Pro tip: I read a cabinetmaking book from 1923 that said to always plane with the grain, even on plywood edges.

Found it at a used bookstore in Portland for five bucks. The author claimed it prevents tear-out better than any modern trick. Do you still follow that old rule on sheet goods?

3 comments

3 Comments

gibson.morgan1mo ago

What about when the plywood's got a weird veneer direction?

karenb971mo ago

Actually, gibson.morgan, that weird direction can be a good thing for stability. It helps stop the sheet from warping across the grain. I just work with it instead of fighting it.

ward.kim1mo ago

Honestly that "weird direction" thing reminds me of a table I built last year. Tbh I just went with it and the top never did warp on me, even in my damp garage.