other than a hand saw.
Can you laser-cut a particle board?
Yes, you can use a laser engraver to cut particle boards. In fact, if you want precise and customized cuts, using a laser engraver can be one of the best ways.
Final Words
Going back to your question of can I cut particle board on table saw or not, you absolutely can. There’s no need to worry about chipping or breaking the boards because a table saw is a perfect tool for making clean cuts.
Stubborn materials like particle boards, blue boards, MDF boards, etc., are very convenient to cut using a table saw. Nonetheless, the issue of dust must be handled to avoid damage to your respiratory system.
