Where to have particleboard cut to size? archived

I've had Home Depot cut other things for me, so I'd think the would do the particle board too. Jaeger Lumber is another place to contact.

Whoever cuts it will probably want to make sure you know that you will have leftover from each sheet that will be yours and in cases other than the Depot,would want to to pay for them first..Depot is as good a place as any,has the panel saw set up at the end of a lumber aisle,and plenty of those carts for hauling it around.Dreyers in Chatham is another good possibility.

Agree with both - one thing, though, is that you may want to throw the guy a few bucks BEFORE the cutting starts - you may then get a much more accurate setup and cut.

I suppose you'll buy two 4x8 sheets, have them cut and you'll be left with a small amount of scrap. If the HD guy goes slow and measures carefully you'll get fantastic results.

Thanks guys! I am so happy!

Your going to get 1-30" x 69" from ea 4 x 8 sheet. I was thinking 4 sheets need to be bought w/ pcs 27" x 48" & 18" x 69" left from ea sheet after cutting 30" x 69". Pretty fair amt of scrap unless I'm missing something.

Good point, depending on material cost and cost per cut I may be able to split each piece into two smaller pieces and use them side by side (this is for heavy duty shelving.)

georgieboy said:

Your going to get 1-30" x 69" from ea 4 x 8 sheet. I was thinking 4 sheets need to be bought w/ pcs 27" x 48" & 18" x 69" left from ea sheet after cutting 30" x 69". Pretty fair amt of scrap unless I'm missing something.

No, you're not.... I was looking at the 69 and not the 30 - my mistake. Still... particleboard is not the most expensive stuff in the world. (This is why I always sketch things out - so I don't make a costly mistake!)

kmk said:

Good point, depending on material cost and cost per cut I may be able to split each piece into two smaller pieces and use them side by side (this is for heavy duty shelving.)

After my basic math error I wouldn't trust me if I were you... but if you're doing shelving at a 69" run, I have to assume you're supporting it every 2' or so. In that case, two 15" sections side-by-side would be fine. You MAY want to consider 3/4" birch though - more expensive to be sure but it is sturdy as hell.

Use a straight edge as a "fence"or guide. I have found that a level works best, but if you do not have one long enough you can use a straight piece of 1x2 or 1x3. You must make sure that the wood is straight. You can site it or lay it on a flat surface at the store to make sure. Then you will need to clamp it down to the sheet material you are cutting, whether plywood particle board or other. I use "quick grips". You will set the fence @ an 1 1/2" off your desired dimension. SO if you want the board cut to 69" you set the fence @ 67 1/2". Most circular saws have the blade @ 1 1/2" off the edge of the surface plate edge. Just check yours first. This is your offset, it should be an 1 1/2". Hope this helps. Make sure you have a good finish blade in the saw. DIY, Happy woodworking.

I agree with the process described and it'll work.... but oh, man.... a quick $5 tip to the home depot guy and you walk out of there with everything pre-cut, no sawdust, no problems.... it's almost decadent! When I think of all the time I spent wrestling 4x8 birch plywood to make desks and bookcases it almost makes me want to cry! (And I did a lot of those cuts with freaking jigsaw, not having purchased a circular saw yet).

I do it the way I described above in the field or on site, but when I'm in my shop......................... BLISS.

Wow! You're going to laugh but I had to rip some boards a few years ago and said, "Screw this, I'm buying a small table saw" (NOTHING like yours), but I still remember laughing when I set the fence up, ripped the boards and was so amazed that everything was exactly the same size. That table of yours is absolutely wonderful!

3 HP Delta 1 with a 52" Biesemeyer fence.

Personally, I would not use particleboard for shelving with much weight on it unless well supported or it will bow down fairly soon.

Supported every 23" with secondary cross members.

The only problem with HD cutting for you is that they do not promise any accuracy. Hey Demoman, we are almost in the same boat. Mine has the Unifence.

Agreed on the accuracy... which is where the $5 pre-cut tipping comes in. (Seriously!)

I think plywood will be much stronger for your 'heavy duty' shelves.

agreed - I know they have finished birch sheets, I am hopeful you could get a more 'construction grade' that's not as pretty but somewhat less expensive.